Dobyns Champion questions..

[NJBasstard]

I broke my DC704c yesterday and now I have some questions.. This rod has a 3/8 Keitech casting jig or other compact jig tied on atleast 80% of the time and the rest of the time is used for throwing texas rig up to 3/16oz. I originally chose a 7' rod because I'm in a kayak. Most of the waters I'm in are 12-15ft max depth. I also spend half my time fishing creeks/rivers so I'm in close quarters and dealing with overhanging trees a lot.

 

My question is... would any other rod in the Champ XP lineup fit my needs better? Most of smaller jigs I'm throwing don't have heavy gauge hooks but still have a good size weed guard. The 704c gets the job done, but I also think I could benefit from a faster action rod.

 

I've had others suggest I move to a 5 power. I have a Kaden 715c which is nice with normal 3/8-1/2oz jigs but feels like a little too much rod with the 3/8 compact jigs. Not sure if the 5 power Champs would feel any different.

 

Rods I'm looking at..

705c

610c

744c

735c

 

If anyone has experience with these or has another model they suggest than please share. Rod will likely be paired with a Curado 70.

 

 

 

[SproDD79]

I had a  Champ Extreme DX 704c, it's sounds like that may fit what you're looking for. You should be able to utilize the Dobyns warranty and send the blank logo portion and pay the upgrade fee. I have gone through alot of Dobyns rods , from my experience, they are great for moving baits , but when it comes to bottom contact sensitivity there are better options out there. I have an xtasy 734c and 755c  and don't get me wrong,  it's very nice and has good sensitivity, but my  Expride B 7'2 medium heavy and Expride B 7'3 Xtra heavy rods are more sensitive in my opinion at a lower price point, though I did not pay full retail on the xtasy rods.  

[FrnkNsteen]

I personally think going up to a 5 power rod would be overkill for 3/16 - 3/8 oz jigs and texas rigs, though truth be told,... When you add the plastic to the jig and TR weights you mentioned, you are probably at more like 5/16 - 1/2 oz.

 

I actually think your 704 is too much rod for that lure weight range, but I like running lighter rods. Isn't the suggested lure range on a 704 3/8 - 1oz? If so, you aren't even at the midpoint of the 704's suggested range.

 

For the range you are talking about,  I use my 703c and 733c.

[softwateronly]

  I tend to agree w/ @SproDD79 with one exception.  The champs have great action, absolutely love fighting and landing fish on them, but they are relegated to moving baits for me.  When working bottom contact, I spend too much time/effort trying to discern what I'm sensing compared to other rods.

  The exception is the xtsay 755. It's uniquely sensitive to me, but these attributes weren't really apparent the first few times I fished it.  For me, it's not the sharp feeling I get from the shimano/diawa feel of exprides, adrena, steez, or conquest, but a softer/more subtle feel that actually gives me a better underwater picture in my mind once I readjust to it.  When I'm fishing a semi-slack line bite or working deep water I find this type of sensitivity to be better.

 

scott

[WRB]

Definitely contact Dobyns for credit on another rod and ask them the same questions.

Tom

[NJBasstard]

1 hour ago, SproDD79 said:

I had a  Champ Extreme DX 704c, it's sounds like that may fit what you're looking for.

 

 

30 minutes ago, softwateronly said:

  I tend to agree w/ @SproDD79 with one exception.  The champs have great action, absolutely love fighting and landing fish on them, but they are relegated to moving baits for me.  When working bottom contact, I spend too much time/effort trying to discern what I'm sensing compared to other rods.

 

 

Is the Extreme noticeably faster than the XP? I'm sure there are better rods in this price range but I feel like the 704c was plenty sensitive at those weights in shallow water. Biggest complaint I have is when I swing back on a hook set it doesn't lock up fast enough. I'm sure the kayak moving when I set the hook only makes it feel worse than it is. I think if they made the 704c in extra-fast that would be perfect. 

 

56 minutes ago, FrnkNsteen said:

I actually think your 704 is too much rod for that lure weight range, but I like running lighter rods. Isn't the suggested lure range on a 704 3/8 - 1oz? If so, you aren't even at the midpoint of the 704's suggested range.

 

For the range you are talking about,  I use my 703c and 733c.

 

The 704c is rated 1/4oz - 1oz. The 3/8 plus plastic puts me around 1/2 which fishes nice on this rod in my opinion. The rod handles its weight range well but for jigs a 1/2+ plastic feels like too much. It is the best rod I have for throwing pegged 3/16 texas rigged plastics around light cover though. If I were only throwing those than I'd just get another 704c.

 

50 minutes ago, WRB said:

Definitely contact Dobyns for credit on another rod and ask them the same questions.

Tom

 

That's the plan. I will contact Dobyns tomorrow but in the mean time it doesn't hurt to get some suggestions on here by people with more experience than myself. Mostly looking at staying in the Champ XP series, but if stepping up to an Extreme gets me what I'm looking for than that's what I'll do.  

[WRB]

The DX744C is a xfast jig rod and fits the Swiss Army knife utility rod definition. But it’s 7’4” or 4” longer then your preferred 7’ rods.

 

[softwateronly]

6 hours ago, NJBasstard said:

 

 

 

 

Is the Extreme noticeably faster than the XP? I'm sure there are better rods in this price range but I feel like the 704c was plenty sensitive at those weights in shallow water. Biggest complaint I have is when I swing back on a hook set it doesn't lock up fast enough. I'm sure the kayak moving when I set the hook only makes it feel worse than it is. I think if they made the 704c in extra-fast that would be perfect. 

 

 

 

What Tom said ^^^

 

The 735 is quite a bit faster than the 734, but I'd worry about that tiny keitech jig hook with a 5 power.  I've caught smallies with the keitech football on the 734 and worry a bit about bending out if I'm not precise with my drag.

 

 

scott

[Columbia Craw]

Here’s a consideration:  the Sobi signature series has a 724C.  When or if you call Dobyns you can ask for Brice and explain what you’re looking to achieve. I have some experience with Dobyns rods and the Xtreme series once it was updated to the current blank  stepped up in the sensitivity and the actions became faster.  If your budget permits, and upgrade to a 704 or 744 would surprise you. If not, the 724 could be a nice fit.

[NJBasstard]

I called Dobyns this morning and talked a bit about what I'm looking for. The answers I got were pretty much in line with what I expected..

 

If I'm staying at 7' or less I can go with DC610-4c or upgrade to DX704c.

 

If I don't mind going over 7' than the DC744c or upgrade to a DX744c.

 

Was told the 610-4 is a heavier rod than the DC704c I broke. Was told the same thing about the DC744c. What throws me off on the DC744 is I see some people say it fishes 1/4 and 3/8 well and others say they prefer to use it for 1/2+.

 

Wish I had the option of handling all of these rods, but my dealer only has a handful of XP's and doesn't carry Extremes. My understanding is that all 4 of those rods will be faster than the DC704c though. Also 3 out of 4 offer full handle which is nice, but the more I research the more I see that DX704c being suggested. Decisions decisions...

[softwateronly]

9 minutes ago, NJBasstard said:

I called Dobyns this morning and talked a bit about what I'm looking for. The answers I got were pretty much in line with what I expected..

 

If I'm staying at 7' or less I can go with DC610-4c or upgrade to DX704c.

 

If I don't mind going over 7' than the DC744c or upgrade to a DX744c.

 

Was told the 610-4 is a heavier rod than the DC704c I broke. Was told the same thing about the DC744c. What throws me off on the DC744 is I see some people say it fishes 1/4 and 3/8 well and others say they prefer to use it for 1/2+.

 

Wish I had the option of handling all of these rods, but my dealer only has a handful of XP's and doesn't carry Extremes. My understanding is that all 4 of those rods will be faster than the DC704c though. Also 3 out of 4 offer full handle which is nice, but the more I research the more I see that DX704c being suggested. Decisions decisions...

The bait monkey wants to remind you that A** has a 40% rebate on dobyns right now. Maybe 2 rods for a little more than 1 is the answer. 
 

scott

[FrnkNsteen]

34 minutes ago, NJBasstard said:

Was told the 610-4 is a heavier rod than the DC704c I broke. Was told the same thing about the DC744c. What throws me off on the DC744 is I see some people say it fishes 1/4 and 3/8 well and others say they prefer to use it for 1/2+.

Well, they would know better than anyone.

 

From my own personal experience, I don't know that I would say they are heavier, or if it just feels that way because they are faster due to being designed for specific techniques. 

 

The 610-4c is the Skipping rod that has a good strong backbone with a fast softer tip. Designed to load up quickly while skipping jigs under docks and laydowns. The 744c is the extra fast Jig Special that is a different animal than thw other 4 power Champion rods. In my experience, those two rods are a little different than the rest.

 

I use my 610-4c for skipping 3/8 - 1/2 oz jigs + the trailer. So total weights of around 7/16 - 5/8 oz, and it works good for that 

 

No experience with a DX744, but I do have a DX745 Extreme that I like.

[NJBasstard]

34 minutes ago, softwateronly said:

The bait monkey wants to remind you that A** has a 40% rebate on dobyns right now. Maybe 2 rods for a little more than 1 is the answer. 
 

scott

 

Wish I could but I can't spend that much at the moment. I have been looking into a <$150 rod I can start throwing 1-3oz treble baits and light A-rig on but I've been unsure on what length to go with and I'm not liking what Dobyns offers. Knowing the options for that are all longer than 7' is why I'm even considering the 744's right now. At this time I'd like to just spend the $100-$180 replacement/upgrade fee and I'll have to hold off on the other rod.

 

25 minutes ago, FrnkNsteen said:

Well, they would know better than anyone.

 

From my own personal experience, I don't know that I would say they are heavier, or if it just feels that way because they are faster due to being designed for specific techniques. 

 

The 610-4c is the Skipping rod that has a good strong backbone with a fast softer tip. Designed to load up quickly while skipping jigs under docks and laydowns. The 744c is the extra fast Jig Special that is a different animal than thw other 4 power Champion rods. In my experience, those two rods are a little different than the rest.

 

I use my 610-4c for skipping 3/8 - 1/2 oz jigs + the trailer. So total weights of around 7/16 - 5/8 oz, and it works good for that 

 

No experience with a DX744, but I do have a DX745 Extreme that I like.

 

Thanks for the detail. Is the DX745 a lot heavier than the DC610-4c? I see the DC610 and DC744 referred to as 4-1/2 power and that the DC744 is closer to the DX745 than it is to the DX744.

[FrnkNsteen]

21 minutes ago, NJBasstard said:

Thanks for the detail. Is the DX745 a lot heavier than the DC610-4c? I see the DC610 and DC744 referred to as 4-1/2 power and that the DC744 is closer to the DX745 than it is to the DX744.

I wouldn't say the DX 745c is a lot heavier than the 610-4 or DC744, but a little. I use mine for pitching 1/2oz jigs around cover with a Tat Elite Pitch and Flip model. Occasionally, I put a braided reel on and throw 1/2oz - 3/4oz football jigs and drag them around the edges of creek channels on some flats we have.

 

My opinion is the 610-4 and the 744c are closer to the DX745 than they are to my 734c

[SproDD79]

3 hours ago, NJBasstard said:

Wish I had the option of handling all of these rods, but my dealer only has a handful of XP's and doesn't carry Extremes. My understanding is that all 4 of those rods will be faster than the DC704c though. Also 3 out of 4 offer full handle which is nice, but the more I research the more I see that DX704c being suggested. Decisions decisions...

Depending on where in  NJ you are and if you  are willing to wait a month, the Suffern Fishing Show is March 2-5. In previous years they  had quite  a few vendors who had wide selection of Dobyns rods to play with and purchase. I would always go to the show to hold and play with Shimano and Daiwa goodies,  this year Shimano decided not to participate,  I hope that doesn't become permanent.

 

 

https://suffern.sportshows.com/

[NJBasstard]

1 hour ago, FrnkNsteen said:

I wouldn't say the DX 745c is a lot heavier than the 610-4 or DC744, but a little. I use mine for pitching 1/2oz jigs around cover with a Tat Elite Pitch and Flip model. Occasionally, I put a braided reel on and throw 1/2oz - 3/4oz football jigs and drag them around the edges of creek channels on some flats we have.

 

My opinion is the 610-4 and the 744c are closer to the DX745 than they are to my 734c

 

Thanks for that! I've used the DC734c so that helps give me a pretty good idea. If you have the DC744c what are you using it for?

 

1 hour ago, SproDD79 said:

Depending on where in  NJ you are and if you  are willing to wait a month, the Suffern Fishing Show is March 2-5. In previous years they  had quite  a few vendors who had wide selection of Dobyns rods to play with and purchase. I would always go to the show to hold and play with Shimano and Daiwa goodies,  this year Shimano decided not to participate,  I hope that doesn't become permanent.

 

 

https://suffern.sportshows.com/

 

I'm in the south western area just a few miles from PA & DE so that's probably a little over 2hrs from me. I might consider the drive just for something to do, but to be honest I don't want to wait any longer than I have to. They've been chewing up those little jigs lately so that 704 has been in my hand the most. I don't currently have anything I think would fish them well, so the sooner I replace it the better.

[FrnkNsteen]

1 hour ago, NJBasstard said:

Thanks for that! I've used the DC734c so that helps give me a pretty good idea. If you have the DC744c what are you using it for?

Jigs. Usually Brush jigs aeound laydowns.