Gen 2 Dobyns 704CB Glass

[Craiger12]

Looking for opinions of those who have experience with this rod. I'm looking for a rod to throw shallow to medium diving crankbaits, jerk/rip baits, and topwaters all in the 3/16 - 1/2oz range. I know the rod is rated 1/4 - 3/4oz, but how will this rod really handle casting lures down to 3/16oz and 1/4oz? Thinking about pairing the rod with a Daiwa Sol if that helps. I have already read the TT review and am looking for personal experience, so no links to this review please. Thanks all.

[David P]

I have the 705 Glass, and have played with the 704 Glass rod. I like the 705 Glass with the faster tip. I cast 1/4oz baits with no problem at all on this rod, as well as tiny ripbaits (Pointer 65) and such. I use a Zillion to cast these baits and I do just fine. I picked the 705 because I wanted a little more back bone.

[Craiger12]

I'm not a fan of soft/whippy rods, but I figure the softer tip will help with casting these lighter baits. I might prefer the non-glass version if this is not an issue. How is the tip/action on the 705? I know these rods are fast action, but I have read they have a parabolic bend.

[David P]

I'm not a fan of soft/whippy rods, but I figure the softer tip will help with casting these lighter baits. I might prefer the non-glass version if this is not an issue. How is the tip/action on the 705? I know these rods are fast action, but I have read they have a parabolic bend.

There are TWO versions of the glass rod, a moderate and a fast action. The fast action is the best of both worlds in my opinion. I cast much more accurate with a faster tip and I just like the feel of it better. BUT it's still great for crankbaits because of the parabolic bend to it once the rod is loaded up with a fish.

I'm not a fan of soft/whippy rods either, this is why the 705 Glass Fast action was the PERFECT rod for me. It's made cranking much more fun for me. Sounds like you're on a similar page I was, and I'm VERY satisfied with the 705Glass. You could go down to the 704 but that's up to you. I like the added backbone. I've thrown DD22's on mine a few times.

[BMoore]

I just bought the 704 glass this weekend. I haven't got to use it yet so I can't really say how it performs for sure. It is soft in the tip though. It feels like it will be perfect for shallow cranks and 1/4 oz traps. I'll probably throw 1/2oz traps on it as well but not around cover. That would be the max weight I would throw on it. To me it feels a lot like the Loomis cbr 843. Maybe just a touch softer.

[Craiger12]

From what you guys are telling me this sounds like it may be the perfect rod for my intended purposes.

BMoore - I would love to hear about your experiences with this rod when you get the chance to fish it.

[BMoore]

I'll be sure to report back. I also have a 705cb graphite with the mod/fast tip. I can tell you the 704 glass is a lot softer in the tip than my 705 graphite. Night and day difference. I can hold both rods and shake the tip up and down and the 704 moves probably a foot and a half where the 705 probably moves 8 inches or so. The 704 also feels a lot like the new cumara 7 foot medium moderate shallow cranking rod.

[Craiger12]

That Cumara happens to be the exact rod I was looking at before shifting my attention to the Dobyns because I prefer full cork grip rods and the overall look of the Dobyns. Glad to hear they feel similar. However, that tip sounds pretty whippy  :-/

[21farms]

if you get one, here's how your setup would look:

[NOVA Angler]

That Cumara happens to be the exact rod I was looking at before shifting my attention to the Dobyns because I prefer full cork grip rods and the overall look of the Dobyns. Glad to hear they feel similar. However, that tip sounds pretty whippy :-/

The rod is fiberglass so it may seem whippy compared to graphite but maybe not as whippy as some of the other fiberglass sticks out there. It's a little difficult to understand what your tolerance for whippiness is. I would get the graphite version if you are concerned with the tip being too soft. I have the 705CB glass fast and though I haven't fished it yet, it's seems to be exactly what I was looking for.

[uicdent11]

I would HIGHLY recommend looking at the 704cb graphite. I was in the same boat as you  a couple weeks ago. A lot of research, emailing Gary, talking with different staffers, and even talking with the people at bass tackle depot helped me make up my mind. I have had two shipped to me, but there were problems with both. I did check out the action and it seems just a little slower than a Loomis MBR842. Definitely not as whippy as a Loomis CBR843, but will throw light shallow cranks no problem. I also have the 705 CB that has a similar action to a Loomis CBR845, but a little more power IMO.

As for the getting bad rods. The first two had large spots of filler unlike any previous Dobyns (2) that I had purchased. Rich Dobyns sent me two to replace them and the 704 had a dent in the cork. The 705 is perfect. Hopefully I will be getting a new 704 shortly. Let me know if you have anymore specifics. Although I haven't fished them, I have used several cb rods in the past and I will try my best to help you out.

[BMoore]

Sounds like you may need to go with the graphite version of the 704. The glass 704 may be softer than your looking for. I was at the classic expo this weekend and that's where I got my 704. I felt the cumara discussed above and the two felt very similar to me. I also used to own a cbr 843 and this 704 feels really close in power and tip.