Spinning Rod Advice

strongx · May 22, 2020, 06:00:53 PM

HELP!!! I'm speeding out of control on these fishing rods!!

A buddy of mine recommended I try a Dobyns about 1.5 yrs ago. After that initial deal at Dick's, it's been a blur.

My boat now has a 805cb, 764cb, a fury 705cb, (2) 705cb glass, champ 744C, and that original champ 704SF. Yeah, I have an eye on a 735glass for chatters but the 705 is fairing well right now. Ive gotten into using jerkbaits and really enjoyed an old pistol grip 35 yr old 5-1/2 foot glass spinning rod this winter. Someday that old rod will retire for the champ 704cb - but not yet! Plus, I probably "need"

a 734 from some series for walking baits or whatever. I saw one noteworthy guy on here giving props to the colt 734 but I am not sure of the best use for it. I do know these Dobyns rods are freaking awesome!

I need some advice on spinning rods. Specifically, 4" wacky senkos, 1/10 neds, dropshot, very light cranks, and maybe a good shaky head rod. The same buddy has me convinced to get a dx742sf for the neds and says it will be great for the weightless senkos. From what I've went back and read on here, a sa703sf or 693sf might duel for light cranks and a shaky head rod. I don't have a sierra but think I would like the bend. The 693 might win out as I throw among the blowdowns with the light cranks. Then maybe a dx702 for the dropshot?

Other finesse rods that I've read good stuff about are the champ 702/703/732/733 and extreme 743sf, but I thought the rods mentioned above might fit my needs better. What do you guys recommend??

Smallie_Stalker · May 22, 2020, 07:20:14 PM

There is a thread stickied to the top of the Dobyns board witj a video from Gary Dobyns himself on 2 power vs. 3 power spinning rods.

Give that a watch first. I am not sure whether a 3 power will do well on 1/10 ned heads or not, but my DX 743 SF does all the other things you mentioned very well.

Just my $.02

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strongx · May 22, 2020, 10:07:33 PM

Thanks for the advice. I had missed the video but read the message numerous times in Gary's posts. I don't have a dx rod. Do you feel a real difference between a dx and a champion or sierra when fishing a shaky head or senko? I did notice the shaky head was not listed as a use of the dx743sf while the 742sf does list it. I have no idea why. Is it too stiff? I assume dx's are much more sensitive given the price difference.

Have you thrown the sierra or champion 2 or 3 power spinning rods?

Im not sure why I even ask as I will eventually by one of each anyway...

Dink Dawg · May 23, 2020, 01:44:07 AM

The Champion 732 SF is the deal, especially if you throw braid to leader set ups. It will do everything you asked for with great sensitivity and it comes in a hundred bucks less than a DX. As Curly Bill said in the movie Tombstone: "I ain't kiddin' neither."

strongx · May 23, 2020, 06:39:34 AM

Thx Dink. I read an old post where Gary was also promoting the champion 732 and 733 but didn't really target a primary use other than finesse. I wasn't sure about the 2 power for the shaky head. I guess the xtra inches on it and the 742 provide more leverage/power? I was also questioning that length when casting under overhangs and in the blowdowns. All my current spinning rods are 6'6" except that one 704 and I am struggling finding the best application for that rod. The chance to save some cash is always big and multiple uses of the same rod can also save. How do the 702"s in the champ and extreme lines compare with the 732 and 742?

LabRat · May 23, 2020, 11:02:46 AM

The 733 is probably the most versatile spinning rod Gary makes, but I would still go with the 742. I know everyone says to step up to a 3 power when driving a hook through plastic, but if you're using braid to leader that 7'4 still has a good amount of power behind it for a 2 power. It's amazing for 4inch senkos, neds, dropshots, tiny swimbaits, etc but can still handle shakeyheads as long as you don't go crazy with the weight.

Now if you REALLY wanna jump down the rabbit hole, I've been using the 742c with a little curado 70 on it in place of a 3 power spinning rod. In my opinion, that's the best shakeyhead rod out there.

strongx · May 23, 2020, 11:42:52 AM

Thanks LabRat. That 742 gets so much love that I may find out I need two!

I'm a little worried about moving to the extreme series. I'm afraid I will like them I guess.

I can use the 704sf I have for the bigger shaky head weights.

Any opinions from everyone on the Champ 702/703 or do most use the longer spinning rods? Also, anybody use the sierra spinning rods for very light cranks? It probably doesn't matter much for those but its always more fun to fish with a nice rod.

I really appreciate all the info. The casting rods I have bought to this point were heavily recommended on this site and have been great sticks for what I want to use them for. I'm still trying to find the best use for the 704sf. I guess I will have to fish more to figure it out.

strongx · May 30, 2020, 07:58:33 AM

Narrowing it down:

1) dedicated dropshot rod - dc732sf. dx702sf, or dx742; I read the dx702 is half power lighter which interests me for the lighter dropshots I would use
2) ned rod - dx742sf or dc732sf; I have read so much good on these that I'd like to have both

3) 4" weightless wacky senko - dx742sf or dc732sf; maybe this is the opportunity to have both?
4) light shakey head - sa703sf, dc732sf, dc733sf, dx742sf, or dx743sf; this rod would pull some double duty with light cranks so I'm actually leaning toward the sierra - maybe even sa702sf. I currently have a E6X shakey rod that is not impressive but is extra fast which I like. Will these Dobyns spinning rods be alot more sensitive?

I don't have a supplier nearby to handle these so everyone's input is really appreciated. I usually fish fairly clear water, little to no grass, shallow to 20 feet max, blowdowns, and rock outcrops.

Plan on eventually buying them all? Shock the monkey!

apiazza · June 01, 2020, 12:16:16 PM

I bought an SA693sf for the wife as a wacky rod. It throws it fantastically. I have tried 1/10 ned on my colt 703sf and I found it to be too heavy. I went to 1/5 with better results. For the 1/10 I would go 2 power. The 2 power seems like it would be light for senko's but I haven't tried it to be certain. It would probably come down to hook selection.

strongx · June 02, 2020, 07:45:57 AM

Quote from: apiazza on June 01, 2020, 12:16:16 PM
I bought an SA693sf for the wife as a wacky rod. It throws it fantastically. I have tried 1/10 ned on my colt 703sf and I found it to be too heavy. I went to 1/5 with better results. For the 1/10 I would go 2 power. The 2 power seems like it would be light for senko's but I haven't tried it to be certain. It would probably come down to hook selection.

Thx for your insight. I figured out yesterday that my E6X shakey head rod is a little stiff for the roboworms I want to throw. As I said earlier, I do like the ex-fast action so maybe I can use it for heavier worms or smaller jigs. It's great to hear all the praise on the sierras even though I don't have a sierra rod yet, mostly champions and a fury cb rod.

I have to decide on 2-3 spinning rods and obviously could save ALOT of cash with sierras instead of extremes. $170 vs 250 vs 350 ...

strongx · July 08, 2023, 09:59:23 AM

Hey guys. Just an update. I finally slowed down on the rods...I didnt say stopped. I have ended up with the 732s (light cranks and small swimbaits) and 733s (senkos) in the champion series and the 742s (neds) and 743s (small jigs) in the HP series as my spinning rods. Yes, I have become a dobyns fan. They are all great for the baits I throw, but that 742s is a great rod with both tip and power.

Smallie_Stalker · July 08, 2023, 12:32:34 PM

Quote from: strongx on July 08, 2023, 09:59:23 AMHey guys. Just an update. I finally slowed down on the rods...I didnt say stopped. I have ended up with the 732s (light cranks and small swimbaits) and 733s (senkos) in the champion series and the 742s (neds) and 743s (small jigs) in the HP series as my spinning rods. Yes, I have become a dobyns fan. They are all great for the baits I throw, but that 742s is a great rod with both tip and power.

Nice! Congrats!

I have a DX 743 SF but I definitely need to get the DX 742 SF. It's on my short list.

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Dark3 · July 08, 2023, 01:22:01 PM

Quote from: Smallie_Stalker on July 08, 2023, 12:32:34 PM
Quote from: strongx on July 08, 2023, 09:59:23 AMHey guys. Just an update. I finally slowed down on the rods...I didnt say stopped. I have ended up with the 732s (light cranks and small swimbaits) and 733s (senkos) in the champion series and the 742s (neds) and 743s (small jigs) in the HP series as my spinning rods. Yes, I have become a dobyns fan. They are all great for the baits I throw, but that 742s is a great rod with both tip and power.
Nice! Congrats!

I have a DX 743 SF but I definitely need to get the DX 742 SF. It's on my short list.

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I need both of those. I have too much power in my lineup for where I fish. I could use a bit more tip in most of my setups. I have a 2 power rod and then 4 and up. I believe we do have a couple spinning 3 powers in spinning that the wife and kid use.

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apenland01 · July 09, 2023, 11:08:03 AM

I realize you resurrected your own thread from 3 years ago, but I might as well chime in with my thoughts here. I use a 752sf for drop shot and open hook small stuff like neds, 1/8 swimbaits, etc. I use a 3 power for anything shaky head, weightless senko in the weeds and similar baits...

Smallie_Stalker · July 09, 2023, 11:21:27 AM

Quote from: apenland01 on July 09, 2023, 11:08:03 AMI realize you resurrected your own thread from 3 years ago, but I might as well chime in with my thoughts here. I use a 752sf for drop shot and open hook small stuff like neds, 1/8 swimbaits, etc. I use a 3 power for anything shaky head, weightless senko in the weeds and similar baits...

The 752 SF is an Xtasy, no? I would definitely prefer the Xtasy over the DX for my spinning setups but I just can't justify the expense especially with how little I get to fish.

Dobyns just came out with a 754 SF in the Xtasy line. I'll just add it to my ever growing list of "wants" and keep praying to win the lottery.

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strongx · July 30, 2023, 04:01:11 PM

Quote from: apenland01 on July 09, 2023, 11:08:03 AMI realize you resurrected your own thread from 3 years ago, but I might as well chime in with my thoughts here. I use a 752sf for drop shot and open hook small stuff like neds, 1/8 swimbaits, etc. I use a 3 power for anything shaky head, weightless senko in the weeds and similar baits...

Thx. I'm still searching for a 4" senko rod. I'm back to an old 6'6" spinning Rod I've always liked. I might find out I like the 682s or 692s and replace my old rod. I like the shorter rod for skipping and target casting. I might like the kd712. There's not as much info out on the kadens.

Dink Dawg · July 31, 2023, 12:45:10 AM

You beat me to it!!! The Kaden 712SF would be a great option. I have the 713 because I'm loaded in 2 power models. However, my buddy got the 712 for his grandson and liked it so much he purchased two more for himself. It's a bit faster action like a 2.2 power. This series has really impressed me.

strongx · July 31, 2023, 10:13:02 AM

Quote from: Dink Dawg on July 31, 2023, 12:45:10 AMYou beat me to it!!! The Kaden 712SF would be a great option. I have the 713 because I'm loaded in 2 power models. However, my buddy got the 712 for his grandson and liked it so much he purchased two more for himself. It's a bit faster action like a 2.2 power. This series has really impressed me.

Thx DD. I will move the 712 to the top of my wacky 4" senko list!

skidemn · August 01, 2023, 11:41:13 PM

Quote from: Smallie_Stalker on July 08, 2023, 12:32:34 PM
Quote from: strongx on July 08, 2023, 09:59:23 AMHey guys. Just an update. I finally slowed down on the rods...I didnt say stopped. I have ended up with the 732s (light cranks and small swimbaits) and 733s (senkos) in the champion series and the 742s (neds) and 743s (small jigs) in the HP series as my spinning rods. Yes, I have become a dobyns fan. They are all great for the baits I throw, but that 742s is a great rod with both tip and power.
Nice! Congrats!

I have a DX 743 SF but I definitely need to get the DX 742 SF. It's on my short list.

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The DX742SF is hands down my favorite rod! I spend an inordinate amount of time with finesse rigs, especially the dropshot, and I have yet to fish anything better for it!

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skidemn · August 01, 2023, 11:48:17 PM

Quote from: strongx on July 31, 2023, 10:13:02 AM
Quote from: Dink Dawg on July 31, 2023, 12:45:10 AMYou beat me to it!!! The Kaden 712SF would be a great option. I have the 713 because I'm loaded in 2 power models. However, my buddy got the 712 for his grandson and liked it so much he purchased two more for himself. It's a bit faster action like a 2.2 power. This series has really impressed me.
Thx DD. I will move the 712 to the top of my wacky 4" senko list!

I have the Kaden KD712SF and it serves mainly as my Ned rig rod and secondary dropshot rod. It is the best value for the dollar in the entire Dobyn's lineup, and while it does fish slightly heavier than a regular 2-power, like say a DC732SF, I prefer a 3-power for the Senkos, unless it's a thin Senko. The 712 is perfect for the 4" thin Senko, but anything heavier I prefer the SAM723SF, which is basically a KD713SF, but an inch longer.

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