O.K. Here's the deal. I will definitely be getting a Dobyns 735C and probably a Daiwa Zillion 100HA. Is this combo ideal for smaller 6" swimbaits like the Basstrix paddle tails and 3:16 Mission Fish? Or would I be better off with one of the Dobyns swimbait rods like the 795 ML SB or 806 H SB? Is the 806 too much power for the smaller 6" swimbaits?
Whether or not the Dobyns 735C & Zillion combo is ideal for the smaller swimbaits has direct bearing on which Dobyns swimbait rod I will purchase. I want one rod that can handle swimbaits up to the 8" Huddleston and 6" Lunker Punker. If the 735C is no good for the 6" swimbaits then whichever swimbait rod I purchase has to be able to handle these as well. Since I want to use the Lunker Punker the 806 ML SB's 18 inch handle will most likely be too long to work this bait. The 807 MAG SB is more power than I'm looking for. That leaves the 795 ML SB, 806 SB, and 866 H SB too choose from.
For my smaller swimbaits (this includes the 6" hud and most 6 inch or smaller ospreys, etc.) I like the 705c. I also use this for frogs as well.
It's the heaviest Split Grip Dobyns makes. Here are the specs...
7', 1pc, 12-25lb, 3/8-1 1/2oz, Mag Hvy Ex Fast Action Heavy Jigs, Carolina Rig, Pitchin' Stick Casting Rod
The 705c is a very strong rod, but still light in the hands. I love the split grip when working the smaller swimbaits, heavy jigs and 1.25 oz spinnerbaits, frogs, etc. The rods handles beautifully, is incredibly sensitive, and doesn't fatigue me. It doesn't over power the lure, and really is a pleasure to fish with. It is very similar in action and weight to the 735c, but with a different grip.
I highly recommend checking them out in person. I bought most of my Dobyns rods at Fishermans Warehouse - Sac. They have a good selection and I got to handle and feel various models and compare. The 735c has a full grip, but get them in your hands and you might like the feel of the split grip. Perhaps you will like the full better. Either will handle the 6" punker and 6inch or smaller swimbaits perfectly.
For the heavier swimbaits the 806 ML SB is awesome...
Full Grip, 8', 1pc, 20-40lb, 1-5oz, Hvy Fast Action.
I like the 8 foot length, sensitivity, power, feel, response, etc.
But again, it all comes down to your own personal preference. Get the rods in hand, check the action, weight, balance, guides, spline, etc. and make sure it is exactly what you want. If you are going to the Sac ISE, Gary might have the rods there as well (he had them there last year). As far as bang for the buck, I have yet to find a better value than a Dobyns Rod. For that matter, I have yet to find a rod I like better for any amount.
For anyone thinking about simply buying their first Dobyns rod, I usually recommend the 703c. It is an awesome all around rod, great for jigs, plastics, spinnerbaits, senkos, etc. A rod that you can spend a lot of time with any day of the year. Very versatile and can handle most situations. It will make a Dobyns fan out of anyone. The sensitivity is awesome, I can feel every little nuance of what my bait is doing and contacting. And I love fighting fish on any Dobyns rods, the rods comes alive and transmits the fight to you, but are comfortable, powerful, responsive, and they work the fish with you, not against you. It's hard to describe and to understand it, you pretty much have to fight a fish on one, it makes it more fun, better than other rods. Kinda like the difference between a responsive sports car and a mushy station wagon.
I think I will be picking up 2 703s or 733s for spinnberbaits and buzzbaits soon.
A few people have recommended the 735C for the 6" Lunker Punker but others have said that the tip is too stiff for working the bait. I also have reservations about casting a bait listed at 2.4-3.0 oz - don't know which is correct weight for 6" Lunker Punker - on a rod rated 3/8-1 1/2 oz. Several have recommended the Dobyns 795 ML SB for the Lunker Punker, but since I want to throw the 8" Huddleston I don't know if the 795 can handle it. Interestingly enough I read that Mike Long has used the 795 for the larger Huddlestons. I'd like to get his feedback on these rods and what they can and can't handle. If he has used the 795 for the larger Huddlestons I wonder if it is his preference.
Advertising