Best all-around Delta rod

[jpbriscoe]

I'm fishing the Delta for the first time this month, and I will do so probably once more in the fall. I don't have a heavy rod and I'm ready to buy one, but I'm conflicted between getting an eight-footer that can punch the grass well and pull big fish out of the heaviest cover (like the Dobyns 805 FLIP/PUNCH), or a shorter pitching/flipping stick that can also toss frogs and maybe even small swimbaits (like the Dobyns 735C). I like versatility (I don't imagine I'll fish the Delta more than a few times this year) but I also just want the best tool for the job, and I'm not even sure how good the frog bite is this early in the spring. It would also be a nice bonus if the rod could handle heavy, deep water jigging and carolina rigs. Help!

[Robchik]

I can't speak to the Dobyns Rods, but I would go with a Powell 765C. You could throw frogs, punch, texas rig plastics, and throw smaller swimbaits (hard or soft).

[Ernst]

I just picked up a Dobyns 766 flip....

I also like

Lami 806
Powell 765
Fenwick ECFP711H-F (thanks COOCH)

[acm95301]

You cannot do everything with one rod, your better offf getting one really good rod and slowly build up a collection.

That said....

The 736c Dobyns has my vote:
Great Frog rod
Stiff enough to flip
does topwater and punkers too.

[jpbriscoe]

Yeah, I definitely lean toward that philosophy. So in accordance with that philosophy, and were I to fish the Delta only in March and October, would I be throwing a lot of frogs? I have no frog experience, but I heard that they're more of a summer bait. So if you take frogs out of the picture, would an 8-footer be better for flipping and punching? Or should I stick with something like the 736C for versatility?

[Stretch1]

I like the Lami 724 Senko Special...

[Long Nguyen]

Are you going to be fishing the delta in March and later this fall with another angler? Would you be able to borrow a punch rod from him? If so, then I'd lean this purchase towards a 735C rod, as you mentioned.

It's a very versatile rod that can be used to flip, pitch, toss paddle tails, frogs, handle deep water jigging, etc. It has a softer tip than the 736 so you can also cast the Carolina Rig too.

Though it may be too late for your March trip...and I don't know if you're a tournament angler, but if you sign up for any of the remaining three Angler's Choice Pro Ams, you can buy a Dobyns rod and get another of equal or lesser value for FREE. So here's your chance to get the 805 punch rod AND the 735C. Just a thought....

[crawdaddy]

Long,

Does that apply to co-anglers? I registered for all 4 events before the season and I would definitely take advantage of that deal.

[acm95301]

Truebasstv.net has a newer episode on the Delta with Raza, he uses the 734 and 735 alot in his video, for buzzbaits , frogs and such.

I still like the 736c.

As for the frogs....two points.

1. the frogs are awake and active now....mating season maybe?
2. I doubt that frog fishing is all about frogs as it is a helpless topwater bait, and spring is a fairly great time for topwater..I say give it a try...some guys toss them year around. Bass can go over 30' to get a tasty snack, while sometimes to lethargic to want to , an active feeding bass in the area will nail a frog.

as for flipping you see the 765 and 766 and 805 seem to be the most popular, But I'm getting away with using my 736 and I think a c-rig can be cast on a number of different rods...but I don't know what would be optimium...I use a 744 and 784 in resevoirs and a 736 would be my choice for the delta of the rods I have.

[massbaster]

You can get frog fish in march, you wont get that many bites but they will be big when you get them. You will also get some in October as well. There are always flip fish on the Delta so I would lean towards a 735 or 736 Dobyns or Powell like the guys said. If you have a little more money check out a Zombie rod and tackle 7'3" xtra heavy,it is made for frogs and jigs on the Delta ,you can also use it for punching and flipping and some small swimbaits.They are really well balanced and use Fugi SIC guides so they are great with Braided line.
Eric

[Long Nguyen]

Long,

Does that apply to co-anglers? I registered for all 4 events before the season and I would definitely take advantage of that deal.

Yes, it's for both co and pro anglers. Check out the sticky on top of the forums.

Here is the link too.

http://www.westernbass.com/forum/viewto ... =55835&f=2

[scott h]

Lamiglas 806. Flip,pitch,punch,frogs,swimbaits,jigs,carolina,buzzbaits,wakebaits and senkos.did I forget anything? It is a heavy duty rod with a good tip, I have four of em on my deck year round here.The warranty process isnt the greatest(though they did change it recently for the rods 2007 & newer) but it is one hech of a stick,I have caught fish and got them out of sum stuff where you wouldnt think fish could get into.Tight lines Scott h. p.s. Spooks,punkers,crackers and crankbaits!!!!

[DPetty]

Are you going to be fishing the delta in March and later this fall with another angler? Would you be able to borrow a punch rod from him? If so, then I'd lean this purchase towards a 735C rod, as you mentioned.

It's a very versatile rod that can be used to flip, pitch, toss paddle tails, frogs, handle deep water jigging, etc. It has a softer tip than the 736 so you can also cast the Carolina Rig too.

Though it may be too late for your March trip...and I don't know if you're a tournament angler, but if you sign up for any of the remaining three Angler's Choice Pro Ams, you can buy a Dobyns rod and get another of equal or lesser value for FREE. So here's your chance to get the 805 punch rod AND the 735C. Just a thought....

+1

The 735C is an extremely versatile rod for the Delta. That would be my choice.

[Austen]

I have the Savvy Series 766 Flip and its amazing! The 735 wouldnt be a bad choice either. I would suggest the 766.

Just my .02

Austen

[jpbriscoe]

Thanks for all the good advice guys. I'm only starting to get social in my fishing and it's great to see how helpful anglers are to each other.

Since you can't really punch the heavy stuff with a frog rod like the 735c, and since you can't toss frogs or paddletails well with a heavy rod like the 805, I guess I'll have to get both, lighter rod first.

[BIG DADDY BLUE RANGER]

[quote="scott h"]Lamiglas 806.

+1..

I have 4 and use them fer almost everything Delta

and yes they work excellent for punching, as well as frogs and paddle tails

[jimmy87]

x2

I have 2 of them and want 3 more for the delta. best tip on a rod I ever had.
heavy enough for most fishing. Only thing it wont do for me is fish really light stuff like drop shot and I dont like to throw the really big swim baits with it.

great for everything else in between.

[dgoldston7]

734 or 735... Covers most of your basics besides heavy flipping work.

[dgoldston7]

734 or 735... Covers most of your basics besides heavy flipping work.

[jpbriscoe]

Any reel suggestions? I'm thinking a Shimano Castaic right now. The one-handed clutch seems appealing.

[Long Nguyen]

Any reel suggestions? I'm thinking a Shimano Castaic right now. The one-handed clutch seems appealing.

Just about any baitcaster will work on the delta. You don't need to toss light baits often, so a high end finesse baitcaster isn't necessary.

Just make sure the reel has good castability and good free spool for pitching. The Castaic is a good choice. You can find a few used ones online for around $90-110. Personally, the Instagage switch gets in the way when casting, so I'd reconsider that reel unless it will be a dedicated pitch/flip rod.

I'm not brand loyal, so I have Abu Revos, Shimanos, BPS and Daiwas. They all work well. Rather than specific brand, what is your price point?

[jpbriscoe]

$200 is usually where I draw the line. Any good places to look for used gear online, other than Craigslist?

[jpbriscoe]

Yeah, actually $170 for four ball bearings doesn't seem like that great a deal. Maybe the Castaic isn't the way to go.

[ash]

The 765 Flip rod is very versitle, for flipping and pitching, also a good carolina rig rod and small swimbait rod. The 805 wants a little more weight when you are flippin, and pitchin and is great for Punkers and 6" swimbaits.

If you only go to the Delta and Clear Lake a few times a year the 765 may round out your aresenal better in terms of the other lakes you fish.

[Saechao]

765cb