I haven't really been able to fish much this year (relatively speaking). Been times when I've missed a whole week...haha. Seriously though, I've been a lot more involved with my daughter's swim team, work, etc, etc. That said, I haven't been posting as much although I've been lurking. It also means ...

703 isn't enough stick for throwing swimjigs on the Delta. If you're throwing light (in) weight finesse jigs in clear water, the 3 power sticks would work great. On the Delta, I don't bother to throw anything less than 3/8oz jig with a 3X hook . Anything less, and you're going to get your heart brok...

703 isn't enough stick for throwing swimjigs on the Delta. If you're throwing light (in) weight finesse jigs in clear water, the 3 power sticks would work great. On the Delta, I don't bother to throw anything less than 3/8oz jig with a 3X hook . Anything less, and you're going to get your heart brok...

The Gen 1 rods had problems. Well documented. It wasn't just light spinning rods. There is a video here on TT.com where Gary Dobyns talks about the reason for the change to the Gen 2 rods. Bottom line is the blanks started having issues. Seems the factory was not able to keep producing the same qual...

I use the Dobyns DX795. The Champion 766 was the rod I used before switching over to the DX795. The 766 is still my secondary punching stick. The reason I like the DX795 over the 766 is because it has a more parabolic bend. I only use braid punching. Depending on the line brand, I'll either use 65lb...

What size/weight frog do you use in open water? Few years ago, I was using the really small & light frogs. Haven't use them for a while but IIRC, they are 1/4oz. In open water, I was throwing them with the Dobyns Champion 734. My preferred frog rod, the Champion 735, did quite load up well casting t...

Tfour , nice post with a lot of good info. You're dead on when talking about the flex angle sbass fishermen subject their rods to. Seems to me, the fly fishing shops & companies are really the only ones that seem to spend anytime educating.

Typed this on my phone earlier but it didn't 'send' for some reason. "You said the fish was under the boat when you caught up & then set the hook. Good possibility in the heat of the moment, the rod was loaded incorrectly on the hook set. A rod with a xfast action would be more susceptible to this t...

Thanks Romans. I got a email today from Shimano/Loomis It said- The MBR version 843 does indeed have a stiffer tip then the 803 or 853 JWR. That doesn't tell you how it actually 'fishes' though. The tip is only one part of the equation. The action has a lot to do with it. I agree with Romans. The 8...

Mono for cranking. 12lb Suffix Siege. Tried fluoro and have gone back. I like being able to use cranks & topwaters on the same rod/reel combo.

Personally, I'd go with the 702SF. Even with that rod, I'd only be fishing the tube with an exposed hook presentation.

In your opinion what is the perfect 3/8-5/8 ounce frog rod for any price? I think the Dobyns Champion 735 is pretty darn close. Balance is really good on it with a Curado I/Chronarch D/etc. It is right about 5/16" in front of the reel nut. A heavier reel would balance even better. Tip is light enou...

I haven't had one guide problem with any of my Dobyns. Actually there was one but I think that was my fault. One insert ring on my 795ML separated when I accidentally closed the rod locker lid on it. The 'shock' was bad on the lid & it was stupid windy. Alconite guides should not be a problem with b...

For fishing the 5" senko, weightless or lightly weighted, the 893 is the rod you want. 893 will load nicely on the cast & allow you to feel the subtle bites better. Works great with the sweep set that catches senko fish. The 873 is really a pretty 'stiff' stick. IMO, with too stiff a rod, no matter ...

While you could use the DX745 for frogs (hollow), I think you'd be better off with a 735 or 736. The xfast actions (soft tip and gets to lock up quickly) of the 735/736 are just going to make it easier to cast, walk and hook up when frog fishing. If I wanted to use a DX for frogs, I'd go with the DX...