Which Dobyns Champion for...?

[Bob Ellis]

I'm not sure if I should order the Dobyns Champion 682C or 683C for fishing 1/4 and 3/8 oz spinner baits and 1/4 oz buzz baits.

This will be my first Dobyns and I am looking forward to it.

[zodiak311]

What kind of reel will you be using? I would personally go with a 683C, the extra power wouldn't hurt, especially for what you are throwing. I fish on the Cali Delta where there is a lot of vegetation at times, and use a DX744C with a Zillion 50th for spinner baits.

[civicrr]

Of the two, the 3 power Dobyns would be the rod to get for those weight lures. IMO, the 3 power rod will be best suited to the pull the blades will put on the rod. I think you'll also find it easier to really drive the hook home. Like zodiak, I throw 3/8 - 1/2 spinner/buzz on the 4 power (Champion 734) fishing the Cal Delta.

I was wondering why the choice of 6'8" sticks? Are you planning on roll casting the lures to close targets? Any thought to moving up in length to the Champion 703 or Champion 733? I prefer longer rods. I can cover more water due to longer casts. Once you get used to the longer stick, I don't think accuracy suffers at all.

I used to fish primarily 7' sticks. Now almost every rod I own is 7'3" or longer.

[Bob Ellis]

I fish like an old man, hence the shorter versions. Up until now my longest rod has been six feet.

The reel will be a Curado, 7:1 version.

[civicrr]

I fish like an old man, hence the shorter versions.

haha. Something that I've notice is the 'move' to longer rods has seems to have been embraced by the West Coast anglers more quickly. East of the Rockies, it is starting to happen. You might try moving to a 7' rod to see if the extra length works for you.

In the end, if you're comfortable with a certain length, go for it.

[bstuckey]

Bob, consider the 703 or 733, the Dobyns rods ballance very well.

[vArm]

Bob, consider the 703 or 733, the Dobyns rods ballance very well.

X2!

[BB144]

I have the 733C and it's the rod I use for long casting spinnerbaits as search lures and it works great for that. I do have to say if you're buying the 6'8" for better balance, don't worry about it, the 733C balances fine.

I would use a shorter (6'3"-6'8") rod for short, accurate roll casts to cover. In this case, I could probably go with the 683C because the 3 power is perfect for the spinnerbaits I fish (generally from 3/16-1/2). The Champion rods listed as fast action are slightly more moderate than most fast action rods, so they work great for spinnerbaits.

[Birdi23nls]

I use my DX744 but think my next rod is going to be a 3 power rod for spinnerbaits. I am not a fan of the short rods. I still own a few rods under 7' but rarely use them.

[Birdi23nls]

gezzz...i'm back to 1 post well now two

[Bob Ellis]

I don't fish open water that much if at all, mostly banks, around lily pads and reeds and docks,

[civicrr]

I don't fish open water that much if at all, mostly banks, around lily pads and reeds and docks,

Bob, I'd say that 90% of my fishing is to heavy weed cover, wood & some occasional dock fishing. Open bank fishing only happens @ the foothill lakes when I fish in winter.

Honestly, I don't feel any lack of accuracy has resulted from my use of longer rods. It does take some time to get use to the (extended) length but once you do, I don't think you'd go back.

There seem to be a lot of fans for longer rods in this thread. Like I said before, I'm one of the converts. Remember the days of 5'6" rods with pistol grips?

[Nitroman77]

id go with the 703c personally..Im not a fan of under 7' rods..

[spencerinstl]

If you fish closer to shore and want more accurate casts Id go with the 683.

[Bob Ellis]

I suppose it would really annoy you guys when I outfshed you with my current, old-fashined setup. A CR724 bought second-hand and a sweet little Cardiff 200 reel.