15 replies to this topic

[SoFlaBassAddict]

So, seeing as how I'm working so much, I'm treating myself to three new Champions. Going to upgrade three of my Savvy rods. I'm currently using a 704, 733, and 734. While I do like the 733, I think it's time for me to let that one go. It's a little too limited in what I can do with it. Let me know what you guys think of these as replacements.

705 or 735 instead of the 704. The 704 Savvy always felt a little underpowered to me. Going to be my primary texas rig and jig rod. I'll probably get another 734 just because of the versatility of that rod. My real toss up is a 704cb or a 705cb. I'm leaning towards the 705 because I've got a cranking stick here that should serve well enough for lighter weight cranks. Planning on using the new one for traps, squarebills, and topwaters (spooks, poppers, etc). Also not sure if I want to look at the glass models or not as I don't have much experience with glass rods and bass fishing. I wouldn't mind being able to toss the oddball spinnerbait on that rod. If that's possible, I may swap the 734 out for something different.

Definitely looking for some input before I place my order. Appreciate it guys. Shopping can be fun....and frustrating at the same time.

[Fat-G]

Can't help you with the cranking rods as I don't throw them, but...


If you're wanting to swap the SS704 for a more powerfull rod, keep this in mind: The 735c is a Flipping/Pitching/Frog rod. It has a completely different action than the 734c. Very, very fast with a quick, light tip. It's hands down the BEST frog rod I've ever used. It has the perfect action for walking frogs and tons of power to pull them out of slop and other heavy cover. I could actually make a Spro spin in circles in place with the 735c. I bought it to use as a pitching rod, but it was a little bit too fast for my liking. The 734c will also be slightly more powerful than the SS704. Compared to the SS734, the 734c will have a slightly faster action as well. Seeing as you're going to use it for jigs/plastics, I would get the 734c with the full handle. To me, the full handle version is VERY important.

I'll break it down even more, maybe in a less-confusing way, LOL.

Jigs: SS735 / Champion 734c, 735c, or 764c / DX745
Plastics: SS734 / Champion 734c / DX744, DX784, or DX745
Frogs: SS735 / Champion 735c or 736c / DXnoneed

The Dobyns rods have a ton of different actions, and they change from series to series. It can be a PITA to try and pick one, and I know that from experience!

[flukemaster]

I can tell you that Dobyns makes the lightest Glass Rods I've ever used. I have every one that they make and wouldn't sell them for any price.

As for topwater a 704 sould be fine. I prefer the 702C just because I primarily throw a Spook Jr. It also works great for a lipless crank.

[NorcalBassin]

Tackle Tour rated the glass CB rod as being both better and lighter than the graphite version. I've been eyeing the 765 CB for a while but haven't quite pulled the trigger. Best of luck on your search.

[Dwight Hottle]

Hey Eric if you want to really treat yourself take a look at the new Zayta series by dobyns featuring 3M's nano matrix resin. Supposed to intro at I Cast 2012. Twelve models offered targeting the $500 mark. Info on tackletour.

[flippin and pitchin]

I kind of agree with with FatG and his lists are pretty darn accurate from what I own. The Champion 5 powers are stout rods. I have 733 and 734's in Champion and Savvy (micro) so far. I have the 704 and 705CB glass. The 704 is light but has it's place, especially for jerkbaits.. The 705 is outstanding. I fished the Lamiglas SR705R for years and you know the rep that rod has. I would take the Dobyns over the Lamiglas. My most recent acquisition is the Extreme DX784. Good golly what a stick. I would suggest that rod in a heart beat. As far as the Zayta goes, I saw the TT article. That's a chunk of change for this working stiff. But I want one !!!!

[Craiger12]

Regarding the cranking rods - I would recommend the 705 in either graphite or glass (fast action). I have been fishing the graphite verion for two seasons now and it is an excellent rod for what you want to do with it. I owned the 704 graphite for a short period and it felt too slow and underpowered for my taste, so I sold it. I have never fished the 705CB Glass, but I am going to pick one up soon to fish this spring. I have heard it is a great rod for what you want to do as well, and if all goes well it will take over lipless and shallow/medium diver duty and the 705CB Graphite will be used primarily for jerkbaits.

[piscicidal]

Eric,

You and I are pretty much on the same page when it comes to anything fishing. We fish the same waters, so my very humble advice to you is it seems you are a little underpowered...

Fat G made a great suggestion with the 735. That is the perfect South Florida rod for moving baits, IMO... I love it.

CB704 versus 705, I say definately 705. The 704 is a bit too soft for what we do, IMO.

You should also consider the 805C. I broke a rod tip on mine and fished a tourney on Okeechobee, yesterday. I felt naked without that rod. I missed it even more after watching my partner Jack wrestle a 7.22 bass out of seriously nasty slop using his 805C. I also have the 766 FLIP, but the 805C is awesome...

Good luck with your purchases, Eric. I know how hard you've been working and how much fishing you've missed as a result. Treat yourself...you deserve it.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

After doing a little more research, I think I've settled on the 705cb Glass and a 734 for now. I'm still unsure on the third rod. Choices choices. The 735 is tempting, I'm just not positive if I need another rod of that type. I've got another one or two that fit that area pretty well as it is. Choices, choices. One of these rods will probably be pulling duty as a Carolina rig rod as well. Obviously that won't be the 705cb. Gotta keep all of my toys as multi purpose as possible because I fish out of a small boat for the most part when I'm out by myself.

Definitely appreciate the replies guys. They're helping me whittle down my choices.

Mike, thanks for the info. Not to disrespect anybody else, getting info from a local who fishes the same way, and waters I do is a huge help. Looking forward to finishing up this current project in the next month or so. I've got a bad feeling I'm going to miss the spawn and catch the tail end of the post spawn right now. Who knows though.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Hell with it. Since I'm treating myself for a change, I'm going all in on it.

Think I'm going with:

705CB Glass
DX 744: T-Rigs, lighter jigs in lighter grass. Multi purpose moving baits.
DX 745: T-Rigs and heavier jigs in thicker grass.

Giving myself a day or so to make my final decisions......

[Aluma-Bass]

that's what im talking about!!! Big money spenda!!! nice line up!

[Bigbarge50]

haha Aluma

That is some serious throwdown for some rods, but the quality is there so go for it.

[piscicidal]

Hell with it. Since I'm treating myself for a change, I'm going all in on it.

Think I'm going with:

705CB Glass
DX 744: T-Rigs, lighter jigs in lighter grass. Multi purpose moving baits.
DX 745: T-Rigs and heavier jigs in thicker grass.

Giving myself a day or so to make my final decisions......

That's what I'm talking about...let me know when they arrive and we'll go break those bad boys in.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Got my rods in a week or so ago. Haven't been able to give them each a good full day of fishing yet. Have managed a pair of short trips out though. All I can say is, "Wow." Those DX rods are really something else. What really impresses me is the 705cb. That is one sick rod. I've never used a crank rod quite like it before. Absolutely fantastic.

Wasn't cheap, but d**n was it ever worth it. I'm feeling stuff on the bottom I never knew existed. Everything is just crisp feeling. Totally satisfied with each of them.

Mike, I'll give you a shout at some point in the week. I'm finishing up this project mid week. Can't wait to go out and really break these in.

[Brian Needham]

I just got a few DX as well 743, 744....and they are amazing in feel and the way the tip loads you can cast for miles.

hell its hard to fish cause you catch yourself looking the paint change colors as the sun hits it LMAO.