DTack

The idea is mainly that you will lose less fish if this rod is used. I've thought about doing the same and then realized I probably land about 90-95% of fish hooked on a chatterbait, so I will stick to what works. Dobyns 734 Champion for me... I haven't fished the savvy side by side yet but it may even be a touch slower which would be good! The rod you have now should work just fine!

Haha... I don't find it as crazy sensitive as everyone else does. I can think of about 20 rods I would rather fish with than an NRX but that's just me. I don't ever say anything because you're immediately labeled as a complete moron if you dare say anything aside from the almighty Loomis' flagship rod is the most sensitive ever.

No one will ever believe this. Ever. haha.

I actually use a 7:1 that picks up 31" of line with each turn of the handle. I'm never actually reeling in a jerkbait... I'm only reeling in slack, for that reason, I like to be able to pick up and slack as quickly as possible... Sometimes (especially in heavy, heavy, wind where my trolling motor is coming out of the water) my rod tip will get out of position when I feel a bite... I want to be able to crank into that fish as quick as possible and get my line tight on that fish... Even with a proper parabolic rod I want constant pressure on any fish that eats. Hope this makes sense. Please ask me to clarify if it does not.

Very true! Still wanna take the time to look the boat over!

I don't see much that can be argued that it makes more sense financially, unless you just really really want the feeling of being the first owner of the boat or getting the exact colors you'd like. There's no right or wrong... There are a lot of demo boats out there too especially in the 20-21 foot class that have one year of use on them with low to high hours and can be purchased with warranty!

Used boats come with warranties too... There are options out there... Plus you don't lose between 15-30k when you drive it off the lot. Just depends how long you want to keep the boat too and how much you plan to use it!

Used Z520 would be my choice, with a bit of engine warranty left on it. All the new boat gremlins have been worked out at that point and you can cut the price in half versus new.

Just keep throwing the frog.... try to pretend the wind isn't messing up your casting... We have a Snag Proof tournament out here every year.... Frog is the only thing you can throw... Every single year the wind blows... and it blows HARD there at times. There is a wind farm that is right against the Delta used for solar energy... that's a testament to how hard the wind blows as well as how often.

Agree with you, until I tried the predator baits..... If the rattle were just a little I guess... lower pitched? not sure how to say it, I would probably never think about another bait or another original wart.

I have the dx702s and if I am strictly throwing an open hook or light wire hook dropshot, that is the rod I want period. 7lb fish, no problem on it I've just caught so many big ones on it I fully trust it. As far as versatility goes I prefer the dx742s... awesome rod for senkos, shakeyhead, dropshot texas rigged, tubes... just a great versatile rod.

You're going to get a lot of different answers... Kistler will come up, NRX will come up about 10 times as the end all rod that every other rod is measured against as far as sensitivity and action. Megabass will come up, St. Croix will come up. Phenix K2 will come up. You will hear a lot of opinions on why those rods are a lot better than this new rod that likely 2 or 3 people have fished with and will recommend a different rod. What exactly are you going to be using the rod for?

I've not owned a curado/Chronach/Citica I... however the Curado 200e7 is my favorite reel.

I'm going to try to only make this about what you're asking. Hands down 100% I would go with what Brett Hite uses... As you've stated... he has made literally hundreds of thousands of dollars outfishing people with this exact bait. There is a reason he chooses what he does and it's not only because "they're his sponsor". Before he was with Evergreen he was using another heavy action glass rod that I believe was 7'6" or 8'.. and I believe made by performance tackle. This is where I can't ALWAYS agree with the custom rods being the best option. I trust that someone will be able to build a great rod absolutely but it doesn't necessarily mean that they agree with what I find important with a rod. This is extremely hard to put into words properly and I know there are a lot of reasons to go with a custom rod and many people prefer them on this site. I see nothing wrong with them myself. All I am saying is I wouldn't take someone's word over Brett Hite's because they're telling me that it's the best rod for the application. I would trust him first and foremost. That being said I'm sure you could let the builder know what you're looking for and they'll build it towards your specs. I hope this made sense.

This is my personal opinion and you may not find many people who will agree... However, for what you're describing... I would get the dx742s and never look back. If I were in that situation I would have the most confidence in that rod!

The 702 Champion is definitely more powerful. Another option if you're concerned with power is the 742dx... Just a bit more power.

The Champion 702 and the Extreme 702 are very different. If you're throwing a dropshot, the 702dx is going to be better suited. It will feel very light as far as action goes at first. Hook some fish with it and it will change your mind about how light it is. I think the rod is fantastic for exposed light hooks,and I've done will with light wire texas rig hooks as well. I have a dropshot on the rod about 80% of the time it is in use and have debated getting a second one. It's a fantastic finesse rod and that's why it's labeled as so.

So very true, you always give great advice. The SD Jam knot is the absolute best knot I've found for fluorocarbon, I cannot imagine having more confidence in a knot.

Stick with what you have. I couldn't disagree more with that rod being "too heavy". I want control once a fish is hooked, the 734c Savvy has a great action as far as when it shuts off for you. My personal favorite rod lately for a spinnerbait is the Champion 734c, although I do have just as much confidence in the dx744 Extreme. Here's a picture where two of our larger fish 8.5lb big fish and another in the 5.5lb range were caught on the 734c Champion with 15lb mono. The other two pictured were caught with a 765cb glass Champion and 70lb daiwa braid. There is more than one way to do things, I stick with the 734c and I just don't think you should have any reason to doubt yourself or change if it is working for you. Keep catching em.

I enjoy my Dobyns in the Champion and Champion Extreme lines. They've done a good job for me landing plenty of fish ranging from 5-15lbs. A few of them are in my gallery to look at. We all have different likes and needs in our rods and these fit mine. I think it is important to find a system for certain baits that works well for you. Try to listen to people who consistently another site and see if their recommendations work for you. The way I do things may be 180 degrees from the way someone else does and they may still put them in the boat just as well. There are a lot of good options out there to pick and choose from. All of mine are one brand and that is because they work for me. Try to find what fits you best and just enjoy fishing with it.

I personally use spinning gear exclusively. I think I reel it at the correct speed with a spinning reel. Preytorien made a great post above. I actually use 7lb sniper fluoro so I am between 6 and 8 however, I think their diameter is closer to most 6lb lines. I am not a braid to fluoro leader guy so I can't comment much there, although Preytorien made a great post explaining his use.

Where do you live? What type of water do you fish? Are you in a boat/kayak/shore? Thanks in advance! I think it is cool you're wanting to learn new ways to catch them!

From what you've listed, get the S-Waver in 168 and 200. Throw them quite a bit and watch fish follow them, it will help your confidence!

Get the Duo bait... I like the regular one better than the gfix myself. I'm not an expert on them but I have caught fish with them. They definitely work. Keep it low and slow!