Craiger12

What exactly do you plan to use the rod for?

I'd love that, but it's looking like it won't happen until the middle of April.

It's killing me too. We need a couple 70-80 degree days like we used to get in March...

1/2 oz for just about everything.

I might get out and do the same in the lower Housy. It will feel good to wet a line. Might get lucky and hook up with a striper, but not likely this early.

The lower Housy is open. As far as lakes/ponds, only ice fishing going on for the near future.

x2

I would definitely be willing to get in on that. Unfortunately, I'm a non boater these days though.

Go 7'6". I use 7'8" for all my jig fishing and love the length for better hooksets using straight fluoro.

Two at 7'8" and one at 7'4" for finesse jigs. I love the longer rod length to help move more line on the hookset.

Same here. Won't have any trouble and will likely cast better than the 734C as suspected.

Mid-late March is usually my goal. I prefer ice to be out for a few weeks. All depends on the weather of course.

For jig fishing you will want the most sensitive rod you can afford. Sensitivity can be subjective, but in this case, the Dobyns should be the more sensitive rod. It will also have more power and balance very well, both of which are desirable in a jig stick. I find my 735C to be an excellent pitching stick. Also, there are some quality reels to be had in the $150 price range.

I'm going to say 705CB. That's the rod I use for those presentations as well as lipless cranks and it's a great rod. I also think I would prefer it over the glass version for jerk baits. However, I really don't think you can go wrong with either one.

I'm most of the way through Bill Murphy's book and he would strongly argue that bass are line shy. Although he is specifically talking about giant bass in high pressured lakes, so this may play a roll. I think I agree with Murphy for the most part. I feel that older bigger bass may be more line shy than the younger more aggressive ones, but certainly couldn't say for sure. I do use fluorocarbon with bottom contact presentations, but as already stated, I use it for it's density and sinking properties which contributes to its slack line sensitivity.

I only fish Dobyns now and have never had a bad experience. As mentioned, one of the best aspects of their customer service is that usually Richard or Gary himself will answer the phone if you give them a call, and they are more than happy to answer any question you may have.

Dobyns DX 784ML, Zillion 50th 7.3:1, 16# Toray Superhard Upgrade Dobyns DX 784ML, Zillion SHLA 7.1:1, 16# Toray Superhard Upgrade Dobyns DX 743, Core 51MG 7.1:1, 14# Toray Superhard Upgrade

Another vote for the Dobyns 705CB.

8" or 6" Hudds?

Another CT guy here. I used to get out at Indian Well a lot when I had my boat, but not much the past year or so. I have pulled a handful of 4+ lbers out of there, but wouldn't really consider it to be a very good fishery compared to other places in the state. Mostly went there due to convenience. I'm curious what you guys think of East Twin? I was hoping to get out there this spring, but don't know much about it at all. I have heard people say that it has potential due to the trout population. Any thoughts?

I also save and reuse the cardboard tubes. I use a good amount of bubble wrap and newspaper to make sure that the rod doesn't move when I shake the tube after packing. I always ship via UPS. It will cost a little more, but standard ground shipping is usually 3 days and I have never had a problem.

Cannot agree enough with what WRB said about contacting Ron at Valley Sports. Excellent customer service and he will save you money. Shoot him a PM or give him a call when you determine what you want.

I agree that a cranking rod is in order after a jig stick. You will have a much higher landing ratio with treble hook lures if you use a rod with a mod-fast action.

Yes you can, it just would not be my first choice. I use a 7'8" rod rated for 1/4-1oz and 12-25# line. I love the length of the rod for moving line on hook sets and I would actually prefer more power.

You should be able to throw lighter A-rigs with the same rod, though I might prefer a slower reel for that. It all depends on the total weight. I recommend getting into jig fishing. It is one of the most universal styles of fishing for nearly all species and will make you a better overall fisherman.