Arv

You're the guy I hate this time! Congrats! That's an awesome prize!

Dobyns Champion 735c

good call!

Looking back, I would have probably gotten the 714 for my jigs. The 723 did fine w/ 1/2 oz though. Can't go wrong either way IMO

Like others have said, moderate action, don't lock down the drag, and don't try and crush them on the hookset and you'll be fine with straight braid. If you want a leader, you should be a-ok.

If sensitivity is the main focus, go for the Extreme. At those weights, go 745. Balance will be be great in either series.

At 200, check out the Powell rods, Phenix rods, and St. Croix Avid. Of all those, my choice would be the Powell Endurance.

tick tick tick...

Reels, left to right Daiwa Tierra 2000 Daiwa Tierra 2500 Lews Tournament Speed Spool Lews Tournament Pro Speed Spool x3 Rods, top to bottom Dobyns Champion 735c Dobyns Champion 705cb Dobyns Champion Extreme 744c Powell Max 683c Dobyns Champion Extreme 742sf Shimano Cumara 6'8 M/F

at least one

Another for trick worms and stick o's.

texas rig (recon worm, brush hog, rage craw), squarebill, lipless crank, senko, wacky rig/flick shake

Sweet set up. I would be super happy if my wife threw that together on her own!

Awesome gift! Like Tywithay asked, how much are you looking to spend? That will help narrow down the choices people throw out. Otherwise you will get everything from $50 reels to $400 reels.

TP, but thats he highest I've gone. Almost bought a BB1 pro, but just got another TP

I like full grips

the 744 is a sweet rod

You sound like me, and if you are like me, I'd get the DX. If I get something with a notion that I should have waited to get something else, I wind up unsatisfied and wind up getting what I should have really gotten in the first place.

Personally I would buy one used. If you have the kind of money where you would be buying two rods to resell one, I'd just go for the DX. While Dobyns rods do usually sell well, IMO, its not worth it to buy one with the strict intention of selling it as I don't think you'd get enough money back to make it worth your while. If you look around and are patient, you can usually find the Champions from 150-180 and DXs from 200-250

Its really up to you. I feel comfortable with the Champion covering bottom contact presentations, but I can certainly tell a difference when I'm using my Extreme. To me, I wouldn't spend the extra $100 which is why most of my rods were bought used (I bought my Extremes for less than the cost of a new Champion). I definitely like the extra sensitivity and upgraded components though.

Depends on the weights and cover you are fishing. I would probably go with a 4 or 5 power based on he the fact you will at least be throwing around some vegetation. I use my 4 power for jigs and t-rigs from 1/4-1/2oz for the most part and my 5 power for 3/8+ mostly. I feel like each of the 4 and 5 power will go above and below those limits, respectively (and within reason), but that's mostly how I use mine. The 734 and 735 would be great rods for what you plan on using them for as well as many other applications.

Either where you are, or pinky in front of the trigger. I think it depends on the technique I'm fishing, but I can't think of exactly which goes with which right now, it just kind of happens I guess.

I JUST got in the 6'8 m/f worm and jig rod today. Obviously I haven't had a chance to really test it out, but so far I am extremely happy with the purchase. The rod is super light feeling and balances very nicely with my 2000 Diawa Tierra. I was a little concerned with the reel seat and the small grip, but for me, it doesn't have a negative impact on the rod, at least thus far. The only kind of awkward grip was if I put all my fingers behind the arm of the reel, but I never do that anyways, so I'm not worried. The action seems to be pretty fast but feels very crisp so far. Like I said, to this point, I am extremely happy with the rod and look forward to getting it out on the water.

I use my DX 742sf for this. I have 20# braid and usually tie a 8# FC leader on. I also use this set up for drop shots, shakey heads, and wacky rigs.

haha, true