Arv

I use a Dobyns 705CB (graphite) rod for all of the above. Also, jerkbaits and topwaters.

Don't get a core. ..

This doesn't really answer your question, but I have a nrx 853c on they way, it should be here early this coming week. I got it for a lot of the same presentations you mentioned. I just wasn't interested in the xtreme as much since the nrx seems to get a bit more love for being the most sensitive and what not.

Yes

Great rod. I really like mine. I don't want to part with them, but I've made some purchases that require some money to be recouped.

I don't fish a ton of fluke style lures, but I usually reach for the caffeine shad before any others. I've caught several nice fish with these

Yup, I saw a GLX or two in there at one time. I haven't seen them in a long time though. The highest in the Loomis line is probably the Mossyback now. The do have the the hand full of LTB's and Orochi's but thats about it. I haven't been down to the main store in a couple of months though. I usually go next door to the catalouge outlet

Of the rods I've used I would recommend the DX 744. All the Dobyns rods I have balance/balanced well with any reel I put on them. The 4 power in the DX line up is exremely versatile IMO. I was able to throw weightless stickworms and threw a lot of 1/4oz t rigs and jigs + trailer with this rod, but could handle up to 3/4oz jigs in open water comfortably for me. It also has enough meat to get fish out of some thicker stuff if you run into it.

Haven't handled the new STX. I did like the Gen 2 models though. I really liked my TP's though.

It'll actually be some Cumaras and an ***, haha. Keep your eyes open!

Will do. I'll probably post something on the thread I made asking for advice. I haven't used a ton of rods, and usually have to sell to buy new gear so I'll have to add that caveat, but I'll certainly throw my 2 cents into the wide world of opinions once I get some time to use it.

Hootie - bait monkey whisperer

I can't comment on the Duckett rods, but I have really enjoyed every Powell rod I've ever used.

The bait monkey just left. NRX 853C on the way.

Personally, I don't love the 705 for casting below 3/8. I do like it at 1/2-3/4. It depends on the reel some as well. Once the lures are in the water though, I don't think the rod is too much for working any of the jerkbaits I've used (with the smallest being 78 size luckycraft). It's not my first choice. I prefer spinning gear for the smaller jerks. I can't comment on the 704, never used it. I also really like the 705 for square bills to medium divers and top waters in the same weight range. I use it mostly for square bills. Somehow I left out lipless crank. I throw lipless cranks on here second to square bills.

It will be mine. Oh yes. It will be mine.

Thus far is my dx742c. I'm on the prowl for an nrx though, so we'll see if that changes in the future.

I'm another one that loves the feel of the 50/51's in my hand. Since most of my fishing is ponds and out of my kayak focussed on shallow cover I don't have a huge need for a large line capacity. Having gotten used to the 50/51's, when I got the Chronarch Ci4 it felt a little larger than I would have liked. Once on the right rod it was fine, but definitely not what my brain was used to with the 50/51's.

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I've never had issues with catching fish on braid/braid + leader. Although if I'm missing bites I guess I really don't know if I'm missing them haha. But I've been happy with the number of fish I catch using these lines so I've never really thought about changing up my set-ups. I don't know that jerking too fast has been a major issue for me so the need for more stretch in my line isn't a concern.

It is light. If I remember its somewhere between 7-8lbs. I believe the idea is to help prevent breakage with light line applications. It is smooth though. If I've ever lost any fish from them coming unbuttoned I can't remember. This includes small cranks and wacky rigs/flickshakes.

I have one. It's an awesome finesse reel, but I don't mind throwing other techniques with it either. It's the best palming reel I've held.

another THIS

Roger that. I wasn't being accurate in saying the old model then. I have the bfs. But comparing the bfs to the newly released probably wasnt the best comparison.

I am. I guess I thought the new alde was a bfs model. My mistake.