NavyVet

Looking at a Dobyns DX casting rod, the DX 742 medium power (3/16 to 5/8) or DX 743 medium heavy (1/4 to 3/4) which will be paired with a Shimano Core 50. It needs to cover these applications. Jigging 1/2oz. blade baits in open water, small crankbaits from 1/4 oz. to a max. of 1/2 oz. , and small plastics with 1/8 oz. to 1/4 oz. weights. Will probably call Dobyns later for advice, but I'm very interested in and value the opinions of the guys on this forum.

What is the best line for a spinning reel? Have tried braid with leader but tying the knot is a nightmare for me in dim light, wind, and due to poor eyesight. I have been using braid without a leader- currently #15 PowerPro. I do a lot of jigging and whacky worm fishing so am looking for a line that is supple and has high visability above the water as I like to "line watch". Used to fish blue stren, but I found any mono I used would coil and act like a "slinky" within half a day due to line twist especially from vertical fishing. Is there a Hybrid or mono product that would do the job or at least be better.? Should I stay with straight braid and forget the leader? Would a line conditioner help with this problem? Any thoughts or opinions would be welcome as I'm getting frustrated.

Need to by a deep cycle battery for 12V trolling motor. Windy conditions so I need a battery that can last as long as possible. What spec is the most important consideration in this case, CCA, MCA, or reserve capasity? I am willing to pay a few extra bucks for good performance. Are the Optimas or Oddesy really worth the extra bucks as far as daily staying power is concerned? Usually just take only one day trips in my local area but fight strong winds more often than not.

So far I like what I am hearing. The DX 704 is still in the plastic wrap, so I have never actually fished it. I value all your opinions, and perhaps I'll get a few more. Expensive investment if it's not going to "hit the mark."

I recently purchased a Dobyns DX704 for T-Rigging and Jigs . No complaints at all with the rod, but It is heavier than I expected. Will be throwing 3/8 oz. jigs with trailers, large worms like 10 in. Rage Tails, and creature baits with 3/16 oz to 5/16 oz bullet weights as I mentioned before on this forum. I appreciate all who responded. My question is this, did I select the right rod for this application and if so, should I keep the DX704, or should I swap it out for the DX703?

I am looking at Team Pro Speed. Retails for about $300. I currently have all Shimano and Revo but am willing to try others.

I have never owned or fished with a Lews but hear a lot of positive comments about them on this forum. Are they a quality reel? How do they compare to ABU or Shimano comparing reels in the same price range model to model specifically the Speed Pro Seris?

DelcoSol Snow on the ground here in Iowa with temps in the teens and no warm-up in sight. May have to wait till the spring to use it as well. Fished last week, but our days are numbered. Good luck with your DX744.

rockchalk06 I would have rather had a full cork grip as well.

Kschultz79I Also went with the DX 704 rather than the DX 744 because of rod length. The DX 744 would create storage problems for me. Will let you know how rod performs

Will be using it mainly for T-Rigs with 9-10 inch worms, creature baits, and jigs with tralers. All up to around 1/2 oz. maybe to 5/8 oz on rare occasions.

Thanks to all who posted on my previous post with questions concerning the Dobyns DX 704. I ordered one the other day for 20% off from TW on the early "Black Friday" sale and it has arrived. I just hope it fishes as well as it looks.

I have begun using braid with a FC leader on spinning gear for the first time as many have reccomended. Thought I would try it as I have always used mono before. I tie the leader to the braid with an Alberto knot. When I cast, I can hear and feel the knot pass through the guides of my St. Croix Avid spinning rod. Currently using 20lb. braid with a 10 lb. FC leader. My questions are: Is this normal, will the "slapping" of the knot destroy the integrity of the knot or harm the guides of my rod, am I tying the knot properly, is casting distance effected becauseof this? All replies are welcome as this has become very annoying.

I will be throwing 3/8 oz jigs with trailers and large plastics such as brush hogs and 9"- 10" worms as a rule. I was wondering if the DX704 would be a better choice than the DX703 for this application and be a bit more versatile?

How would the Dobyn's 704 Extreme model function as as texas rig/jig rod? A 744 Extreme would present rod storage problems for me because of the length. Is there anyone who has used this rod and what are your opinions? Will be paired with a Revo Premier.

Thanks for the input thus far. There will be times I will be throwing 10in. worms with 1/4 to 3/8 oz. weights along with Brush Hogs. By the opinions I have heard so far, it seems the better choice for that application would be the DX704 or DX744 rather than the DX703 as I was first considering. Have never used a rod longer than 7 ft. but the longer length sure seems to be popular with a lot of folks. Keep the suggestion coming. They are all appreciated as this could be an expensive purchase.

I have been using the Dobyns Champion seris rods for a while now and they seem to do a good job. I am now considering buying a Champion Exetreme DX 703C for Texas rigging. I have never owned or used the Champion seris. I would appreciate any feedback from those that have fished the Dobyns Extreme seris rods. Are they worth the extra money compared to the Champion and how do they compare with the Champion seris. Any advice or information/opinions would be appreciated.

Would like to buy one of these reels. Chronarch C14 or Core 100MG. Any thoughts or opinions would be welcome. Is the Core worth the extra $$$?

I have been reading a lot about this reels quality and ability for use with light lines and finnese presentations. How do you think it would perform with a heavier quality floro say 12# to 14# and used for Texas rigging? Would be paired with a Dobyns Champion MH. Have used a Core 100, but I am really taken by the 50 Mg's weight and palmability. Line capasity is not an issue for my situation. Also have read good things on this forum about the Chronarch in the 50 size. But will a 50 size reel do the job for what I am asking it to do?

I am also considering the Shimano Core 50MG7. Love the light weight. Have used the Shimano Core 100MG and it is a super reel. I have two qusetions. Would the the 50MG7 be suitable and have the power for larger plastics such as Brush Hogs or 9-10 inch worms Texas rigged if paired on an apprpriate rod? Is there a real noticeable difference between the physical size of the 50MG7 as compared to the 100 MG as I have never personally never seen or handled a Core 50MG7?

I was wondering if a MH rod rated for a 1/4-3/4 oz lure weight and 10-17 lb. test line would be a good choice for Texas rigged worms and Brush Hogs thrown into moderate cover. I am currently using a H action throwing up to 1oz. but would like to go a little lighter if possible. New rod if purchased would probably be Powell, St. Croix, or Dobyns. Use primarily 1/4 to 5/16 oz. bullet weights for the lakes I fish. All thoughts and opinions welcome.

Any opinions about this seris of rods? In years past, I used a lot of Fenwicks particulaly the HMG and was satisfied but have not owned a Fenwick for several years. Considering a casting rod for Texas rigging worms and lizzards in moderate cover. Also looking at a Dobyns Champion for the same application. Also, would a MH action rod up to 3/4 oz. be suitable? I have been using Heavy action up to 1oz . but would like to go a little lighter if practical.

I was wondering how many of you use a wacky rigging tool with O rings for wacky worm fishing? I have looked at a couple at TW and am curious as to wheather they preform as advertised and are they worth the investment. I am new to this type of presentation, but would like to get started. All opinions welcome pro or con.

Has anyone used the TUF Line Super Cast on a spinning reel? Sure sounds good in the description I was reading at TW. I need something with high visability above the water and I don't want to have to tie a leader on braid. I have been using Blue Stren mono due to it's visability. Any and all suggestions or opinions would be appreciated.

Roadwarrior--- You are right, although they were a great reel, It is time to retire the Cardinals. I am leaning toward the Stradic FJ or the Stradic C14. Seems as if there are different opinions about which is the way to go with them on the forum. I have looked at the Patriarch but not the Diawa Ballistic. I have never fished a Shimano personally, but a couple of buddies of mine swear by them.