druben

My favorites this year have been the Missile Baits D- Bomb and the Gambler Big EZ. The D-Bomb is an awesome flipping/punch bait as well as a good jig trailer. The Big EZ rigged at a weighted swimbait hook has been good for me around grass and pads. Has a great swimming action.

They are great rods. I don't know why anyone would call them dead. Good sensitivity and a great lineup of models.

I know the 744 is a new model, but if you go with the 735 you will not be disappointed. The rod just fishes so many things well; especially jigs and soft plastics. It is a great starting point with Dobyns.

You need to go with a 5 power in Dobyns. Their actions are softer than most manufacturers. A 3/4oz jig will not fish comfortable on a 744. My vote is to get a Champion 735c. It is has the perfect action for jigs, c-rigs, and a great frog rod. Very versatile.

You're the man

I know this was not in the question, but try the missle baits d-bomb and get the best of both.

I prefer a Dobyn's Champion 734 with a 6:3:1 Curado

Dobyns 734c with a 6:3:1 Curado and 17lb flouro

Nice catch. Looks like Glenn Springs?

The Dobyns is definitely worth the $225. The rod is great, and does not feel like a 7'9" rod in your hands. Very light and balanced. It is also versatile, you can comfortably pitch 3/8oz all the way up to 1 1/2oz.

For dobyn's all of their 4 power rods (704, 734, etc.) are rated heavy by Dobyn's but these are on the softer side and fish like most MH's.

I fish Glenn Springs a lot. I was there a couple weeks ago and most of the surface grass is gone but if you can find small pockets of matted grass with at least a couple feet of water under them, then they are usually good for one or two fish. But as the grass dies down, I would be using a 3/4 oz jig on the points and on the channel edges. You will not get a ton of bites but they will usually be good ones when it is cold. Also have had some success using a carolina rig with a fluke on it.

Both are terrific flipping baits. To me it depends on the type of cover being fished. If you are flipping around wood, laydowns, or docks I would probably go with the pit boss. But if you are fishing around any kind of vegetation or punching, the D bomb is an awesome bait. Very streamlined and goes through grass very well.

Dobyns Champion 734 or 735

On a punch rig with a skirt. It may not look like much, but is a great little bait for getting in and out of thick grass.

The blank is different as well. I got the new version of the 745 and the blank is a little bit faster and IMO a bit more sensitive.

Dobyns Champion 735c

Dirty Jigs, Dandy Baits Jigs, Omega Jigs. All are quality brands.

Definitely the 735

Pit chunks are great jig trailers. Gives them something different with a unique action.

Dobyn's DX 795 and DX 746.

I got a Megabass Nautilus this year and paired it with a Shimano Chronarch CI4. I use it primarily for football jigs and the sensitivity is just unreal.

Dobyns DX 746.

The *** *** in the 8:1 is a sweet little reel that was made to be paired with the *** rods. Definitely worth giving a look.

Sorry for your loss