NYBasser

735 is definitely a bit too heavy for 3/8 oz jigs, it's better as a frogging stick. Stay with the 734c and you'll do just fine.

It will most likely be less sensitive than the Mojo Bass series. The Bass X uses SCII graphite, while the new Mojo Bass series uses SCIII.

I'd go with a 4 power Dobyns. A 3 power is definitely too light for 1/2 oz.

Never tried Carrot Stix due to their poor reviews in the past. Why don't you return the rod and pick up a Dobyns Fury or something? Never really enjoyed any Ducketts either, the blank felt heavy and dull to me, especially on those ghosts...

Spiral wrapped rods help to prevent the rod from torquing sideways under heavy pressure. Not really necessary for freshwater bass fishing, but I've got a couple spiral wrapped rods for saltwater striped bass and tautog. Certainly helps when you've got a 30+ lb striper digging down...

Don't go with the E6X for the dropshot rod. I have a GL2 for my dropshot rod, and while I do enjoy using it, you can get a much better and more sensitive rod for the price. Take a look at the Dobyns Sierra/Champion series, or even a St. Croix Avid. Pretty sure that the general consensus on here for the E6X is that it definitely isn't worth the price.

I'd go with the St. Croix mojo bass. Their new lineup uses the SCIII graphite, which is the same quality as used in their Avid series rods, and St. Croix offers a great warranty as well.

Reel size/profile doesn't in any way correlate at all to the distance and castability of the reel. The weight/size of the spool and the quality of the bearings are two factors that determine the casting distance of baits. That being said, I'd go with the Curado. Shimano has had a much better reputation than Abu over the years.

Wow, you brought back a post from 10 years ago.... OP hasn't even been active on the site for 6 years....

I've been ice fishing up in Sullivan County. Little more than a 2 hr run for me.

The Fury series is very diverse and they offer plenty of different rods. They are not all the same. They offer anywhere from a 661 light spinning model to an 805 flip/punch model. Not sure why you are assuming that they are "all the same". In terms of 733 vs 703, some people just prefer longer rods or shorter rods for many different reasons such as storage, bank fishermen, etc. Just like loomis offers a 7'1" jwr rod and a 7'5" jwr rod in most of their lineups. If you claim that 3" doesn't make a difference, then certainly 4" can't be much either. They also recommend a heavy rod for buzzbaits because Dobyns rods fish lighter than their weight rating, just like how some abu garcia rods fish heavier. There is no standard in the fishing industry for what heavy/med-heavy/medium rods should be, so between every company there will be differences. The fact that you had to say "I'm not bashing Dobyns" 3 separate times alone makes it seem like a Dobyns bash lol

Tried a few ponds in the past month, has been pretty slow. Had pretty good ice fishing upstate though.

I love the Shimano Core 100mg7. I fish it with stock bearings and its amazing.

Check out a Dobyns Fury 734C or 735C. 735C can also double as a great frogging rod.

Dobyns Fury 735c is the perfect rod for your application. Its has amazing balance, along with the fast tip that allows you to easily "walk" the frog on top. It also doubles as a great jig rod for 1/2 oz and up. I even use it to flip 3/4 oz weights into pads. I would definitely reccomend it.

Chronarch E series and Curado E series are literally the same reel. Only difference is in the paint job.

Says it on their website. Both use the SCIII Blank.

I'd go with a Kistler KLX or Helix if you are looking for sensitivity. If you are more interested with warranty, it's hard to beat a Dobyns. St. Croix makes good rods, but its hard to justify $200 for an AvidX when you can get the new Mojo Bass for $130, same blank.

Carolina Rig

Personally, I'd go with a Chronarch Ci4+ or a Curado 200E/2001 Series. You can find a couple Chronarchs floating around for around $170-$200, or $90-$120 on the Curado I series. In terms of a rod, it depends on what you are looking to do, but a Dobyns Fury/Sierra series or an o.m.e.n black would do just fine.

Big Shimano guy here, I've owned Cores, Chronarchs, Curados, Citicas, and a bunch more. Have tried Quantum before and felt that it isn't as "refined" as Shimano is. I do currently own a Quantum Energy PT and use it for inshore salt. Snagged it for $80, and at that price, its hard to beat.

If you know where to look, ex: craigslist, the flea market section, other forums, etc. you can easily find Curado 200I's for $120 brand new, or even as low as $85 slightly used. Personally, I'd go with the Curado. Had a friend who had some bad experiences with Daiwa.

Interested in purchasing a new jig rod. Looking at either the Dobyns Champ XP 744 or a Kistler KLX 7'3" MH for 3/8 - 1/2 jigs in light cover. Not looking on anything hesver or lighter, just opnions on each rods balance, sensitivity, and performance. Thanks in advance.

Try out the Shimano Brenious, I believe it's rated for Saltwater.

Not too familiar with fishing on the west coast, but here on the east coast, I like using anything between 8ft - 10ft off the jetties with a 4500 - 5000 size reel spooled with 30-40lb braid. You can also use a smaller 7ft rod with a 2500 size reel, but using the longer rod will make it easier to cast.