Stephen B

I have not been impressed with Dobyns even the smallest bit. I second the Orochii XX, but I would get the Jig n Worm. The Perfect Pitch is going to be a little much for what you look to be wanting. The Orochii XX Jig N Worm will be perfect for 3/8 to 3/4 oz jigs and can pull double duty as a frog rod. The XX is a much more sensitive rod over the Champion series and edge out the Kistlers Helium as well.

As an avid angler that has fished Gloomis, St Croix, Kistler, Dobyns, Abu Garcia, Megabass; I highly recommend not bothering with the Dobyns. Basically you have a few options, but depend on your price range: Diawa Zillion Swimbait Rod, TFO Swimbait Rod, or a custom Kistler. If it was my choices, I would contact Trey Kistler as he will do a custom built KLX. By doing this you will be able to design your rod with your handle length of choice. Also, the KLX rods are build on the NFC blanks which are incredible.

With restrictions regarding the handle as mentioned previously you will struggle to find a swimbait rod with a short enough handle. They all have long handles to allow for two-handed casting as well to balance the rod.

The only options that are worth the money IMO are the A3, Tranx, Lexa 400, or Curado 300. I wouldn't bother with the Okuma.

Agreed, the cost to the manufacturer is being transferred to the consumer. The tackle shops and manufacturers don't make a lot of money off of them.

The best swimbait rod around $200 is the Muse. Unless you want to pay more for a Dobyns rod.

I would recommend the *** Muse 7'9" Heavy Swimbait rod. The Mojo Bass lacks in the sensitivity department.

I have had the same experience as Summerland. Hopefully they honor their warranty on the products

I have had a few flaws in the Hammer Rods I have received. On the 7'6" Heavy the expoxy work is not good and also the winding check is of cheap quality and is deteriorating. One thing that I found to be interesting is from my experience the spinning rods are not nearly as sensitive as the casting.

Are you looking for a round reel or low profile?

I think Quantum is a good company, but they don't produce the quality rods/reel they once did. But the same can be said for many others. What was your budget for the rod/reel?

Although Big Game is a great value, I find it has more memory than I personally like. I like Stren and Trilene XL much more. I definitely agree that fluorocarbon is pricey.

Columbus and Phenix City have great white bass and hybrid fishing during January-March on the river. A great place to go fishing is Rotary Park. Summerland Outdoors has a lot of fishing rods and reels and they can provide you with some detailed knowledge of some spots to try.

I have heard of some manufacturing issues/flaws in the reel. There are a few videos on Youtube about issues. Are you still problem free?

Perfect explanation by Tom. Couldn't have said it any better.

I think the Tatula frog rod will be too light for your punching needs. Anyways, Let me know if I can help out any.

I too thought the Orochii XX SS was a great option.

I agree they are great rods, but I am not a fan of their grips. I'd prefer a nice cork. The handles are a bit short for my liking as well. Overall, they are good rods at the price point, but it's a competitive price point.