TylerT123

Dobyns 734 is considered their most versatile rod. HF vs MHF, heavy can through heavier baits, MH can throw lighter lures better. The H is more “powerful” and probably shouldn’t be used for treble hook lures. Plus Dobyns Rods are overrated (power wise).

Get a Dobyns 734 or 735 and Fuego CT or Tatula CT. Ha! Beat you to it! @CroakHunter

The Black II and St. Croix Bass X would be out for me, heard bad things about the unnamed brand, enough not to buy some of their products.

St Croix came out with a new line of rods, Mojo Yak. They are regular/longish lengths just a shorter butt and handle. Maybe take a look at those online?

Yeah, when I started to look for a baitcaster I researched the qualities that made a good reel, not good reels. I wrote down what a “good reel” had such as quality bearings, aluminum frame... That helped a lot, looking for specs of a decent reel and not someone else’s opinion of a good reel. Then I narrowed it down to what I wanted.

I was thinking Ritalin?

Gear ratio doesn’t matter with spinning reels and crankbaits, your retrieve matters. If your going too fast the crank won’t run right. If you like to reel very slowly get a higher gear ratio reel, if you like to reel faster than get a slower gear ratio reel, this would be different if it were a baitcaster. People have their own reasons to buy specific brands, customer service, rod quality, warranty, loyalty. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. ?‍♂️

I will admit it’s not too great with 1/2 oz or 5/8ish cranks but I could cast a 3/4 oz lipless crank far.

Hmm, noted. Nice setup too, I don’t know about you but those last few strands of braid on that reel would drive me crazy. I would how it would compare to a Curado K.

Either one, you can use a leader but you still need a swivel.

You need to, spinnerbaits spin and they will cause line twist issues.

Do you use a snap swivel or a swivel?

What lb test is your lighter braid?

Get a Daiwa Tatula CT or Fuego CT, they have a braking system that’s very user friendly, they run about $70-$130. Use thick mono like 17# Berkeley Big Game. It’s better to start the brakes higher and work your way down than to work your brakes up. Also don’t try to cast as hard as you do with a spinning reel.

No, I didn’t know it was just leader material, I thought it was regular fluorocarbon.

Johnson Beetlespins, they are cheap and come with extra plastics, great for smallies.

You probably need at least 2 Rods to cover those. Most people like Medium/Moderate for cranks/chatterbaits. With Jigs/Frogs people use MHF or HF.

Perfect, the K is what I was planning on putting on it.

Zebco Bite Alert Spinning Combo, $50, a whopping 2 bearings. Can handle 17-50 lb line and throw 1-8 oz. I think it’s a size 60 reel with 16 lb drag. It’s actually smoother than you’d think, it even comes prespooled with 20lb line. I use it for A-rigs, my iBobber and other large baits.

That brand is owned by Walmart and supposedly their tumblers are made in the same factory as Yeti’s.

Are the prices similar to a Dobyns Fury?

What weight reels do you use on the 2.0s? Do they balance well?

Are Dobyns Rods worth the sacrificed sensitivity for a balanced rod in your opinion? I don’t think I’d notice if it was balanced or not, I don’t fish all day, and I’m more focused on the technique. I don’t think it’d be worth it to me.

Not even the guides?