MidwestBassAttack

Another nod to the Sierra series from Dobyns. I’ve got three. One 703 for my spinning rig for weightless. A 734 and 703 micro series for TRigs/Jigs as well as a few Champ XP’s and a Fury. Great rods IMHO.

Be happy it was found and can be fixed. I lost two relatives to massive strokes due to similar blockages. Take that recoup time to reflect, pray, and make plans for your new beginning. oh yeah, and buy some tackle! God bless and wishing you a speedy recovery my friend!

Oh man.....I’m heading over by you! Enjoy the “you” time uninterrupted and take it all in!

Love this topic! You all should see me driving my Nissan Altima with my 4 combos and with the three kids in back. What a cluster! I know I need to get a truck. I just fear having transportation capable of towing a boat will lead me down the path of visits with “the boat monkey”

Although sensitivity is very subjective, my vote for a solid jig/worm rod would be a Dobyns Sierra or Champ XP 734

Hey all - in reading the past threads on line conditioners, I see many concerned with strength and reduction in memory with their use. What about line visibility? Using KVD Line and Lure as an example, the product states it doesn’t absorb into the line but adds a protective barrier to the exterior of the line. With that said, wouldn’t that protective barrier affect the light refraction properties of fluorocarbon lines and make them more visible?

Thank you so much to everyone that gave advice. I will definitely be heeding everyone’s suggestions. I’m hoping this is going to be a great experience!

Thanks for the feedback everyone...a rainy evening, comfy chairs in the garage, cold beer, country music.......and an angler with a date with the tackle monkey tonight. This could be dangerous! Tight lines everyone

No co-poly here.... Gamma Edge for my fluoro, Power Pro for my braid, Suffix Siege for my mono applications (cranks and jerks only).

Hey anyone know if you can buy more durable tension springs for this? It’s by far the best spooling station I’ve personally used but those plastic “springs” wear out and break under tension at times.

Hey ya’ll - what say you on the best Dobyns model for Crank and Jerkbaits? I don’t go overly heavy.....usually KVD 1.5’s up to 3/4oz jerkbaits like KVD300’s. Like at least 7’ length.

I believe (and may be wrong) but line ratings on rods are considering monofilament lines. 50lb braid is roughly same line diameter as some 12lb monos so you should be perfectly fine with 50lb braid without fear of over stressing the rod to failure.

Hey gang - I’ve been using two 16’ Metanium MGL’s alongside some Curado K’s recently, and my interest is peaked towards the Bantam. Anyone here use a Bantam and can provide some pros and cons?

Good advice and noted!

Hi James - I’m going to be doing a few FLW stops in 2021 as a co-angler. I plan on bringing gas money and coffee for my boater. I’m only going to bring 3 setups and a single backpack to limit my “baggage”. I’m looking forward to just being in the experience of the tournament and thankful to my boater for allowing me on board. Any other tips you might be able to provide?

Based upon the lake profile you described, stick with Texas rigged plastics and throw in a black/blue or black frog for top water. i love weed less Texas rigged baits. The Rage Swimmers and Keitech’s might also enhance the bite. Match your colors to the baitfish you see on the shallows. Silvers for shad and a mix of green, blue, spec of orange for bluegill.

Dobyns would be right up your alley then. You can buy direct or look at various online, authorized dealers for some great pricing that fits your budget.

I prefer to buy brand new gear and the only protection I use is a rod sleeve for at home and on the way to the lake. I learned that my gear is a tool. Do I trash it? Heck no. Do I allow it to get some religion? Heck yes. like golf.....always put your money on the guy in jeans and a beat to heck set of clubs. Shiny equipment tells me your more into tackle than putting bass in the boat.

Keep your line guide dead center, I always put a strip of either masking or painters tape over my knot, slight tension on the line with your fingers, and reel slowly. If your feeling burn or heat on your thumb and index finger that’s telling you your spooling too fast (which could contribute to uneven line lay) and your holding too much tension. Slow and steady reeling will give you even line lay.

I would suggest going Dobyns. I have a 734 and 735 in the XP and a 734 in the Micro Sierra series getting delivered today. Sensitivity is pretty subjective and varies from person to person. I find the Dobyns ranges PLENTY sensitive. Great looks, quality components, and customer service that is simply amazing. You can’t go wrong. I’ve tried an Expride once and didn’t find much difference at all to be honest....but that’s just me.