David P

10lb Yo-Zuri Hybrid - 15lb breaking strength. 10lb CXX - 22lb breaking strength. Those are some test results of 10lb line, I haven't seen any done for 20, but P-Line CXX has always been the absolute strongest for me. I wouldn't toss any swimbait on anything below 20lb. As FBL said, memory isn't much of an issue with swimbaits, use 20 if you're staying under 2oz and if going above bump up to 25. If you're set on YoZuri stick with it, but don't downsize. CXX is definitely one of the most popular lines among the big bait fisherman out here in Cali. Definitely don't try to skimp on swimbait fishing if you're serious about it, you'll lose the fish of a lifetime.

Definitely the Dobyns 795. I have one paired with a Curado 300E and love it. I throw 1/2oz swim jigs, up to 4oz baits with it when needed. I prefer the SBMT model with the shorter handle, but that's a preference thing. Get the higher end rod, the Okumas feel considerably heavier. When tossing a heavy bait, make it easy on yourself with at least using a light rod!

If you're going to go all out and really get into throwing heavy swimbaits, I'd highly recommend bumping it up to 25lb. Not just because you'll catch big fish, but if you snag an expensive swimbait, that extra strength will come in handy.

Those Rago BVD3s are great on the Delta, Clear Lake, etc... But definitely not one of my first choices for the trout stocked lakes that you mentioned. If you're fishing trout stocked lakes, and want to imitate the trout, Huddlestons are a staple. The Baitsmith mag trout is another great bait but very heavy. 10lb is way too light for any of the larger swimbaits. I use 20, 25 and 30 CXX for swimbaits. Another question for you is what rod are you using? That will dictate how heavy of a swimbait you can throw.

If the money is available, it's definitely a great step up from the Powell rods. The other option is the Dobyns Savvy Series which is close to the Powell Pricing. Having said that, the Dobyns Champion series is well worth the extra $100. It's not JUST lighter, they balance better, and are also more sensitive.

The Frabill Storm Suit looks really neat, but still don't think it's out. Definitely going to look into getting one when they do. Right now I use a 6+ year old North Face Jacket that although doesn't let rain all the way through, it sure feels like I'm wet after a few hours.

Dichoso Baits Lunker worm, 10.5" and 12.9". I like the ability to pick or create whatever colors I want / the color of the flake I want. The tail section floats up a bit off the bottom too which I like, enables it to have a little more action then some of the worms that you have to move a lot to get the tail to move.

Exactly, out here on some clear water lakes, I have personally seen the advantages. I've fished Dichoso Baits custom pours behind guys on the front of the boat fishing different baits, and they far out performed a handful of mass produced baits. Might not make a difference EVERYWHERE, but sure does give that added confidence.

Not sure if all the "preparation" stuff actually ended up having adverse effects, but I spool it up right out of the package (12,15, and have done 20) onto reels with minimal problems. The 15 and 20 has more coil to it, but if you're using baits that you keep a tight line with, it really doesn't get in the way. I have 1 reel spooled with 12lb for over 4 months now and still fish able. Oh, and I use green exclusive, I feel like it blends in a bit better with most of the waters around here. The clear, as it's not fluorocarbon, seems pretty visible in the water to me. Might just be a preference, but I know green is pretty popular around here and has worked well. I'd say try another spool of it since there's enough to fill 2 reels, but this time don't do any prep work, see if it makes a difference.

I use 1/8oz and 1/4oz the most, and a round jig head. *** produced a really neat one that had a second hook to hold the plastic. As for plastic I have had my best results with a 6" Flat Belly Baby Boa from Dichoso Baits. It's similar to that of a trick worm, but you're able to pick and customize what color, flake, softness of plastic, buoyancy, and all that good stuff. It gives me confidence knowing I have a custom bait while others are throwing a mass produced bait that fish have seen a lot.

I have used the 766 for frogs mostly, some swimbaits, and occasionally jigs. I know some guys use it specifically for flipping, and it's really not a half bad rod, but I really like the extra 6" and the action of the 805.

Definitely go with the 805 from the sounds of things. The 805 is my absolute favorite for heavy cover, aside from the 795DX. It's definitely no light rod, it could easily be called a 806

It's rated a MH, but certainly can do the job. It's definitely a step up from the 765 and close to the 766 and 805. It's not quite as stiff a tip as the 805, which I like in many situations.

Sounds like you'll be punching heavy cover, not just flipping lighter baits. Definately go 805. It's the punch rod, specifically for heavy weights and getting down into the nastiest stuff. Although more expensive, the 795DX is an amazing heavy flipping rod and is extremely sensitive.

Dobyns 765, if really heavy stuff, Dobyns 766!

I really like the Dichoso Baits Klaw and Krazy Koura. Both baits you can have made to match any color jig. You can pick colors, the glitter color, and softness of your plastic. I love the ability to customize my plastics.

That's our lovely Delta! Too much fun!

Craiger has some great suggestions. I fish all Dobyns rods, and absolutely love them. They're well worth it! You can easily fulfill all your needs with the number of rods listed. The 733 and 734 are the most versatile rods of the bunch. The better question is what they can't throw. I use these rods in the Extreme models, but not too different. You can throw Rat L Traps, Spooks, Poppers, Buzzbaits, Spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, Jigs, Senkos, T-Rig plastics, C-Rig. One of each would really fit a LOT. 766 - Flipping heavy cover, and also I like this for frogs over a 735 in most conditions that I fish a frog. I know plenty of guys use a 735 and don't have problems, I prefer to use a more powerful rod. However, I still would suggest both 766 and 735. They both will cover a lot, from your flipping heavy cover, to throwing heavier jigs, heavier spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, buzzbaits, and everything. The 735 is just a tad heavier then the 734, and you'll find plenty of uses for it. Sorry this post is a little all over the place, just got home from a tournament and exhausted. To sum it all up, 733, 734, 735, and 766 are 4 great rods that you will be able to do JUST about everything. The only thing you wouldn't really be meeting is the crankbait requirement. You "could" get away with the 733 for cranking, but certainly not ideal. The tip is a bit too fast and can rip out hooks. It can be done, just not ideal. Spinning rods... Just grab a 702, you can throw both a shaky head and drop shot on it.

Definitely the Gen 1 rods that the dealers were talking about. The company did have some issues right when their first ever rods were released. Gary is all about customer service, and worked extremely hard to make things right, to customers, and to make sure it didn't continue to happen. He decided to pack things up, and move to a new manufacturer, thus the new rods (Gen 2). The new rods do not have breakage issues, I have broke a few, but always my fault (rod lockers). Dobyns Rods are all about customer service, and base their company around excellent customer service. Call them anytime if you have a rod issue, and it'll be dealt with immediately.

The Shallow/Medium rod then a separate rod for deep cranking sounds best, and is pretty much how I have my rods worked out too. I haven't personally held the KVD rods at all, and only held 1-2 different models of Excels (none of which were cranking rods), so the only one I can comment on is the other rod that I've held and fished which is Skeets cranking rod. I've used both his old Lamiglass ones, as well as holding the newer ones from W&M. The Dobyns Glass rods feel far lighter, I don't have exact weights, nor would it matter much, as regardless of what they weigh on a scale, the Dobyns rods are balanced perfectly. The first few times I picked up the Dobyns rods in the stores, I didn't even realize they were glass until I actually read the label. I throw my ripbaits on a 705 Glass, and work the bait very fast, and rip them hard, I can do it all day without effort. Where as I've tried to do it with my buddies old Lamiglass skeet rods, and it tires me out.

Haven't heard anything about one being in the works. That's not to say it's not, but I just haven't personally heard anything. Sorry.

So what are you using the 765 Glass for? I'm pretty set on picking one up for deep cranking next season. The 765 CB Glass has become my favorite Spinnerbait/Chatterbait rod. It has greatly increased my hook up ratio as there's no fear of pulling the bait away from the fish too quick (I use braid for both these applications). I do however still use my 765 to double as a deep cranking rod when needed. The RM rods I've noticed a little better land ratio, it's a bit stiffer enabling you to get the hooks in better when fishing cranks deep. I also love how light the 764 and 805 rods are, the glass one although very light for a glass rod, is a bit heavier.

I'll check to see if any of the staffers are in your area for you to try out one of the rods. Hands down the best deep crankbait rod is the 805 RM, there's no comparison. I have a buddy that uses it for medium cranks, as well as spooks, spinnerbaits, and chatterbaits. It's one hell of a rod, however if you plan to throw medium cranks more then DDs, the 764RM is a great rod too. It doesn't handle the DDs quite as well though. I have the 805 RM, 764RM and a 765 Glass CB. If I was to pick one, I'd figure what will I throw more, if the answer is Deep Divers, go 805, if it's medium divers go 764, and if it's 50/50 I'd personally take the 805. It just makes life much easier throwing deep cranks.

Do not trim your weed guard. It helps, especially when fish jump and try to shake the bait loose. The weed guard helps pin the fish, after I stopped trimming mine, I've lost a lot less fish. Braid also helps, you can use a fluoro leader if in clear waters or fishing rocks.

You can always shaky head with the bottom, as that's a lighter line technique then jigs for the most part.