David P

That 735 Savvy would work well, and is only 1" longer. I too have the issue with rod lockers, but mine does fit 8fters. There just isn't carpet past the first 6 1/2 ft. The Rod Glove makes a great rod protector. are great ways to protect your rods and allow you to slide them all the way in there. Saves you a lot of money from not damaging guides.

I throw my swim jigs with a Dobyns 765 and 795. You could grab a Savvy Series 766 or a 735 to throw swim jigs with depending on how heavy and stout of a jig hook is on your swim jigs. Both great rods. That added length of the 7'3 and 7'6 help you cast those baits further, and move more line on the hook set.

Dobyns rods balance better, regardless of weight, they will feel lighter then rods that may weigh less for this reason. Powell rods are known for being a bit tip heavy, although at only 7ft it's less noticeable compared to a 7'6 rod. The Savvy rods definitely have a bit more flash, and many guys say they feel as good as any $200 rods they have used.

I've fished them all. Before I make a suggestion, I'm curious to know what size jigs, and what type of cover you will be fishing with this rod. Are you going to be fishing really heavy cover? Or are you more just looking for a stout, good strong jig rod for open water, outside weedlines, and some flipping up to tules? The reason I ask, is you may want to consider the 765 if you won't be fishing right in the middle of the thick stuff. It's a bit lighter then the 766 and one of my favorite jig rods out there. For the sake of answering the question directly, I highly recommend going with the Champion. This will be your jig rod, something where sensitivity is the most important, as with any bottom bouncing baits. The extra $70 certainly will give you added sensitivity and help out. It's better to get the cheaper Savvy rods for baits that sensitivity isn't as key.

You can't really work it through the mat. You are fishing vertical, but you can still pitch it out to reach all of the mat. Pitch it out, let it sink, bounce it up and down once or twice, then reel it back in. Repeat.

Nothing is too thick, if the 1 1/2oz doesn't get through, you bump it up to 2oz. Most stuff that guys punch a 1 1/2oz will work fine. 80lb braid, stout LONG rod is definitely a plus. You can flip or pitch your bait into the cover, and as you said, you bounce it off the bottom, or shake it on the bottom, whatever you prefer to do and what ever the fish prefer.

Haha, thank you. I've got Stradics on my 2 Extreme Spinning rods, and reels not mounted on my 784 Extreme. They're awesome rods though.

Just took a few, here you go. Quality sucks on my cell, but hope it helps a bit.

I'm getting a Curado. No doubt about that. I wonder how it would look on an Extreme? Nah, I can't even begin to think that way... ;D ;D ;D I have new Curado E7's on about 6 or 7 Extreme rods, they look pretty nice. I'd go with the Dobyns and Curado, if you can't afford it, then maybe grab a Champion 704 or 734 instead and get the Curado. That would work too. But if you really want the top of the line, get that rod and get a Citica. I just prefer high speed reels. You can get Curados for $145ish on Ebay.

Definitely Dobyns, and just save a bit extra for a Curado. ;D

I don't like CX personally, I experienced very similar issues as you are. I prefer CXX if I need a line that floats and has some stretch only. Otherwise I use fluorocarbon and braid.

Dan, It's not a problem at all, feel free to always shoot me a PM as well. Sometimes I go a few days without checking on this forum or I skip over things accidentally. I'll get a list of all the rods I use and for what and post them up.

First of all, Richard and the rest of the Dobyns customer service is great, and glad they got you squared away. Always nice to have a company right there ready to ship something your way if needed. As for the rods, I'm a firm believer in longer rods, and highly recommend them to everyone. The Extreme 742C , you get that added length to help with your casting, and hook sets. That 764 is a great rods for the baits you listed. I prefer a 5 power on the paddle tails but I think you'll be just fine especially for C-Rigs ands tuff. It seems as though you like those lighter power rods as it is, so I won't get into what I actually use ;D If you're ever in the Oakland / Walnut Creek / Brentwood area, feel free to PM me and let me know, I'm glad to show you some rods to see what you like.

It's all about personal budget. Is the extra money worth the advantages? Yes, but only if it fits your budget. Little lighter, more sensitive and flashy, everything is just stepped up a bit with the rods. It's worth the extra money, if you can spend it. If you can't, the Champions are still great rods.

Revo S or Shimano Citica. Check ebay for great deals.

I've never touched a T7, only held and pitched on land a St Croix, and I fish Dobyns exclusively. I absolutely love Dobyns and have gone to them exclusively because they are the best rods in the price point hands down in my eyes. They are awesome rods.

Great looking baits, and good talking with you on Facebook. One of these days when I've got some spare change I'm definitely going to send you some baits. Just for center pieces, too nice to fish!

2 1/2oz jigs 1 brown and 1 black . Then get a few packs of trailers (Blue , Green, Purple) you'll be set.

I had 11 Revo STX 2009's, 1 Reevo STX 2010, and I now own 11+ Curado E7's. Honestly, I think the Revos are better. They were a bit smoother, cast a little further, and had a far superior drag. I swapped mine out as many of them were older and used, and I had the chance to not spend much money and replace them all for new Curados. Not a huge difference, and either way you'll be happy, both are good reels, and I don't regret my decision, but I still think the STX's are a bit better. If you can save $40 , certainly the STX is a better deal.

Although I hate the Trokar hook itself, this style is very suitable for punching and flipping. Helps with your hook up ratio, the plastic black piece holds the bait in place so it does night slight back up. It does result in more torn baits after a fish or two, but also keeps you from having to readjust the bait on every cast.

I just use a normal snell knot with fluoro and haven't had any issues.

The longer the rod, the longer you cast, the more time you spend in at the bottom in the strike zone. Get the 805 McAbee Rod. Might be the most expensive, but you won't be thinking "man what if I had spent a few more dollars and got the BEST".

I throw them with a 7.1 no problem.

Grab a Shimano Citica off Ebay , or a Revo S. I'd pick both of those over the reels listed.

It's not just about line visibility. If you're fishing rocks, lines like P-Line CXX are far more abrasion resistant then braid. If I'm fishing heavier cover, weeded areas, or stained water away from rocks, I'll go without a leader. If there's rocks, no matter how dirty or clear the water is, I'm using a leader.