David P

I really like The Rod Gloves . They have a tapered tip making it much easier to get into rod lockers, especially the ones with the little holes. Great quality, and great company. Check them out.

Good to see you're bass fishing again! Congrats on the first one of the year.

Many Dobyns Rods do not come split grip, or you have the option between split grip or full grip. So for those of you that don't like a split grip, there are still PLENTY of rods to choose from. If split grips are your thing, you're in luck too. Rods to fit every single want and need.

With any new company there is a high risk for potential problems. Gary openly admitted there was some issues with the G1 rods, and he handled it with class. He fixed every problem, and made the rods far better then ever before. He stands behind his product 100% and their customer service is the best. I lost count how many I have at this point, but all the newer rods are great.

Berkeley scales from all the buddies I've talked to are about 1 in 10 when it comes to accuracy. You're going to go through SEVERAL before you find an accurate one. XTOOLS scales are a bit better, but I've had one that was horrifically off, by over 5lbs . Boga Grips from what I hear are quite accurate although only weigh in .2 of an oz increments. Many of the big fish guys out here use a Salter scale, they're not water proof, and pricey ($80-$100), but they're dead on. I highly recommend one, if you're able to keep it dry. I'm on my second one now, both have been dead on accurate and it was well worth the money.

I use a Snag Proof Perfect frog in open water as much if not more then I do on top of weeds . They're GREAT open water baits. The new Snag Proof Phat frog is a little bigger and some of the colors imitate bait fish. It's just like a spook but not as loud.

I throw plastics on 7'3 - 8ft rods and can't stand going shorter. Height really doesn't play much of a role, as I have a few buddies under 5'6 that use 8fters with no problem. Having said that, get what's comfortable. 7'3-7'6 really isn't THAT long, and picks up considerably more line on hook sets. It REALLY helps fishing in deeper water, 20ft+.

I have the 705, and even that, to someone who doesn't fish moderate action rods, could thing it is very soft. Cranking rods are meant to have a lot of give, it keeps the trebles from being ripped out of the fishes mouth. Can't remember off hand the lure rating for the 704, but I personally don't go over 3/4oz with my 705. I'm not a huge cranking guy as it is. I know of some 6lbers personally being caught on the 704CB and have heard of a few up to 8 being caught on it. You'll be fine, but you always want to play fish with crankbaits, don't horse them in.

CXX breaking strength can be described in one word, well two. Absolutely UNBELIEVABLE. I have pulled up entire trees pretty much with 15lb cxx, and have never once broke off with the 20 or 25lb that I use. (I have broken off 20 and 25lb fluoro from several companies). I don't know the exact numbers, and have never used 6lb test, but everything from 12-30 I have used, and it has not broken. The one thing I will say is it's not a very manageable line, more memory then fluorocarbon, that's why I use it mostly as a leader.

Based on the 844C GLX vs my 734, (it's been a long time but..) I remember the 844C having a faster tip then the 734, but the 734 having the same if not a tad more backbone. Sorry I can't compare the 733 with the 843. Just trying to help if someone can't make a direct comparison.

You just picked the wrong line. Trilene 100% and Pline Fluorocarbon are great. I like Invisx too, but only 20lb and 25lb, the lighter 10-15lb lines stretch too much for my liking. Since using their 25 I haven't noticed the same rubber band effect as I had with the 12lb.

It's a tough call. Personally for my style of fishing I'd go with the 734, but I do prefer heavier action rods. The 733 is an awesome fluke rod, and from the sounds of it, will probably do you just fine. I always stay on the heavier side for everything and others stay on the lighter.

The line tie does move. To replace the hooks, slide the hook out from the back of the frog, the line tie is attached to the hook so it will all slide out. Once you get it out, you will see how to replace the hooks. Sliding it back in can be the hard part. You can use some thick Mono to tie to it and thread it back into the frog, or some thing wire. For any of the frog modifications I highly recommend the Snag Proof Frog work kit . Enables you to easily slide the hook in and out, and much more.

I didn't know Carrot Stix had micro guides now.. I know the new Boyd Ducket rods do. Only thing to keep in mind, is if you use braid with a fluoro leader, it might not work out all too well. The Dobyns rods use a pretty small guide, although larger then the Micros, and it's just about the smallest possible for my leader to braid knot to still get through. Can't imagine it work with the micro guides. Just something to think about. Other then that, they look pretty cool, and are supposed to cast further like others have said.

Treble hook baits 7ft MM is fine. Jig rod and spinnerbaits, I like to at least use a 7'4 Heavy and most of the time I like a 7'6 flipping stick for my jigs and spinnerbaits. You can cast further, and move more line on the hook set.

The Dobyns 743 is more comparable to the GLX in all honesty. The Dobyns 733 is IMO a step up from the IMX but not quite at the GLX level. It's still a very sick rod, I honestly prefer the 734 for the baits you have suggested, except top waters. The 734 handles spinnerbaits and lipless cranks a bit better, and it's got a little softer tip then the 743 does which will help you with those treble hook baits. It's by no means a moderate action rod, just not AS fast as the 743. I have owned a 744, 734, and MBR844C GLX, the Extreme rods action is a bit more comparable to the MBR844C. Both rods will do the trick, more preference then anything. You'll be very pleased.

After seeing what you're fishing, I wouldn't be caught with anything less then my Dobyns 766, and most likely would only be using an 805 (8fter). Not sure if you've had issues losing fish, but certainly if you get one big enough he could wrap you up pretty easily. The longer rod also lets you lead and steer the fish away from cover and get them out to open water. I've had to put my rod tip over and under tree branches that I couldn't have done with a foot and a half less.

Pretty sure China. Not 100%.

Longer rods help a TON, there are MANY reason why, and it's much more then just preference. Flipping, the longer rod is MANDATORY , you get much more line out there , given that you're not using the reel and just the line that is out, it's a huge advantage. The flipping rods pick up much more line on the hook set, and are beef sticks, there aren't many 6'6 rods that I've held that are a stiff and solid as flipping sticks. Accuracy is another plus, it's helped my accuracy a lot.

I've had a SOL, great reel, just wasn't a fan of the slow gear ratio. I can't comment on a Pixy. The 702 is an awesome all around finnesse rod, drop shot, tube, shaky head, light jigs, whatever it be, it's awesome. The DX is a MAJOR step up and well worth it, if the money is readily available. If money is tight, you still will be very pleased with the Champion 702. I have fished both, and have several Extremes and several Champs, feel free to PM me with any questions.

I just switched from Stick Jacket to The Rod Glove (www.therodglove.com) . I use all Dobyns Rods and they were able to get all the tip wraps to say "Dobyns Rods" on it for me which is really neat. That's purely cosmetic, but a feature no one else offers.

The new Dobyns Savvy series, best under $200 rods I have used, they're SICK.

I'd go with a Dobyns 735 Savvy Series with 65lb Braid (Tie a leader up with 15lb fluoro or something when you fish the jig). If you fish heavier cover and want something to power those fish out, the Dobyns 766 will work for both.

I've been looking for a white braid to replace my Power Pro, maybe I'll give the Izorline stuff a try.

You make the best looking cranks out there. Still in awe every time I check this section and your posts.