David P

Zillions are lighter and balance better. I just sold my last Zillion rod because I went to all dobyns rods. They're as stout and strong as the powells, yet as light as the zillions, best of both worlds. Not to mention all the lengths and powers to choose from to fit every need.

You're not the first person to have that reaction. At the ISE show, I and everyone else that picked one up that I heard said the same thing...

What are "All Around" applications for you and the places you fish? Mostly open water? or Lots of weeds and cover?

I have 4 Revo STXs and 1 Daiwa Zillion with a 2nd on its way. I love Revos for fishing heavy line in heavy cover, Flipping, Pitching, Punching, it does all my heavy duty work. But for light and regular applications I'd go with a Zillion. What are you going to use it for?

Dobyns 734 / Daiwa Zillion

I'd rather have 10 good rods, then 20 bad ones. Or even 1 good rod vs 5 crap rods. Buy nicer rods as you can afford them, in 5 years you'll be happy you did and will have quite a few by then.

Before reading your last post, I was going to say 8lbs 10oz. Looks very similar in size to an 8-13 I caught last year.

1/2oz hand tied jig, 13lb3oz

I use Revos for my heavy duty baits in cover, I love the extra drag power. Revo will give you plenty of power for fishing strippers as well. I have 4 STXs and a Revo Toro. Really depends how much you're looking to spend. Revo S - $100, Revo SX $170ish(I think that's the new price), Revo STX $200. Cool thing is, with the purchase of a SX or STX you get a free pair of $130 wiley x sunglasses.

Not to disagree with Flech, but I'm one of those guys who likes all the same rods. I do notice a difference in feel from a St Croix, Loomis, and everything else. Reels play a large part in a setup feeling the same though too. It's a confidence thing for me as well. Not sure if you already have other rods, you said you wanted to stick with the same rod but didn't say what you had. In case you're getting new rods, check out Dobyns Rods. I have all Dobyns rods (they come split grip and full grip), the new ones just came out and are retailing from $200 - $240. Great rods, very light well, warranty, and extremely light and sensitive. Tons of models depending on your preference on lengths and actions. I have 4 Revo STXs and they balance perfectly on the rods.

Where's the bass at?

Definately need two rods, those applications would do better with different lines as well. You want a stiffer rod for swimbaits especially ones with just the one jig hook on top. You want the power to set to hook with a lot of line out.

Braid with flouro leader .

Dobyns 734 / Daiwa Zillion 7.1:1

Jigs - 50lb braid / 15 up to 25lb P-Line CFX Fluoro or 100% Fluoro T-Rigs - 50lb braid / 14-16lb fluoro

Jigs, Beavers, ALL PLASTICS except finesse techniques, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, senkos, anything t-rigged, frogs.

If it ain't broke, dont' fix it. Stick with what you like instead of looking for the next best thing. You'll save money, and save yourself a headache.

For Me: I have 6 7.1:1 reels : 2 Jig Rods, Frog Rod, T-Rig Rod, Senko Rod, and my Punching rod I have 3 6.3:1 Reels : Crankbait rod, Spinnerbait Rod, Shaky Head / Drop Shot rod then I have 1 spinning reel and 1 Daiwa Luna for swimbaits. I fish senkos easily with a 7.1:1, and can effectively fish slow as well, but when it's time to reel in slack line, or the fish has the bait in its mouth hauling balls toward the boat, it helps.

I'm definitely brand loyal. I like having all the rods and reels feeling the same, so when I put one down, I pick the next one up not having to get used to any different feeling. I also like it because I don't spend hours trying to figure out which reel to get next, I already for the most part know. I fish with 4 STXs and 7 Daiwas. I have all Dobyns rods and fish with them because I truly think they're the best. I have fished with them long before I got put onto the pro staff, and wouldn't have wanted to be on it if I didn't think they were the best.

I have a 2 door Scion tC , I manage to fit 8ft rods in the front seat. It's a hatch back, so normally I slide them through the back and put the back seats down, but I have fit 8fters in there. Open your front passenger door, and slide them into the back .

I was having a blast with a Dobyns 702 S / Shimano Stradic. I now use a Dobyns 702 Casting for shaky head fishing even with 1/8oz I just like baitcasters better.

It's a crappy situation you got put into, but at the same time, if he doesn't state anything about a warranty, and he's willing to give you a new one for $30, he's actually doing something he doesn't "Need" to do. He could have screwed you worse. It always sucks losing money though, I know how you feel.

Visibility isn't the only concern. Braid cuts easier on rocks then Fluorocarbon does, so if you're fishing rocks, regardless of water clarity, a leader is a good idea.

It had a 12" Catfish in its stomach? How did he see that without cutting the fish open?

Always good to see 11lbers eaten!