*I accidentally posted this in the tackle forum as well, so can a mod delete that one? Thank you.*

Hey guys/gals,

I'm in the market for a new jig/t-rig rod, and I need a little bit of input, specifically from those who own Dobyns rods.

I'm looking to buy a Dobyns champion series rod. I've heard some people say that Dobyns rods typically fish a heavier power than labeled, is that true?

I was thinking about the 703, is that what most of you use?

It won't be used for any slop. Mainly deep water, weed breaks, etc.

735c is my favorite rod for those applications. 703 is a nice rod but I doubt it is going to fish heavier than it is labeled. 

Depends on the weights and cover you are fishing. I would probably go with a 4 or 5 power based on he the fact you will at least be throwing around some vegetation. I use my 4 power for jigs and t-rigs from 1/4-1/2oz for the most part and my 5 power for 3/8+ mostly. I feel like each of the 4 and 5 power will go above and below those limits, respectively (and within reason), but that's mostly how I use mine. The 734 and 735 would be great rods for what you plan on using them for as well as many other applications.

734/735 IMO. Dobyns rods are are usually considered to be under powered for their rating. I have 4 of their 4 power rods because they are ao versatile.

735 for 3/8+

734 for 3/8-

The 735 has a pretty unique xf tip and can still throw 1/4 jig+trailer

Grant and iabass have good input I would go with what they say they know the rods very well.

734C and 735C as mentioned are what you should be looking at in this series of rods. If I were only going to have 1, I would get the 734c based on it's versatility.

I agree with what everyone has said before. The 734 and 735 are both very versatile rods. In your case I would think that the 734 is the way to go based on what you will be fishing in. It is basically a MH rod by most manufacturer's standards but has plenty of power. 

Question for you dobyn dudes....which handle style? Split or full? Does it make a diff in how the rod fishes, weight, balance? Or is it all personal pref.?

Question for you dobyn dudes....which handle style? Split or full? Does it make a diff in how the rod fishes, weight, balance? Or is it all personal pref.?

All of the Dobyns rods that I have used have very good balance regardless of style, I am a believer in fish what is comfortable to you, I believe it a personal preference.

I think it is mostly personal, but that being said I like the full cork grip. But for rods under 7'3 in the champ series only split grips are available. I have the champ 704 which I use for skipping docks and it is still very comfortable. 

704 or 734 is what your lookin for

Question for you dobyn dudes....which handle style? Split or full? Does it make a diff in how the rod fishes, weight, balance? Or is it all personal pref.?

some like full cork because it balances better but the split grip balances great as well. i use all split grips (except for the champ cranking rods) and use 6oz-7oz reels on all my rods and even the 7'4 -7'6 rods balances great /w 50 size shimanos and t3 1016s

I have a few Dobyns rods but I think my favorite is the Mag Hvy which negotiates heavy cover, tosses swimbaits ~ ~ (the workhorse)

It's the Dobyns Champion 705C  (7' 0" - Mag Heavy - Fast - 3/8 to 1-1/2 oz - 12-25 lb)

 

Roger

Question for you dobyn dudes....which handle style? Split or full? Does it make a diff in how the rod fishes, weight, balance? Or is it all personal pref.?

I love my full grip 735c. I would buy a split grip in a heart beat though.

I like full grips

Question for you dobyn dudes....which handle style? Split or full? Does it make a diff in how the rod fishes, weight, balance? Or is it all personal pref.?

 

All else equal, the only advantage to split-grips is lighter overall weight

Provided the butt section is sufficiently long, I wouldn't know if I'm holding split-grips or a full grip without looking down.

But to each his own of course, for instance, my wife does not care for split-grips.

I tell her jokingly, 'just don't grab the handle where there is no cork'   

 

Roger

I like split grips because I think they look cool. I don't think either offers a significant advantage

Maybe I just need to tell my wife I HAVE to get both to see which one I like. I have split and a full in my spinning rods, kinda like the split a little better. Both the two casting rods i have right now have really weird short handles, they are shorter rods. So I am not sure which feels "right" to me. I doubt I will get a chance to handle before i order, gotta go with the gut i guess. thanks for the input guys.

In general here is what I think..... keep in mind there is always some crossover in weights

 

Champion Line

3 power = 1/4 oz jigs

4 power = 3/8oz and 1/2oz

5 power = 3/4oz and 1/2oz too if working heavy cover  

 

DX

basically the same except I like all my 1/2oz jigs on a 5 power, or a 784ML (becasue of the tip)

I think the 744 is more suited to 3/8oz. That's IMO, based on how I like to fish.

 

Cork is all personal, I like full cork..... the rod feels better in my hands with full cork and 2 handed cast are easier for me in the full cork.

I have a 742 in split cork and everytime I use it (often) I wonder why I ordered it in split instead of full

In general here is what I think..... keep in mind there is always some crossover in weights

Champion Line

3 power = 1/4 oz jigs

4 power = 3/8oz and 1/2oz

5 power = 3/4oz and 1/2oz too if working heavy cover

DX

basically the same except I like all my 1/2oz jigs on a 5 power, or a 784ML (becasue of the tip)

I think the 744 is more suited to 3/8oz. That's IMO, based on how I like to fish.

Cork is all personal, I like full cork..... the rod feels better in my hands with full cork and 2 handed cast are easier for me in the full cork.

I have a 742 in split cork and everytime I use it (often) I wonder why I ordered it in split instead of full

This xs infinity

In general here is what I think..... keep in mind there is always some crossover in weights

 

Champion Line

3 power = 1/4 oz jigs

4 power = 3/8oz and 1/2oz

5 power = 3/4oz and 1/2oz too if working heavy cover  

 

DX

basically the same except I like all my 1/2oz jigs on a 5 power, or a 784ML (becasue of the tip)

I think the 744 is more suited to 3/8oz. That's IMO, based on how I like to fish.

 

Cork is all personal, I like full cork..... the rod feels better in my hands with full cork and 2 handed cast are easier for me in the full cork.

I have a 742 in split cork and everytime I use it (often) I wonder why I ordered it in split instead of full

Hard to argue with that. The only change for me would be that I use some lighter lures on my four power rods also.

Full grips for me. I found they balanced a little better, plus they just feel right to me.