Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum. Ive been looking at jig rods for the past few months and I'm torn between two. I throw swimbaits and big baits most of the time and I prefer long rods. With this rod, Ill be throwing 1/2 - 3/4oz football and swim jigs along with flutter spoons. I know that I want an 8' medium heavy or heavy rod and that leaves me with two options. A Dobyns Champion 804c and a Phenix Recon 2 8' MH. I really like both of them but I'm skeptical of the Recon 2 because a lot of people complain about the rods breaking. Also, Ive heard that the 804c is a pretty stiff rod. There aren't any stores around me that carry these rods so I won't be able to try them out until Ive already bought one of them. Im hoping some of you guys have used one or both of these rods and can give me a little feedback on which one you like.

Hi Matt.  The 804c is a bit of a stiff rod yes, but not overly.  Maybe you were hearing about the 805c which IS about as broomstick as it gets until you load up a 5 lber on the end.  The only thing I notice on the 804c that MAY make it feel odd is the blank is thick above the reel nut.  I have a friend who threw a 1/2 oz football jig on the 804c and he loved it.  I used the rod for a spook as well and it casted and worked the bait well.  The 804c is actually not as stiff as the 764c to me.  I use that rod a bit for 3/8 oz football heads, although I prefer the 744dx.  Please let me know if there are any more specific questions I may answer. 

I prefer a 7 foot rod for jigs.

With big football jigs I can see where an eight foot rod would be beneficial. With swimjigs it would be a lot better to throw a seven footer for better accuracy. All of dobyns rods feel pretty stiff to me, but that is just me.

Hi Matt.  The 804c is a bit of a stiff rod yes, but not overly.  Maybe you were hearing about the 805c which IS about as broomstick as it gets until you load up a 5 lber on the end.  The only thing I notice on the 804c that MAY make it feel odd is the blank is thick above the reel nut.  I have a friend who threw a 1/2 oz football jig on the 804c and he loved it.  I used the rod for a spook as well and it casted and worked the bait well.  The 804c is actually not as stiff as the 764c to me.  I use that rod a bit for 3/8 oz football heads, although I prefer the 744dx.  Please let me know if there are any more specific questions I may answer. 

 

I appreciate the help man. I generally use Loomis rods, specifically the Backbounce series (BBR 966 & BBR 964) for throwing swimbaits. I absolutely love them for swimbaits. I thought about using the 964, but I think the action is too slow and the handle is too long for jig fishing. Its like a big crank bait rod.  I know that Ive never heard a bad thing about the Dobyns Champion series and thats why I'm open to trying one. One reason I'm wanting an 8' rod is that I'll be doing a lot of ledge fishing this year on Lake Barkley and I want the casting distance and ability to pick up a lot of line. Also, I do a lot of fishing by foot and I want to be able to get to those key areas. 

I appreciate the help man. I generally use Loomis rods, specifically the Backbounce series (BBR 966 & BBR 964) for throwing swimbaits. I absolutely love them for swimbaits. I thought about using the 964, but I think the action is too slow and the handle is too long for jig fishing. Its like a big crank bait rod. I know that Ive never heard a bad thing about the Dobyns Champion series and thats why I'm open to trying one. One reason I'm wanting an 8' rod is that I'll be doing a lot of ledge fishing this year on Lake Barkley and I want the casting distance and ability to pick up a lot of line. Also, I do a lot of fishing by foot and I want to be able to get to those key areas.

I do think you'd be making a great choice. The 8' rod gives a great amount of pickup. Try it out for a day or two of fishing and I bet you'll be in love man!

I appreciate the help man. I generally use Loomis rods, specifically the Backbounce series (BBR 966 & BBR 964) for throwing swimbaits. I absolutely love them for swimbaits. I thought about using the 964, but I think the action is too slow and the handle is too long for jig fishing. Its like a big crank bait rod.  I know that Ive never heard a bad thing about the Dobyns Champion series and thats why I'm open to trying one. One reason I'm wanting an 8' rod is that I'll be doing a lot of ledge fishing this year on Lake Barkley and I want the casting distance and ability to pick up a lot of line. Also, I do a lot of fishing by foot and I want to be able to get to those key areas. 

 

You are getting good advice from DTack. He knows what he is talking about when it comes to Dobyns!

When it comes to bass fishing I personally don't care to use a rod over 7' for any technique.

You are getting good advice from DTack. He knows what he is talking about when it comes to Dobyns!

I dunno about that but thanks for the kind words.