I've got my eye on a Shimano Stradic FK 2500 spinning reel to complement my casting set up (Bass Pro Qualifier on a Medium/Heavy Berkley Lightning Rod), and I'm trying to decided between a Dobyns Fury 702SF or their 703SF. I am mainly wade fishing the Milwaukee River for smallmouth. I would like to cast lighter soft plastics (tubes, flukes, and would like to get into dropshot/ned rigs) and small jigs and I don't usually fish much heavy cover.

 

I'm looking for advice from anyone who may have experience with either of these rods. I've had my heart set on the 702SF, but I'm afraid it might be too light and possibly not the best rod for reeling in smallmouth in the current. What do you all think? Maybe there's an better rod you'd suggest in the growing $100 price range?

Welcome aboard!

 

The Stradic is a great start  

 

Since I have no experience with Dobyns I can't help there, but

if we're talking ML power, that's perfect for what you describe.

I've hauled in a lot of nice bass both large and smallies on ML.

@Darren. thanks for the response. The ML sounds like the choice. I was wondering what kind of line you would use for the things I plan on using the rod for? I've heard a lot of back and forth between Yo Zuri Hybrid and lower test braid with a FC leader. Which do you suggest/use?

35 minutes ago, MKEFISH said:

@Darren. thanks for the response. The ML sounds like the choice. I was wondering what kind of line you would use for the things I plan on using the rod for? I've heard a lot of back and forth between Yo Zuri Hybrid and lower test braid with a FC leader. Which do you suggest/use?

I am a braid mainline + leader guy 100% of the time. For me it 

is about saving my braid ($$) by not cutting into it a number of

times per outing when I need to retie. A leader solves that issue

for me.

 

Plus braid is better with line management on a spinning reel.

 

For me, leaders are Yo-Zuri Hybrid in 6, 8, 10, and sometimes 15.

Also bought three spools of Gamma Edge Fluoro in 6, 8, 10, and

enjoy using that as well. Works for all manner of freshwater fishing

I do. 15# is for those times when I need more power when in the

very nastiest of stuff. Oh, and I use 10 and 15# PowerPro Super Slick.

 

I use a uni-to-uni knot most of the time, and also the Mod'd Albright

aka Alberto knot to join braid to leader.

Have you looked at the St. Croix Premier rods that Cabelas currently has on sale for $90-$100? Stock comes and goes but you can still backorder them if your in no hurry.

 

I just picked up the Dobyns 703SF during the recent ebay 20% deal, and the St. Croix Premier (PS66MLFSG) from Cabelas when it popped back in stock, but haven't had a chance to test either of them out yet. Dang weather has been too hot lately to take out the yak.

 

St. Croix seems like the nicer of the two rods I purchased. 

 

@Darren. I was looking at the Yo-Zuri hybrid as a leader option myself. How does it hold up?

 

24 minutes ago, kenmitch said:

@Darren. I was looking at the Yo-Zuri hybrid as a leader option myself. How does it hold up?

Extremely well. I have zero problem highly recommending it.

 

Keep in mind, the diameter is a tad larger than other brands.

I consider 6# more like other brands' 8#, 8 as 10, etc. All

depends on which brands since diameter and pound test is

not agreed upon in the industry.