Hi Everyone, I am looking at getting my first casting set up.  I currently have a spinning pflueger president 6530 on a 6'6 ugly stik elite medium (super smooth and light).  I am fishing 95% of the time in my pond in my backyard which is about 30 yrds x 30 yrds, so not too big.  I found a great deal and bought a Diawa Tatula CT 7:3:1 for $90 so I am wanting to pair it up with a rod that will give me a variety along side my spinning set up.  I want to be around the $100 range for the rod.  From what I have read it seems the two main contenders in that price point are Dobyns and St. Croix.  However, I hear the Dobyns runs light on power and St. Croix is heavy.  I will say I ordered a Abu Garcia Blue Max (Walmart) baitcaster for around $70 and did not like the set up; I ended up returning it. It was 7' med heavy.  The rod felt very heavy and stiff (not sure the model exactly).  I want to avoid that.  Like I said, my pond is not too big and i will most be throwing stuff up to about 3/8, maybe 3/4, doubt any 1 oz stuff.  I am not a fan of the longer rods so I would stay in the 6'6 range preferably.  

 

I just want some advise on the powers and what you guys think. I want enough separation from my spinning that it doesn't feel like the same rod but also I don't want something that reminds me of that Abu Blue Max (heavy and stiff). 

 

Ultimately, would it be best to find that next level rod with the Dobyns Fury 663C (M/H), Dobyns Fury 664C (H), or the St. Croix Mojo Bass Med (since it runs heavier; the heavy may be too heavy)?

 

Any feedback, experience, or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Also, let me know if you have a Tatula and how you like it.

 

Thanks,

 

Adam

   I have the Mojo Bass 7'-01" MH/F, and although it's not my idea of an all-around rod, it sure comes close! You know, I'm sure, that as the power of a fast-action rod goes up, the "feel" of the rod stiffens, too.

   That being said, I have several 200 size Shimano reels to use on this, and I usually use 12 to 15 lb. test line. The only thing I want to do that this rod doesn't do well is crankbaits. I have another rod for those.

   I had the Mojo 7'-01" M/F, and it was a good rod. I just wanted more power, that's all. Like you, I want to throw 3/4-1 oz. lures; the M/F didn't reel right for that at all. Maybe it will to you, I don't know.

   Good luck to you!   ?   jj

I have a dobyns 733. same power as the 663. just longer. I use this for light texas rigs.

I also have a mojo 7ft 3 in medium/fast Mojo bass. I mainly use this for weightless flukes and senkos.

the actions of the Medium st croix and medium heavy Dobyns are very similar.

The mojo is a litlle tip heavy compared to the Dobyns. 

The Dobyns seems more sensitive, but that may be because the dobyns is balanced a little better.

 

If you want a true medium heavy Dobyns, the 664 would be better. I have a 734. that is used for heavier texas rigs and jigs.

just for reference on Dobyns rods the first 2 numbers are the rod length. The last number is the rods power.

a 734 is a 7 foot 3 inch 4 power rod .

 

 

At $160, it might be outside your price point, 

but I'd personally go with a Dobyns Sierra 6'8" MH/F (683)

There isn't much that blank can't handle.

 

Roger

 

I have a 6’8” mh mojo bass and it has a nice soft tip in my opinion, softer than the previous generation in 6’6” mh. It’s quite all around for me, 1/4-3/4oz jigs, 3/8 buzz/Spinnerbaits, most top water baits, square bills, Texas rigs. 

17 hours ago, r83srock said:

I have a 6’8” mh mojo bass and it has a nice soft tip in my opinion, softer than the previous generation in 6’6” mh. It’s quite all around for me, 1/4-3/4oz jigs, 3/8 buzz/Spinnerbaits, most top water baits, square bills, Texas rigs. 

Glad to hear the mojo does have some softness. Thanks.