Hello everyone,

 

My name is Jacob, and I am a long-time lurker on this forum. I live in N Idaho and while steelhead fishing is my passion, I love smallmouth and am getting back into the game. I fish Dworshak and the Snake River, two huge bodies of water, with corresponding big smallies.

 

I have read a lot from this forum by the excellent posters here and look forward to learning more. My initial question for all of you concerns two Dobyns casting rods: the Champion XP 704 cb and Champion XP 705 cb, both graphite. I am looking to throw wiggle warts, LC 1.5s (square bills and DDs), LC 2.0 dds, and Pointer 100s and other jerkbaits. So 3/8 to 5/8 oz cranks and jerks, with the warts to 1.5s seeing most action. 

 

I have narrowed down the search to the XP 704 cb and XP 705 cb. Which rod would be better in your opinion? I like the idea of the 704 for 3/8-1/2 oz cranks, but I am concerned it would be a little underpowered for Pointer 100s and 2.0 dd cranks. Perhaps in the future, I'll get both but I'm also saving for a dedicated bottom contact spinning rod in the NRX plus class, so one, all-around crank/jerk casting rod is what i'm looking for at this time, even if it's not perfect for both applications. 

 

On Dwoshak especially, the chance is there for a 7lb plus smallmouth, and those big bass like crankbaits (and other baits).

 

Anyway, glad to be a part of this community and looking forward to learning more and hopefully contributing in the future as I get more experience. I love fishing and want to learn as much as possible in my quest for a trophy smallmouth.

 

Thank you. 

Welcome aboard!

 

The 705cb is the better “do it all” crankbait rod. Jerkbaits, lipless, squarebills, down to medium divers. Should handle everything you specified. I have a Fury 705cb and it’s perfect for 1.5s and 100-110 jerks. Should be able to toss wiggle warts too

Thank you sir. I appreciate the advice!

What line? If braid, 704, if fluoro or mono, 705.

I’d be throwing 8lb maxima Chrystal Ivory. I like the stretch and Maxima has great knot strength and some stretch to play big fish. For cranks.