Anyone else struggle with gear acquisition disorder? Just purchased Dobyns KD734cb and Dobyns DX745c and need advice on picking reels to match.

KD734cb - Plan is to throw medium diving cranks (0-10'), mayyyybe some walking baits.. idk haven't used it yet but has a soft tip perhaps not enough back bone though. What reel would you pair with this rod and application? I'm thinking a 6.x:1 gear ratio, around 26 IPT, under 8 oz reel weight, 10-14# fluoro ?

• Daiwa Fuego CT 6.3:1 (matchy matchy)
• Daiwa Tatula 150 6.3:1  
• Daiwa Tatula elite 6.3:1 (I don't prefer the smaller handle and knobs on this for cranking though)
• Shimano Curado MGL 6.2:1
• Chronarch 150 MGL 6.2:1

Reel pricing increases through the list. Do you think its worth a more expensive reel for crankbaits? Also thoughts on 6.x:1 vs a 7.x:1 for this technique?

 

DX745c - Jigs, jigs, and oh did I mention this rod will be used for jigs?? Swim, flipping, football, skipping.. well at least I'll try haha. This will be my first true jig rod. Not sure if this should be spooled with braid to rod and a half length leader or just straight 12-17# fluoro. 7.x:1 or 8.x:1??

• Daiwa Tatula Elite 
• Shimano Curado MGL
• Daiwa Mangetsu - limited edition reel. Looks cool but at that price point should I just go with Zillion lol
• Shimano Chronarch 150 MGL
• Shimano Bantam MGL A

 

Appreciate all insight from those of you who've had the chance to fish with these rods and reels. BOCO: buy once cry once am I right.. then do it again!

 

 

Take a long hard look at the Okuma X-series. This reel is super light, fits great in the hand, and is a flat out work horse!

My first advice on the cranking reel is get the nicest, smoothest reel you can for the cranking!!

 

In my opinion, cast n reel techniques like cranking, spinnerbaits, and such are something that definitely something that warrants spending more to focus on smoothness of both the cast and reeling. You don't want to spend all day casting and reeling with a rough gear reel!

 

If you like Daiwa, the new '24 Tatula 100 is getting good reviews for smoothness, or if stepping up, the JDM Zillion is always a great option. I like the Tatula Elite, but at the price, I'd go JDM Zillion. If you prefer Shimano, maybe a Curado MGL, or step it up to a Bantam.

 

Smoothness isn't quite as important on jig rods in my opinion. If you're including skipping, I'd look to a Tatula SV first off, if not, then maybe a new Tatula 100 or 150 or Curado MGL.

 

My opinion,.... Spend more on the cranking reel to go for smoothness and less on the jig reel where you are going to use the rod more for movement and the reel for line pickup.

Since you mention the Chronarch being the most expensive, I assume you're looking at US retailers.  Instead, grab a JDM Bantam from Digitaka or JLS and be done with it.  Last I looked they were about $250 for a bantam which is $50 cheaper than a Chronarch (which I have a couple and love, but the Bantam is better).

Don't worry about the knobs on a reel.  It's like making a car buying decision based on the stock tires.  You can easily change that with Bantam knobs or an entire $10 handle like what is pictured.

 

I'd get JDM Zillions for both. Maybe the normal JDM Zillion in a slower ratio for the crankbait rod and then a Zillion HD for the jig rod.  

4 hours ago, Bigbox99 said:

Don't worry about the knobs on a reel.  It's like making a car buying decision based on the stock tires.  You can easily change that with Bantam knobs or an entire $10 handle like what is pictured.

 

I'd get JDM Zillions for both. Maybe the normal JDM Zillion in a slower ratio for the crankbait rod and then a Zillion HD for the jig rod.  

Handle brand?

7 minutes ago, Bass Rutten said:

Handle brand?

Artsea on Aliexpress.  It's the poor man's Zillion HD handle.  I have one on a Tatula 80 which is now the poor man's mini Zillion HD.  The only negative is the harsh 90° angle in the carbon that can scrape the skin of your knuckles but that doesn't happen with these knobs because of the way these long knobs keep your hand from rotating over and extending your knuckles aggressively cranking on the handle.  Still a minor gripe that they didn't sand the edges even if it is a non issue with these knobs.  

 

Basically they are long anti-knuckle buster type power knobs on a handle that would be really crappie if you busted knuckles on it.

Can't find any of their products scrolling Ali but here is their store.  It appears they are doing some shuffling of products and prices all over Ali so maybe they will return.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqnBqTt

16 hours ago, TNriverRAT said:

Anyone else struggle with gear acquisition disorder? Just purchased Dobyns KD734cb and Dobyns DX745c and need advice on picking reels to match.

KD734cb - Plan is to throw medium diving cranks (0-10'), mayyyybe some walking baits.. idk haven't used it yet but has a soft tip perhaps not enough back bone though. What reel would you pair with this rod and application? I'm thinking a 6.x:1 gear ratio, around 26 IPT, under 8 oz reel weight, 10-14# fluoro ?

• Daiwa Fuego CT 6.3:1 (matchy matchy)
• Daiwa Tatula 150 6.3:1  
• Daiwa Tatula elite 6.3:1 (I don't prefer the smaller handle and knobs on this for cranking though)
• Shimano Curado MGL 6.2:1
• Chronarch 150 MGL 6.2:1

Reel pricing increases through the list. Do you think its worth a more expensive reel for crankbaits? Also thoughts on 6.x:1 vs a 7.x:1 for this technique?

 

DX745c - Jigs, jigs, and oh did I mention this rod will be used for jigs?? Swim, flipping, football, skipping.. well at least I'll try haha. This will be my first true jig rod. Not sure if this should be spooled with braid to rod and a half length leader or just straight 12-17# fluoro. 7.x:1 or 8.x:1??

• Daiwa Tatula Elite 
• Shimano Curado MGL
• Daiwa Mangetsu - limited edition reel. Looks cool but at that price point should I just go with Zillion lol
• Shimano Chronarch 150 MGL
• Shimano Bantam MGL A

 

Appreciate all insight from those of you who've had the chance to fish with these rods and reels. BOCO: buy once cry once am I right.. then do it again!

 

 

 

If you swim jigs often, I think a 7:1 speed is the right balance between line pick up when dragging and not overworking the swim. 

 

scott

On 4/24/2025 at 2:58 PM, Bigbox99 said:

Artsea

I had a couple handles in my cart, next day all grayed out "unavailable to ship to your country "

 

Tariffs hitting already

 

Whay do you call that tat80 the mini zillion HD? You use the new tat100 yet?

12 hours ago, Banned User said:

I had a couple handles in my cart, next day all grayed out "unavailable to ship to your country "

 

Tariffs hitting already

 

Whay do you call that tat80 the mini zillion HD? You use the new tat100 yet?

Yep.  Half my cart on Ali-x is 'unavailable'.  I think they will reappear when a tariff deal is made.

12 hours ago, Banned User said:

I had a couple handles in my cart, next day all grayed out "unavailable to ship to your country "

 

Tariffs hitting already

 

Whay do you call that tat80 the mini zillion HD? You use the new tat100 yet?

Because it's similarly shaped, colored and has an aluminum frame and handle side plate like the Zillion HD.

3 hours ago, KP Duty said:

think they will reappear when a tariff deal is made.

Here's hoping man

 

3 hours ago, Bigbox99 said:

Because it's similarly shaped, colored and has an aluminum frame and handle side plate like the Zillion HD.

But performance wise not what you were comparing right?

7 minutes ago, Banned User said:

Here's hoping man

 

But performance wise not what you were comparing right?

It's similar enough.  They are both magforce z Daiwas.  

You guys know soooooooooooo much about reels. I just keep using my mostly Shimano spinning reels and I've been using some of them for 40 years. 

@Bigbox99

I take those cheap handles and put the old Daiwa I-shaped knobs on them for all my reels. When I remove the knobs I smooth all the sharp edges with a file or dremmel.

I LOVE the Tatula Elite. It’s the reel I bought for my Falcon Cara and is the one that made me a Daiwa man. Every reel since then has been Daiwa, including the Tat 100 you mentioned (which is also nice).

 

I’d recommend the Elite. You can get the for like $180 from Amazon 

On 4/24/2025 at 7:06 AM, FrnkNsteen said:

My first advice on the cranking reel is get the nicest, smoothest reel you can for the cranking!!

 

In my opinion, cast n reel techniques like cranking, spinnerbaits, and such are something that definitely something that warrants spending more to focus on smoothness of both the cast and reeling. You don't want to spend all day casting and reeling with a rough gear reel!

 

If you like Daiwa, the new '24 Tatula 100 is getting good reviews for smoothness, or if stepping up, the JDM Zillion is always a great option. I like the Tatula Elite, but at the price, I'd go JDM Zillion. If you prefer Shimano, maybe a Curado MGL, or step it up to a Bantam.

 

Smoothness isn't quite as important on jig rods in my opinion. If you're including skipping, I'd look to a Tatula SV first off, if not, then maybe a new Tatula 100 or 150 or Curado MGL.

 

My opinion,.... Spend more on the cranking reel to go for smoothness and less on the jig reel where you are going to use the rod more for movement and the reel for line pickup.

This makes perfect sense and great advice. Why I really appreciate this forum! Am I on the right track that the square bil/medium diving crankbait reel should be 6.x:1 or low 7.x:1 with fluorocarbon line? The jig reel should be high speed 8.x:1, braid to fluoro leader or straight 17#+ fluorocarbon?

19 hours ago, TNriverRAT said:

This makes perfect sense and great advice. Why I really appreciate this forum! Am I on the right track that the square bil/medium diving crankbait reel should be 6.x:1 or low 7.x:1 with fluorocarbon line? The jig reel should be high speed 8.x:1, braid to fluoro leader or straight 17#+ fluorocarbon?

That's what I like. I have a hard time slowing myself down and default to a standard retrieve that tends to be too fast if using a higher speed reel.

 

All of my faster reels are setup for techniques where I am moving the bait with the rod and use the reel to pick up slack or reel it the boat quickly for another cast. Well,... Except for Buzzbait. I use a high speed reel to keep it on the surface quicker and easier.

 

Most of my other reels use a 6:or 7 spd reel. 6spds for slower moving baits or resistance baits like deeper cranks or something like Colorado blade spinnerbaits I want to slow roll around cover. Willow blades, swim jigs, squarebills, etc that I am ok with moving a little quicker usually get high 6 to mid 7 for me.

 

I know spool size impacts inches per turn, but most of my reels are reasonably comparable so I don't worry about it too much.

Don't sleep on the SLX MGL70 or even the SLX DC XT for the 734. Those 70 size Shimanos are a perfect match with the 4 power Dobyns CB rods.

I have a  Zillion SV and love it.  At the same time I bought a Tatula 150.  The Zillion is incredibly smooth, and just has an IT factor that I can't describe.  That said, the Tat 150 casts just as far, and catches just as many bass with zero complaints.  If you want to be practical get the 150, if you want romance get a Zillion.  

12 hours ago, Peacedivision said:

Don't sleep on the SLX MGL70 or even the ——-> SLX DC XT  <—— for the 734. Those 70 size Shimanos are a perfect match with the 4 power Dobyns CB rods.

 

On 4/24/2025 at 7:06 AM, FrnkNsteen said:

My first advice on the cranking reel is get the nicest, smoothest reel you can for the cranking!!

 

In my opinion, cast n reel techniques like cranking, spinnerbaits, and such are something that definitely something that warrants spending more to focus on smoothness of both the cast and reeling. You don't want to spend all day casting and reeling with a rough gear reel!

 

If you like Daiwa, the new '24 Tatula 100 is getting good reviews for smoothness, or if stepping up, the JDM Zillion is always a great option. I like the Tatula Elite, but at the price, I'd go JDM Zillion. If you prefer Shimano, maybe a Curado MGL, or step it up to a Bantam.

 

Smoothness isn't quite as important on jig rods in my opinion. If you're including skipping, I'd look to a Tatula SV first off, if not, then maybe a new Tatula 100 or 150 or Curado MGL.

 

My opinion,.... Spend more on the cranking reel to go for smoothness and less on the jig reel where you are going to use the rod more for movement and the reel for line pickup.

I run a 5 speed zillion for midrange cranks and agree it is a fine choice for cranking. A reel that lends itself to long casting with a smooth drag is going to be an effective option for cranking. Another good option is the REVO Winch. I use that for deep crankbaits.

On 4/29/2025 at 10:03 AM, Peacedivision said:

Don't sleep on the SLX MGL70 or even the SLX DC XT for the 734. Those 70 size Shimanos are a perfect match with the 4 power Dobyns CB rods.

Would line capacity not be an issue when bombing square bills and medium diving crank baits?

8 hours ago, LrgmouthShad said:

I run a 5 speed zillion for midrange cranks and agree it is a fine choice for cranking. A reel that lends itself to long casting with a smooth drag is going to be an effective option for cranking. Another good option is the REVO Winch. I use that for deep crankbaits.

Is your zillion the jdm version? Curious if the aluminum gears would get worn easier than brass when power fishing? Crankbaits put a lot of stress on the gears. 

30 minutes ago, TNriverRAT said:

Would line capacity not be an issue when bombing square bills and medium diving crank baits?

Not unless you're casting line with a crazy diameter. I have a DC XT on my 705cb spooled with 12lb hybrid which is the same diameter as 15lb invisx. I can bomb 3/4oz spooks that sure cast further than any crankbait and have no capacity issues. I run 10lb hybrid on my mgl70 / 704cb combo, roughly 12lb fluoro diameter.