I am looking to replace a Dobyn’s Fury FR703SF that I snapped the tip off this past summer. 
 

I almost exclusively fish smallmouth in the shallow, rocky upper James River and Virginia portions of the New. I use a lot of “crawler head jigs” with 2-3/4” through 4” solid head tubes, up to 1/4 oz weight on those. I also use a lot of weighted wacky rigs, typically 1/8-1/4 oz with a 5” senko. I love using these on a spinning setup and dragging it along the bottom. 
 

I’m looking for a new rod, under $200, that’s going to do as well as that Dobyn’s! I have a GLoomis GCX 822S DSR that I use with drop shot and lighter weighted wacky, but it feels a little soft for these tubes. 
 

What recommendations do y’all have for me? Thanks!

Welcome!  I have been happy with the old model ST Croix Avids.  I would look a ST Croix victory or avid lines.  I have move on to making my own rods with North Fork Composite blanks now but St. Croix makes hood rods.

4 minutes ago, BassinBrett said:

Welcome!  I have been happy with the old model ST Croix Avids.  I would look a ST Croix victory or avid lines.  I have move on to making my own rods with North Fork Composite blanks now but St. Croix makes hood rods.

My dad used to make his own custom rods, and I have several older St Croix’s he made me that are great, as is a Victory I borrowed, but I’ve been fairly disappointed by their lower end - mid tier stuff the last 5 years. The Avid and Victory are both a little out of my budget right now unfortunately. 

St. Croix Mojo Bass.

I have a Fury also and love it.

Firstly, welcome to the forum. 

 

I use a Kistler Helium 7' LMH (light-medium-heavy) for finesse plastics.  It's rated for 3/16 - 5/8 oz baits, but I throw almost anything bigger than a Ned on it.  It's got a light tip with more backbone.

 

I also use a Douglas Outdoors LRS-724XF, rated 1/8-3/4 oz.  It's got a softer tip than my Kistler.  I use it more for drop shot, Senkos, and small swimbaits, but it's a nice rod.

 

The Kistler is my #1 choice.  They're made in Texas, and if you have any questions, Trey himself, or Reuben answer the phone and reply to emails.  

 

Good luck picking out your new rod.

Megabass Levante Enforcer.  Great bottom contact and senko rod.

One rod that has caught my eye is the Cashion Element Z2, based on their website the 7'0" MH.  I would have thought the M, but they claim that is a ned rig technique specific model. I haven't ever played with Cashion, but if the sensitivity is there, I am intrigued. 

Daiwa Tatula XT 7' M-F spinning.