I am looking at picking up a new rod casting rod. Right now I have the following rods: St Croix Victory 7ft 4in heavy fast Dobyns Kaden 714 (7ft 1in "heavy"-more like a stiff med heavy fast) Daiwa 2025 Tatula bass 6ft 8in medium fast. What type of rod would you suggest I pick up next? I am thinking I would benefit from another do it all medium heavy. Which of the following rods would you suggest I get: Dobyns Champion XP 734 Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 744 Daiwa Tatula Elite 7ft 3in fast. Which would be best for jigs and chatterbaits? Thank you for the help!

I'd vote for 7'2 MH expride in that price range...

Of the rods that you stated, the 734 would be my choice for chatters and would be good for jigs but not ideal. But hard to beat the Expride though with the price increase it is a bit above he others.

Through a warranty claim last year, I upgraded to a St Croix Legend Bass Tournament 7’1 MHF casting rod. I paired it with my Daiwa Tatula CT 7.3:1. That is considered an all in one rod. Probably my favorite in my minimal collection. 😂

Because I’m a bank angler, I need the all in one type rods so I can enjoy multiple techniques. I wanted at least 1 casting and 1 spinning at the minimum. I’m not lugging more than 3 rods around on my adventures. I also have the St Croix Victory 7’1 MHF spinning rod. I have that paired with a Pflueger Patriarch 5.2:1. That is my favorite line of spinning reels, Pfluegers. I love this rod setup as well.

Definitely get some nice compliments from my fishing buddy on those. He uses Ugly Stik with Pflueger spinning setups.

Just my opinion for my price point on entertainment value.

1 hour ago, johnnybassjr said:

Of the rods that you stated, the 734 would be my choice for chatters and would be good for jigs but not ideal. But hard to beat the Expride though with the price increase it is a bit above he others.

I would get the expride but the warranty is not very good on it

1 hour ago, MRQturbo said:

I'd vote for 7'2 MH expride in that price range...

I would but the warranty isn't all that good on it+ it doesn't go on sale much

No comment on the rods as I have zero experience with any of those you are considering. I do agree a MH would be an excellent addition but maybe one with a Regular, Moderate/Fast or Medium/Fast action? I have more MH than any other power. I went for versatility when I first got into baitcast reels.

@Calvin123 I found this Phenix feather on amazon for $127. I have avids, exprides, and champions and think this rod lands just below exprides, but only barely. But for less than half the price, this is what I would buy. It's listed as a H but I'd say MH(+) would be more accurate. Great for what you want to do.

scott

Edit: I see your warranty concerns, phenix is known to be relatively good in that dept. I have never used it and phenix was bought by GSM about 18 months ago, so there might be a change in customer service.

https://www.amazon.com/Phenix-Feather-Freshwater-Casting-Fishing/dp/B07BZPGFK8/ref=sr_1_15?crid=3N1AJCV9I291P&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Tvimbm__kkoMb2KB_GtCiazH2JgyLWgZ-M0Gj2kMAwWq3VI_qxGRjVa6pcOwLidfyRTJOgJTHIC5E8tnDxozckxMsvT4Qh_ixHOM-DXlVME3FwHfqVbCU2y41_CUAX8fVyYP-CmuL1RRJ5IsWaW1Lt2Dfiq88km8yNqlTn0xuAOOOxrG6vUW0Aj3i1ZHkMTMlhttbv2rtTHvxOAG-sYPSxrRf3f-Oui6UHFAs7L8vH8.ciXWsPAixs64JfcReskBuC1DdyjnuuyNJtPZL4oDiHU&dib_tag=se&keywords=phenix+rods&qid=1775084144&sprefix=phenix+rods%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-15

50 minutes ago, softwateronly said:

@Calvin123 I found this Phenix feather on amazon for $127. I have avids, exprides, and champions and think this rod lands just below exprides, but only barely. But for less than half the price, this is what I would buy. It's listed as a H but I'd say MH(+) would be more accurate. Great for what you want to do.

scott

Edit: I see your warranty concerns, phenix is known to be relatively good in that dept. I have never used it and phenix was bought by GSM about 18 months ago, so there might be a change in customer service.

https://www.amazon.com/Phenix-Feather-Freshwater-Casting-Fishing/dp/B07BZPGFK8/ref=sr_1_15?crid=3N1AJCV9I291P&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Tvimbm__kkoMb2KB_GtCiazH2JgyLWgZ-M0Gj2kMAwWq3VI_qxGRjVa6pcOwLidfyRTJOgJTHIC5E8tnDxozckxMsvT4Qh_ixHOM-DXlVME3FwHfqVbCU2y41_CUAX8fVyYP-CmuL1RRJ5IsWaW1Lt2Dfiq88km8yNqlTn0xuAOOOxrG6vUW0Aj3i1ZHkMTMlhttbv2rtTHvxOAG-sYPSxrRf3f-Oui6UHFAs7L8vH8.ciXWsPAixs64JfcReskBuC1DdyjnuuyNJtPZL4oDiHU&dib_tag=se&keywords=phenix+rods&qid=1775084144&sprefix=phenix+rods%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-15

Yeah, don't let the H/XF rating fool you. This rod is a GREAT bladed jig rod and could definitely be used for jigs (tho I like a little faster/stiffer tip for my jigs, unless in open water). The thing is crazy light as well. Just a really fun rod to fish with.

6 hours ago, FLYING HIGH said:

Because I’m a bank angler, I need the all in one type rods so I can enjoy multiple techniques. I wanted at least 1 casting and 1 spinning at the minimum. I’m not lugging more than 3 rods around on my adventures. I also have the St Croix Victory 7’1 MHF spinning rod. I have that paired with a Pflueger Patriarch 5.2:1. That is my favorite line of spinning reels, Pfluegers. I love this rod setup as well.

Bank Fisher myself, this is exactly why I got the Rod Mule (Cal Coast Fishing Rod Mule Rod Carrying System) cuz I cant decide which rod so I just bring five.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Cal_Coast_Fishing_Rod_Mule_Rod_Carrying_System/descpage-CCFRM.html

28 minutes ago, Falkus said:

Bank Fisher myself, this is exactly why I got the Rod Mule (Cal Coast Fishing Rod Mule Rod Carrying System) cuz I cant decide which rod so I just bring five.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Cal_Coast_Fishing_Rod_Mule_Rod_Carrying_System/descpage-CCFRM.html

WOW 🤩!! That looks pretty awesome for bank anglers. I think I will get one sometime this year. Thank you for the suggestion. Spot on for working SMARTER not HARDER. 👍

For bladed jig I use 6'10" H Mod-Fast St Croix Premier, I think Falcon has basically the same rod called the Head Turner.

6 hours ago, softwateronly said:

@Calvin123 I found this Phenix feather on amazon for $127. I have avids, exprides, and champions and think this rod lands just below exprides, but only barely. But for less than half the price, this is what I would buy. It's listed as a H but I'd say MH(+) would be more accurate.

I gotta add to the others in this recommendation. Even if it isn’t what you want, at that price you’ll find a use for it.

The only negative I have with those rods is the grip material is on the thin side. Not enough to bother me, but enough that I notice it after using other rods.

11 hours ago, FLYING HIGH said:

WOW 🤩!! That looks pretty awesome for bank anglers. I think I will get one sometime this year. Thank you for the suggestion. Spot on for working SMARTER not HARDER. 👍

Anytime, man… Been using every since when I saw this on this forum, years ago (I think).

13 hours ago, FLYING HIGH said:

WOW 🤩!! That looks pretty awesome for bank anglers. I think I will get one sometime this year. Thank you for the suggestion. Spot on for working SMARTER not HARDER. 👍

2nd the mule. I don’t use it every outing if I’m only hauling a single rod or two but it goes on every camping trip and when I’m on someone else’s boat. Keeps stuff organized and relatively safe when walking a trail or to the bank from the car.

Of those three, the 734 is the cleanest fit if chatterbaits are a real priority and you still want one rod that can cross over to jigs. The 744 is the better straight jig rod, but it starts giving up some of the load that makes a bladed jig rod feel right, and the Tatula Elite fast would not be my first pick as a do-it-all middle ground. If you are bank fishing and trying to keep the lineup versatile, I would lean 734 and live with it being good for jigs instead of chasing the most jig-specific option. Are chatterbaits the main driver here, or do you really want a jig rod that can survive double duty?

I would likley use one of the Champions for a bladed jig, depending on the weight.

As for an additional rod, I would consider a 7' or 7'1 Med power Fast, theyre like a swiss army knife. I throw square bills, lighter free rigs, smaller spinnerbaits, finesse swim jigs, walking baits, weightless t rigs, JBs, shakey heads etc.

I like a little slower rod for bladed jigs as I want to give them a second to have time to clamp down on moving baits before setting the hook.

I saw a video that explained that theory well to me. They said there are times when using a moving bait that the bump you feel is just them inhaling the bait as it is moving by. Too fast of an action could allow a fast set to pull the bait away before they close down on it. Personally I believe I have a better hook up ratio with slower rods than with faster ones.

I have a Champion XP 734 running buzzbaits and like it for that. I haven't tried it on bladed jigs, but feel it would probably do well. For regular jigs, a faster rod might be more ideal, but I think it would still work. Would be good for swim jigs too!

There's bad reason the Dobyns XP 744c "Jig Special" rod is a faster rod than the 734. I believe there is some overlap between them and you would be fine though!

13 hours ago, FrnkNsteen said:

I like a little slower rod for bladed jigs as I want to give them a second to have time to clamp down on moving baits before setting the hook.

I saw a video that explained that theory well to me. They said there are times when using a moving bait that the bump you feel is just them inhaling the bait as it is moving by. Too fast of an action could allow a fast set to pull the bait away before they close down on it. Personally I believe I have a better hook up ratio with slower rods than with faster ones.

I have a Champion XP 734 running buzzbaits and like it for that. I haven't tried it on bladed jigs, but feel it would probably do well. For regular jigs, a faster rod might be more ideal, but I think it would still work. Would be good for swim jigs too!

There's bad reason the Dobyns XP 744c "Jig Special" rod is a faster rod than the 734. I believe there is some overlap between them and you would be fine though!

Would you suggest the champion xp 744 or 735 for a only jig rod

I don't have either, but I have seen LOTS of feedback of people praising the 744 more than a 735. I saw a video with Gary Dobyns saying he developed that XP 744 specifically for fishing jigs.

I move things around fairly often to try different setups, so I occasionally lose track of my current setups. I think right now my jig setups are a St Croix Legend Extreme I picked up off the seconds rack at the factory in Wisconsin when I went there one time, an older Kistler Helium, a Dobyns Champion Extreme 745 and an older NFC blanked Kistler Zbone MHMF I use for moving jigs.

Bought all of them either heavily discounted or second hand. The hunt is part of the fun for me! :) Kind of like looking for old vinyl records or CDs! 🙂