I’ve been throwing a bladed jig on a Dobyns Fury 704C, and while I love the rod overall, I feel like I’m missing more fish than I should. It seems like I’m getting bites, but either not getting a solid hookup or the fish comes off shortly after the hookset.

I’m starting to wonder if the 704C is just a little too powerful for this application.

I’ve been looking at the Dobyns Sierra 703C since it’s a step lighter with a more responsive blank. For those of you who’ve fished both, would the Sierra 703C be a better dedicated bladed jig rod? Or is the issue more likely my hookset, line, trailer, or drag setup?

For reference:

• 3/8 bladed jig

• Keitech paddletail

• 15–17 lb fluorocarbon

• Reel is a 7:3:1

Anyone make the switch from a 704C to a 703C and notice a difference in hookup ratio? Or is there another Dobyns rod you’d recommend instead?

My first thought is hook-set

When I'm fishing spinner or chatter baits with the heavier hooks, I do a 'double-tap'...set the hook, then set it again.

I only have one Dobyns rod, but from what I've read about them over the past 17 years is that they usually fish a bit light. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that you don't need a less powerful rod. Consider trying MN's suggestion.

In my opinion your setup is fine. How are you setting the hook? I have found that a rod sweep, loading into the fish, works best for me.

17 minutes ago, LCG said:

In my opinion your setup is fine. How are you setting the hook? I have found that a rod sweep, loading into the fish, works best for me.

I’m in a kayak and do a left hand retrieve so I usually sweep and up to my right to set the hook.

I feel like the more moderate Sierra would help but I would suggest the 733.

I MUCH prefer a heavy moderate taper composite rod for bladed jigs, and I've tried a lot of them. In the Dobyns line up a 5 or 6 power crankbait rod is the way to go.

16 minutes ago, rangerjockey said:

I feel like the more moderate Sierra would help but I would suggest the 733.

733 with a 3/8 bladed jig is really nice

People who love bladed jigs (myself included) fall into two camps- moderate/heavier rods and faster/MH rods. I am in the latter camp. I am a ‘hook setter’ more like a jig whereas the more moderate rod guys will say keep reeling and sweep. Both work and it’s your preference.

If I find myself in your scenario, I am doing two things. First, I’m checking my hook sharpness. Bladed jigs have a pretty chunky hook and it takes a bit of power to drive it home. The sharper they are the better, especially if you get caught out of position when the fish hits. Or in a kayak where a little of your power is transferred to the kayak moving closer to the fish.

Second, shorten your trailer. Sometimes the fish are just grabbing the back half of the lure and not fully committing. Moving from a 5.5 to a 4.5 or a 4.5 to a 3.5” gives them a slightly more compact profile and makes them take the bait a little further forward.