going to be needing a rod for:

wacky senkos

shakeyheads

darterheads

ikas

ect...

which of the above models would suggest for these techneics?

i already have the 7'2 cruical for dropshotting, and ive herd that the dx742sf feels somewhat like it?? if anyone who has them or fished them please let me know. thanks!

Wow!!! A question on Dobyns rods and not one answer yet. Amazing. :)

Let me be the first to give an answer. One you can forget as soon as you read it. ;D I've no experience with either rod (which automatically disqualifies any advice from me). My foray into decent fishing gear started last year so limited actual on water experience. Oops. Another disqualification.

However, from my research it seems a 3 power rod most closely fits the ideal of an all-around bass rod. I'm not sure about the shakeyheads and darterheads, but it should handle the wacky senkos and ikas with aplomb.

Edit:  I just visited TW to check out their descriptions of the rods.  The DX 742SF isn't listed, but the DX702SF is with this description: Ideal for fishing Dropshot Rigs, Shaky Heads, Dartheads, and Tubes & Gitzits

The DX743SF is described as: Perfect for fishing Senkos, Texas Rigs and Jigs.

Looks like you will have to buy both if you want the best for each of the techniques you listed.    ;D ;D

I have never handled the two rods you're interested in, but based on the baits you mentioned, I think you're looking for more of a multi-purpose setup. A T-Rigged Fat Ika requires a little more stoutness than dropshotted Roboworms or light shakeyheads.

I was debating about getting a DX702SF or DX703SF this offseason. It will be used mainly for the exact same baits you mentioned, although I tend to T-Rig my Senkos instead of rigging them wacky. I had my mind made up that I was going to get the DX702SF after all the great reviews I read about them being fantastic dropshot/shakey rods.

I still have not handled a DX702SF, but I have handled the Champion 702S, and it feels like a finesse, 1/16-1/8 oz shakeyhead/dropshot or light walleye jigging rod to me. I don't think the Champ 702S would be very effective at hooking bass with a 4/0 EWG rigged Fat Ika or Senko. I personally don't like fishing those baits on a ML rod. I ended up going with the DX703SF after I handled one in a local store, and I'm really glad I did. To me it feels like the perfect multi-purpose spinning rod for a variety of soft plastics. I think a 3 power will handle all the baits you mentioned very well, Senkos, Ikas, 1/8-1/4 oz shakeyhead and dropshots, mojo rigs, etc. The DX703SF has a nice soft tip but has plenty of backbone for hooking fish thru a fat plastic bait like an Ika or large Fluke.

Take it for what it's worth, but I hope this helps.

wacky senkos

shakeyheads

darterheads

ikas

ect...

!

Senkos and Ikas weigh considerably more than shaky heads and darter heads... Two very different rods are typically used. Having said that, I've got a buddy that uses his 743 for Darterheads just fine, and I personally use my 743 for Shaky Heads 1/4oz and up...but not with light wire shaky head hooks.

I have the 742 and 743 and fish them both frequently.

Darter heads I prefer on the 742, shaky heads I prefer on the 742. While I prefer Senkos and Ikas on the 743. If I had to just pick one, I would go 743 as I'd rather have a little more power with some baits, than feel underpowered.

Vindicated!   ;D ;D

thanks guys for the quick respones! thinking about puling the trigger on the 743. and david i feel you on haveing more power than feeling underpowered.

If you find yourself in the Walnut Creek area, feel free to PM me, you can test them both out and see which one you like best. It's a lot of money, so making 100% sure is always nice, but I'm quite sure you will pick the 743 after trying both.

And who would that friend be who used the 743 for his dartheads???  HAHA

I use my 743 for dartheads, wacky senkos, well, pretty much anything I use a spinning rod for besides a dropshot.  It works well for me as I am used to a bit heavier or stiffer spinning rod than most folks, to me, it's all about finding a balance, I think I have pulled out one hook since switching to the 743.  I was using another brand's 3 power spin rod before and would pull out a LOT of hooks on fish, but not bend them out. 

David covered your question well just thought I'd chime in.  Just to confuse you more I have fished with the 742 and it is an AWESOME rod as well.

On 3/13/2011 at 6:42 PM, David P said:

Senkos and Ikas weigh considerably more than shaky heads and darter heads... Two very different rods are typically used. Having said that, I've got a buddy that uses his 743 for Darterheads just fine, and I personally use my 743 for Shaky Heads 1/4oz and up...but not with light wire shaky head hooks.

I have the 742 and 743 and fish them both frequently.

Darter heads I prefer on the 742, shaky heads I prefer on the 742. While I prefer Senkos and Ikas on the 743. If I had to just pick one, I would go 743 as I'd rather have a little more power with some baits, than feel underpowered.

Do you think the 743s is ok for dropshotting for most 1/0 hooks 8lb test. been looking at getting away from using ml as i feel i lose fish from not enough rod? i know the 743s has a good amount of give. 

 

I prefer the casting model for my shakey head fishing,  I have a 742C SH extreme paired with a Daiwa Alphas CT SV, it is a awesome rod for 1/8 oz shakey head, that is my main use for it, spool it with braid and a flouro leader and you can feel them breathe on it. 

2011 thread. Dobyn’s has added 2 more higher end rods series since DX. The rods under discussion are Mod fast meaning a slower tip action requiring a little more power in the hook set then the stiffer tip Fast action.

Personally with drop shot less tip stiffness is preferred so the bass doesn’t reject the soft plastic and Medium 3 power does  help is lift and reel hook sets using FC line.

If the angler is using braid the ML 2 power makes more since to me.

Tom