I need a rod for toads. I'm working at it 4 days a week. I'm getting all kinds of explosions and loving it. I've been using my 7' custom Speed Stick Magnum One which has proved fine for 3/4 oz frogs but it's just to stiff for toads.
(I favor the Gambler Cane Toad over three others I've tried).
I'm thinking a 7' - 7'6" MH Medium Action? All suggestions appreciated.
Dobyns 734 is the best toad rod I've ever used.
I was looking for a rod to do that exact thing early in the summer. I finally settled with an irod gen2 704. It has an amazingly soft tip to be a hvy but when you go to set the hook it feels like a totally different rod because it has a lot of backbone. It loads up nicely with horny toads& even baits as heavy as optimum baits furbit frog/rat. Other than a bit tip heavy(with 7oz reel) it has quickly become my go to rod. Hope that helps with your decision!
I'll take a look at both rods.
Dobyns 745
Dobyns 734 is the best toad rod I've ever used.
734 is the exact action you're looking for. Nothing too stiff, nothing too fast, long enough to make a long cast. I was losing fish last year experimenting with rods that had too much backbone. The rod should also be great at throwing spinnerbaits, chatterbaits around cover.
Also, you don't need any fancy sensitive rod for a topwater. This is a visual technique. Try to find a nice balanced rod, or go as light as you can with an extremely light reel.
The Savy 734 would be ideal for toads and the 735 is more of a hollow body frog rod. In addtiona to toads the 734 makes a good spinnerbait, chatterbait, and small paddletail swimbait rod.
This is what I use both of mine for.
I'd like to pull the trigger on the Dobyns 734. My last concern is how well will it perform in heavy cover?
I'm fishing in some serious junk. Matted weeds, pads, reeds, thick cabomba...
The Dobyns 734 has plenty of backbone, the tip is just a little softer than the 735. You won't have any problems with a lack of power.
Ok so I own a Lews Magnum One that's a bit strong in the tip for accurate shorter casting. I use this one primarily for jigs.. It does really well casting frogs and fine with toads on big casts. I also have a 6' St Croix Avid classic 1/4-1 for the really tight area's.
So....
the specs on the 733 and 734 are close.. The uses are similar. If I buy the 733 rather than the 734 do you thing I'll be making the wrong decision? Keep in mind spinner baits are part of this equation for me.
Yep, don't buy the 733 if you plan on throwing toads on it. The 734 is the most versitale rod in the lineup and handles toads and spinnerbaits perfectly.
you absolutely do not want the 733. Get the 734 as suggested.
Ok, I'll order the 734 now... Thanks
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DONE! Tackle Warehouse 15% off. Great deal!
On 9/3/2015 at 9:40 PM, WPCfishing said:I'd like to pull the trigger on the Dobyns 734. My last concern is how well will it perform in heavy cover?
I'm fishing in some serious junk. Matted weeds, pads, reeds, thick cabomba...
i love the first picture !! i would love to fish that ...
On 9/8/2015 at 10:23 AM, pgersumky said:i love the first picture !! i would love to fish that ...
That area has proved to be so positive. One explosion after another. My best was a 6 out of there. I had a 10 or so on and lost him. I'll get him soon!
The lake is 1400 acres. The North Shore is about 80% of what shows in the picture. The areas with cabomba below the surface and mixed with the junk you see hold the majority of the bass.
MY 734 will be here Friday! I can't wait to get it. The moon phase charts show fishing at its best this coming weekend. You all know where I'll be.
On 9/9/2015 at 5:05 AM, WPCfishing said:That area has proved to be so positive. One explosion after another. My best was a 6 out of there. I had a 10 or so on and lost him. I'll get him soon!
The lake is 1400 acres. The North Shore is about 80% of what shows in the picture. The areas with cabomba below the surface and mixed with the junk you see hold the majority of the bass.
MY 734 will be here Friday! I can't wait to get it. The moon phase charts show fishing at its best this coming weekend. You all know where I'll be.
whatever !!! ha , i'm super jealous !!! most all the lakes/reservoirs were i live are county maintained so they go around and skim off all the topwater grass and mats , yeah , it sucks !!!
hope you get some bigguns out of there !!!!!
A lot of the lakes near me get treated for weeds. Its non sense in my opinion. I have no idea why those greenies can't mind there own business and leave well enough alone. They're actions are killing fish.
This lake is never touched.
Delivery day! I'm watching the clock................ UPS is usually here about 10:30.
Rod arrive in one piece, I sent it back. It was a second for sure. Am I ticked.. You bet I am.
What in the world?? It was used?
On 9/12/2015 at 9:00 AM, Bass_Fanatic said:What in the world?? It was used?
The cork grip was awful, all filled and didn't seat well against the back of the reel seat. The front reel seat threads were cut short. I could only wind the nut one time. the nut stuck out over the ring and epoxy. Awful quality rod. Totally disappointed with TW for sending a second. Re tubed it and dropped it off at UPS in less than an hour after arrival. Had a great feel, well balanced, nice guides. I'm bummed.
They will make it right. I'd be ticked too if I payed for a new rod and got a second!
On 9/12/2015 at 9:14 AM, WPCfishing said:The cork grip was awful, all filled and didn't seat well against the back of the reel seat. The front reel seat threads were cut short. I could only wind the nut one time. the nut stuck out over the ring and epoxy. Awful quality rod. Totally disappointed with TW for sending a second. Re tubed it and dropped it off at UPS in less than an hour after arrival. Had a great feel, well balanced, nice guides. I'm bummed.
iv'e stated before in other posts that while in tackle shops , i always check out most all brands of rods and i have definitley checked out quite a few dobyns rods that looked horrible !! loose wraps , pitted cork , sloppy epoxy work , crooked guides , and crooked reel seats . their craftmanship is not craftmanship at all but just embarrassing , i bet that was not a second .......
why don't you just get a custom rod built to your needs , a Phenix Ulta 7'7'' heavy/fast would make a killer frog rod !!! good tip with a boatload of backbone ....
I'm going to buy an ALX. The toad rod is a 4.5 power.On 9/12/2015 at 1:36 PM, pgersumky said:iv'e stated before in other posts that while in tackle shops , i always check out most all brands of rods and i have definitley checked out quite a few dobyns rods that looked horrible !! loose wraps , pitted cork , sloppy epoxy work , crooked guides , and crooked reel seats . their craftmanship is not craftmanship at all but just embarrassing , i bet that was not a second .......
why don't you just get a custom rod built to your needs , a Phenix Ulta 7'7'' heavy/fast would make a killer frog rod !!! good tip with a boatload of backbone ....
Blanks are American made, all top quality components. Fifty more but worth it. I guess you could call there rods semi custom.
Here's a link.
http://www.alxrods.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ToadfaceFeatured.png
Product Description
Model Name: Toadface
SKU: OBC-4.5-86F
UPC: 855717004069
Rod Specs:
Line: 12-20#
Lure: 3/8 – 1 1/8 oz
Length: 7’2″
Power: 4.5 – MedHvy+
Action: Fast
Detailed Specs:
Average Rod Weight: 4.2 oz
Handle Length: 10″
Number of Guides: 10 (2 Double foot, 8 single foot)
Kigan Master Hand Zero Tangle 3D Guides with braid superior Coalite ring insert
Straight path mid micro guide train layout for smoother casts
Exclusive cork/EVA elliptical grip
Premium one piece exposed blank reel seat providing all day comfort
Exclusive pre finish coating on guide wraps with slow cure UV top coating
Brilliant blue aluminum trim pieces
Hand assembled in the USA with US made Hydra blanks
Backed by a 10 Year Limited Warranty and SureSet Replacement Service
Specifically controlled resin to carbon fiber ratios and the removal of low modulus, vibration dampening materials (thanks to SFD) provide the crisp sensitivity you expect in a tournament specific fishing rod. Built from a custom rod background with pure performance in mind, all ALX Rods have ample fish conquering horsepower, are lightweight for all day use, and designed to endure the rigors of tournament fishing. Reliability is provided from sound construction techniques and the pairing of Kigan Master Hand 3D Z Guides. Careful design features like our MidMicro Guide Train offer enhanced line control with no fear of passing leader knots. Zero Tangle tip tops ensure that line tangles will shed easier to help keep you fishing more.
Today's best on a Gambler Toad with a Ribbit 4.0 double hook.
Lews Magnum One, Lews tournament Pro, 65# Power Pro.
On 9/13/2015 at 12:41 PM, WPCfishing said:I'm going to buy an ALX. The toad rod is a 4.5 power.
Blanks are American made, all top quality components. Fifty more but worth it. I guess you could call there rods semi custom.
Here's a link.
http://www.alxrods.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ToadfaceFeatured.png
Product Description
Model Name: Toadface
SKU: OBC-4.5-86F
UPC: 855717004069
Rod Specs:
Line: 12-20#
Lure: 3/8 – 1 1/8 oz
Length: 7’2″
Power: 4.5 – MedHvy+
Action: Fast
Detailed Specs:
Average Rod Weight: 4.2 oz
Handle Length: 10″
Number of Guides: 10 (2 Double foot, 8 single foot)
Kigan Master Hand Zero Tangle 3D Guides with braid superior Coalite ring insert
Straight path mid micro guide train layout for smoother casts
Exclusive cork/EVA elliptical grip
Premium one piece exposed blank reel seat providing all day comfort
Exclusive pre finish coating on guide wraps with slow cure UV top coating
Brilliant blue aluminum trim pieces
Hand assembled in the USA with US made Hydra blanks
Backed by a 10 Year Limited Warranty and SureSet Replacement Service
Specifically controlled resin to carbon fiber ratios and the removal of low modulus, vibration dampening materials (thanks to SFD) provide the crisp sensitivity you expect in a tournament specific fishing rod. Built from a custom rod background with pure performance in mind, all ALX Rods have ample fish conquering horsepower, are lightweight for all day use, and designed to endure the rigors of tournament fishing. Reliability is provided from sound construction techniques and the pairing of Kigan Master Hand 3D Z Guides. Careful design features like our MidMicro Guide Train offer enhanced line control with no fear of passing leader knots. Zero Tangle tip tops ensure that line tangles will shed easier to help keep you fishing more.
sounds good except for handle length , after my first custom with a handle length of 16'' for both my casting rods and spinning rods , that short of a handle would put a serious damper on my fishing . i totally understand peoples tastes are different , for me fishing longer handles and 18'' handles on swimbait rods , it makes me cringe ,LOL !!! i haven't fished a rod with that short of a handle since fishing an original Carrot Stix (same length ) .
i'm suprised you didn't go with the Dragger ( 7'4'' 5 power heavy / fast )
On 9/13/2015 at 2:37 PM, pgersumky said:i'm suprised you didn't go with the Dragger ( 7'4'' 5 power heavy / fast )
I haven't bought yet.. Now I'm Confused about which rod to buy. As always.. Nothing to look at in stores.
On 9/15/2015 at 12:30 AM, WPCfishing said:I haven't bought yet.. Now I'm Confused about which rod to buy. As always.. Nothing to look at in stores.
that's always the dilemma !!! to be quite honest with you , that rod is pretty plain as far as components for the price , if i were you , i'd check out a Phenix Ultra in heavy / fast whether it would be 7' or 7'7'' ( or you might even like the 7'3'' XH ) and see if you like it because the blank is only about $130 , then you can pick out components you want including the guide train , have it built to your specs , have a great custom rod for a reasonable cost .
On 9/13/2015 at 2:37 PM, pgersumky said:i'm suprised you didn't go with the Dragger ( 7'4'' 5 power heavy / fast )
Why would you recommend the Dagger over the Toad Face? Keep in mind I want a little tip for casting accuracy.
Alex says the Toad Face was developed specifically for toads and Frogs. I'm curious as to what your opinion is to both rods...
On 9/15/2015 at 1:42 AM, WPCfishing said:Why would you recommend the Dagger over the Toad Face?
i will always prefer a heavy powered frog rod over a medium heavy . have you held the 4.5 medium heavy ?? is it a stout rod with good backbone ??? does it have a fast tip ?? is it not more of a moderate action once the rod is loaded up with a fish on ??
if you fish in weed pockets , mats , or dense grass , i would suggest you get a heavy powered rod , it would blow if the rod is not as stout as you think it might be by getting the medium heavy ..
for a frog road it is always best to have too much rod than not enough ............
On 9/15/2015 at 1:42 AM, WPCfishing said:Why would you recommend the Dagger over the Toad Face? Keep in mind I want a little tip for casting accuracy.
Alex says the Toad Face was developed specifically for toads and Frogs. I'm curious as to what your opinion is to both rods...
if you and alex's opinion on a ideal toad and frog rod is the same , go with the toad face . it's just that all blanks/rods are different even though they have the same power/action , if that's a gamble you want to take , by all means , i hope you like the rod and it suits you and your needs
On 9/15/2015 at 1:50 AM, pgersumky said:for a frog road it is always best to have too much rod than not enough ............
I have a Lews Magnum One that is brutal on hook sets. The Toad Face should be a good compliment to it.
Your thoughts now?
On 9/15/2015 at 1:57 AM, WPCfishing said:I have a Lews Magnum One that is brutal on hook sets. The Toad Face should be a good compliment to it.
Your thoughts now?
how would it compliment it ??? are you trying to go finesse with frog fishing ???
On 9/15/2015 at 2:06 AM, pgersumky said:how would it compliment it ??? are you trying to go finesse with frog fishing ???
You obviously aren't throwing toads. The toads locate bass. You have a miss you throw a frog to that area. You need two rods..
On 9/16/2015 at 10:25 AM, WPCfishing said:You obviously aren't throwing toads. The toads locate bass. You have a miss you throw a frog to that area. You need two rods..
i throw buzz toads/frogs all the time , just don't know about following up with a frog , are you talking about a hollow body frog as a follow up ?? i would think most people follow up a miss with a texas rigged plastic such as a stickbait or fluke , if You need two frog/toad rods , get two . good luck ....
I don't understand why a toad rod is different from a frog rod.
A toad rod should have a little tip for casting and retrievingOn 9/17/2015 at 10:06 PM, Bass newb said:I don't understand why a toad rod is different from a frog rod.
the toad thru junk. That little extra tip will help keep you from
getting hung up in the junk.
Frog rods are like broom sticks, the extra weight of a frog
will allow for casting distance and accuracy. With a frog your
twitching not retrieving... I'll post a pick of the tips under
some pressure so you can see what I'm trying to explain.
I ended up passing on the ALX rod.. Sorry Alex!
I went with two Kistlers. 7' and a 7'3".