Dobyns Rods Review Thread 2024
WPCfishing reply :
This thread is a continuation-new start from another thread: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/163977-dobyns-champion-734c-vs-735c-full-cork-review/
Dobyns Rod reviews..
734C vs 735C vs 736C
68camaro reply :
I just got the 735C for froggin', pitching and punching. Love it. Walks the dog really easy. Casts like a dream. I have 50lb braid on Shimano Curado 7.1:1.
WPCfishing reply :
On 10/8/2015 at 11:09 AM, 68camaro said:I just got the 735C for froggin', pitching and punching. Love it. Walks the dog really easy. Casts like a dream. I have 50lb braid on Shimano Curado 7.1:1.
I figured based on what I was told the 5 was a good casting rod.
It's good to hear it from a person that actually owns one.
Is it on the heavy side? Have you weighed it? Is it well balance?
Craiger12 reply :
On 10/8/2015 at 11:23 AM, WPCfishing said:I figured based on what I was told the 5 was a good casting rod.
It's good to hear it from a person that actually owns one.
Is it on the heavy side? Have you weighed it? Is it well balance?
Also a great spinnerbait and small swimbait rod. It is a bit heavy (not sure on the exact weight, but I think around 5oz or slightly more) but balances very well.
WPCfishing reply :
I have a Champion 734 in route.On 10/8/2015 at 11:27 AM, Craiger12 said:Also a great spinnerbait and small swimbait rod. It is a bit heavy (not sure on the exact weight, but I think around 5oz or slightly more) but balances very well.
I'm hoping it arrives Friday,
I'm contemplating the 5 and 6... Your review of the 5 certainly shed
more light on what I expected to hear.
Did the reel seat fit the reel feet well? In other words did
the nut screw deep enough onto the threads to expose the
finish ahead of the threads?
BassThumb reply :
You can do just about anything with the 734. It may be the most versatile rod in the lineup. I use them with 12# Yo-Zuri Hybrid for reaction baits: spinners, buzzers, chatterbaits, large square-bills, big wakebaits, large lipless cranks, etc.
The 735 is a nice pitching/jigging/T-rig stick. It's also a lot of fun to fish frogs with, but sometimes it's slightly lacking in the power department, even with 3-5 lb bass and moderate-to-heavy weed cover, as is commonly found in MN. I have Samurai 30# braid on it, and use it for fishing swim jigs, toads, and paddle-tail swimbaits. Perfect fit. It's also quite the versatile rod.
The 736 is the best frog I've ever used. It's has all the benefits of the 735 in terms of frogging, yet it has quite a bit more power. I've owned one for a season (replacing the 735/766 for frogging), and I'm really glad I did. I used it for frogging exclusively. I wouldn't consider it a versatile rod; it's a premium frogging stick, and that's about all. 55# Daiwa Samurai line.
All of these 3 rods are very well balanced (that's why I'm such a fan of Dobyns rods), and the reel-seats are not an issue in any way, shape, or form.
BassinLou reply :
I will agree, the 736 is a great frogging rod. I had to make a change in my line up, and now the 736 is my punching outfit. This rod imho does great in this dept as well.
The 734, for me is one of the best versatile rods in the line up. I like it for jigs and for swimbaiting .
DTack reply :
On 10/8/2015 at 11:23 AM, WPCfishing said:I figured based on what I was told the 5 was a good casting rod.
It's good to hear it from a person that actually owns one.
Is it on the heavy side? Have you weighed it? Is it well balance?
For me the fact it is balanced very well makes it feel lighter that it probably actually is. I don't feel much when I am fishing it as far as weight.
On 10/8/2015 at 11:35 AM, WPCfishing said:I have a Champion 734 in route.
I'm hoping it arrives Friday,
I'm contemplating the 5 and 6... Your review of the 5 certainly shed
more light on what I expected to hear.
Did the reel seat fit the reel feet well? In other words did
the nut screw deep enough onto the threads to expose the
finish ahead of the threads?
I have 2 reels on my rods, the Daiwa Tatula and the E series Curado and Citica. They all fit wonderfully. For me, threads aren't exposed as they are with some other rods.
I believe there was a misconception about the reel seats from spinning rods and a particular brand spinning reel not fitting them perfectly.
WPCfishing reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 5:28 AM, DTack said:For me the fact it is balanced very well makes it feel lighter that it probably actually is. I don't feel much when I am fishing it as far as weight.
I have 2 reels on my rods, the Daiwa Tatula and the E series Curado and Citica. They all fit wonderfully. For me, threads aren't exposed as they are with some other rods.
I believe there was a misconception about the reel seats from spinning rods and a particular brand spinning reel not fitting them perfectly.
I had a Savvy arrive and the reel seat nut would only turn onto one thread.. I sent that one back.
After reconsidering the Dobyns, I decided to upgrade to the Champion. I use Lews reels, I don't know if the reels foot lengths are the same as the Daiwa and Shimano.
I like what I'm reading about the rods. Sounds like I'm going to step up to the 736 for Frogs and toads since I'll have the 734 for sparse cover. I'm sure both rods will do great with jigs on them. I also want a 683.
Craiger12 reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 8:54 AM, WPCfishing said:I had a Savvy arrive and the nut would only turn onto one thread.. I sent that one back. After reconsidering the Dobyns, I decided to upgrade to the Champion. I use Lews reels, I don't know if the reels foot lengths are the same as the Daiwa and Shimano.
I like what I'm reading about the rods. Sounds like I'm going to step up to the 736 for Frogs and toads sense I have the 734 for sparse cover. I'm sure both rods will do great with jigs on them. I also want a 683.
I agree that the 734 and 736 will likely cover all that you need. If you have both, you don't really need the 735 unless you're really looking to specialize in what you want each rod to do. I also own a 736 and that thing has some serious power. I have only used it for very heavy cover situations and actually prefer the tip of the 735 for frogging. I will admit that I don't frog or fish very heavy cover much at all though. The 735 is usually all I need for the cover I typically fish.
WPCfishing reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 9:00 AM, Craiger12 said:I agree that the 734 and 736 will likely cover all that you need. If you have both, you don't really need the 735 unless you're really looking to specialize in what you want each rod to do. I also own a 736 and that thing has some serious power. I have only used it for very heavy cover situations and actually prefer the tip of the 735 for frogging. I will admit that I don't frog or fish very heavy cover much at all though. The 735 is usually all I need for the cover I typically fish.
This is my home on the water! Toads, Frogs and Punch Jigs...
Here he is uncovered...
Craiger12 reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 9:10 AM, WPCfishing said:This is my home on the water! Toads, Frogs and Punch Jigs...
Looks like the 736 is in order...
WPCfishing reply :
Or this:
WPCfishing reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 9:13 AM, Craiger12 said:Looks like the 736 is in order...
I think so too....
WPCfishing reply :
Surface Missile:
WPCfishing reply :
I had the best year of my life.. Over 20 Five plus caught.. One 8.55..... Hope the Dobyns can keep up!
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 9:33 AM, WPCfishing said:
Surface Missile:
are you using the Owner double frog hook ??? you should be 
68camaro reply :
On 10/8/2015 at 11:23 AM, WPCfishing said:I figured based on what I was told the 5 was a good casting rod.
It's good to hear it from a person that actually owns one.
Is it on the heavy side? Have you weighed it? Is it well balance?
It's hard for me to answer as I have nothing comparable to compare to as I am new to all this. However, reviews are fantastic and it is very comfortable to use. It has a extra fast tip which allows it to cast very far. Although I am newb, the rod is very accurate, I can cast sidearm to get under trees/brush easily and pitch to exactly where I want. Even far casts get me close to spot.
WPCfishing reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 10:24 AM, pgersumky said:are you using the Owner double frog hook ??? you should be
I've been using the Stanley Ribbit Hook. I have to order the Owners.. Can't buy them around here... I use the Gambler double now and then. It's a little heavier than the Ribbit.
DTack reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 9:34 AM, WPCfishing said:I had the best year of my life.. Over 20 Five plus caught.. One 8.55..... Hope the Dobyns can keep up!
Don't worry, it will hold up. This was on a 734c:
Sorry the image is so large...
fishindad reply :
Beauty of a bass - need to work on that smile, let's see some teeth! LOL
Been many years but is that from Clear Lake? I really miss that place..
WPCfishing reply :
On 10/10/2015 at 2:08 AM, DTack said:Don't worry, it will hold up. This was on a 734c:
Sorry the image is so large...
What was the weight ? Nice job!
DTack reply :
On 10/10/2015 at 2:20 AM, fishindad said:Beauty of a bass - need to work on that smile, let's see some teeth! LOL
Been many years but is that from Clear Lake? I really miss that place..
Haha! My teeth are being worked on currently haha. Give me a couple years to get things "straightened out" and I'll improve that for ya! ha
That is a Clear Lake fish, very lucky to be about 2 hours from the ramp. It's a phenomenal fishery when it's on, and can be satisfyingly challenging at times!
DTack reply :
On 10/10/2015 at 2:23 AM, WPCfishing said:What was the weight ? Nice job!
This fish barely tipped 9 lbs.
WPCfishing reply :
The 734 Champion arrived this morning.. nicely built rod but It's a whip.. a medium action at best. I just don't get it guys. I had a 734 Savvy in hand and it was by no means a whip.
I expected at least a similar action. It's not even close to being similar.
BassThumb reply :
On 10/10/2015 at 10:39 PM, WPCfishing said:The 734 Champion arrived this morning.. nicely built rod but It's a whip.. a medium action at best. I just don't get it guys. I had a 734 Savvy in hand and it was by no means a whip.
I expected at least a similar action. It's not even close to being similar.
Have you fished with it yet? Its hardly a whip; its a med/heavy compared to industry standards. It has a nice tip and a solid backbone. It's the ideal 3/8-3/4 oz. spinnerbait rod.
I have those two rods, Savvy and Champ 734. Power-and-action-wise, they're indistinguishable, as far as I'm concerned. One is just lighter, more responsive, and more sensitive that the other.
DTack reply :
On 10/10/2015 at 10:39 PM, WPCfishing said:The 734 Champion arrived this morning.. nicely built rod but It's a whip.. a medium action at best. I just don't get it guys. I had a 734 Savvy in hand and it was by no means a whip.
I expected at least a similar action. It's not even close to being similar.
Sorry you're not happy with it. Of the about 40 of each I've handled, the 734 savvy is slower and I guess more "whippy" than the champion. Sounds like they just may not be the right rods for you. I know you weren't happy with the savvy in store. They work well for me.
WPCfishing reply :
On 10/11/2015 at 6:01 AM, DTack said:Sorry you're not happy with it. Of the about 40 of each I've handled, the 734 savvy is slower and I guess more "whippy" than the champion. Sounds like they just may not be the right rods for you. I know you weren't happy with the savvy in store. They work well for me.
I absolutely believe the rod was labeled wrong. It was a whip. So much so I never removed it from the plastic.
I shipped it back..
Bigchunk reply :
Im in the same boat sort of, im not much of a frogger, im lookimg for jig/flip punch. Nothing under 3/8 jigs and 1oz punch so the 735 should be just what i need right?
Bigchunk reply :
On 10/11/2015 at 9:29 AM, Bigchunk said:Im in the same boat sort of, im not much of a frogger, im lookimg for jig/flip punch. Nothing under 3/8 jigs and 1oz punch so the 735 should be just what i need right?
1oz punch max sorry if i was unclear
iabass8 reply :
On 10/11/2015 at 9:29 AM, Bigchunk said:Im in the same boat sort of, im not much of a frogger, im lookimg for jig/flip punch. Nothing under 3/8 jigs and 1oz punch so the 735 should be just what i need right?
Champ 765 is what you want if you dont go over 1oz punching. Anything over the 766 is better. DX795 is an amazing punch rod though for all sizes.
WPCfishing reply :
On 10/11/2015 at 6:01 AM, DTack said:Sorry you're not happy with it. Of the about 40 of each I've handled, the 734 savvy is slower and I guess more "whippy" than the champion. Sounds like they just may not be the right rods for you. I know you weren't happy with the savvy in store. They work well for me.
I just talked with "Brian at TackleTrap".. He is sending me a 735 and a 736 so I can get a look and feel of both rods. Can't ask for more than that!
hawgenvy reply :
My latest TW purchase arrived at my door just this afternoon: A Champion 735c. I straddled her with a new Lew's Team Pro reel tightly spooled with Stren Superline Braid 50 lb in clear/blue -- which looks white or undyed. This will be my primary frog rod.
My reasons for the white line color are threefold: 1) It was on sale for only $9.99 for 150 yards., charmingly inexpensive. 2) Braided line always starts out white anyway, so it's more natural. 3) Since I will be using it for top water frogs, toads, maybe buzz baits, the line's going to be on or near the surface, where it will not contrast against the bright sky. White should, theoretically, be the LEAST visible braided line when fished top water, but I want to hear some other opinions on that, if there are any that are backed up by evidence. If I'm right, everyone fishing top water with braid should use clear/white/undyed line!
Anyway, I went out for an hour at sunset and landed several LMB. Largest was 3-10. Sure was fun catching on my no-longer-innocent brand new rod! It handled the beasts beautifully. Cast like a dream for such a strong stick. This is one nicely balanced, light, sensitive and powerful rod, this Champ 735c. Later, holding up that rod against the pull of braided line, my wife could feel my fingerprint ridges gently slid on taut line 10 feet past the rod. She could feel the vibrations clear down to the handle. That's sensitivity.
I'd take my new champ into bed with me tonight -- if it weren't for my wife, dog, two cats, two computers, and me crammed in here. Anyway, it might smell like bass.
But seriously, why isn't white line the best color braid for top water applications? Might have to start a new thread for that question.
68camaro reply :
Recently I received a Dobyns 634CB to be used for jerkbaits. I only shore fish so smaller length allows me to work bait without hitting water or bushes I am usually surrounded by.
The rod is great, very sensitive with goid power. Paired it with a Lews Tean Lite 6.3:1 reel. Casts great for a shorter rod. The mod-med tip really works the jerkbaits and top waters nicely.
Very happy with purchase.
NorcalBassin reply :
I'm doing my best not to pick up one of the new HP's in a 742c to throw small tubes and jigs on, but I'm getting weaker by the day...
BassinLou reply :
On 11/12/2015 at 1:14 PM, hawgenvy said:My latest TW purchase arrived at my door just this afternoon: A Champion 735c. I straddled her with a new Lew's Team Pro reel tightly spooled with Stren Superline Braid 50 lb in clear/blue -- which looks white or undyed. This will be my primary frog rod.
My reasons for the white line color are threefold: 1) It was on sale for only $9.99 for 150 yards., charmingly inexpensive. 2) Braided line always starts out white anyway, so it's more natural. 3) Since I will be using it for top water frogs, toads, maybe buzz baits, the line's going to be on or near the surface, where it will not contrast against the bright sky. White should, theoretically, be the LEAST visible braided line when fished top water, but I want to hear some other opinions on that, if there are any that are backed up by evidence. If I'm right, everyone fishing top water with braid should use clear/white/undyed line!
Anyway, I went out for an hour at sunset and landed several LMB. Largest was 3-10. Sure was fun catching on my no-longer-innocent brand new rod! It handled the beasts beautifully. Cast like a dream for such a strong stick. This is one nicely balanced, light, sensitive and powerful rod, this Champ 735c. Later, holding up that rod against the pull of braided line, my wife could feel my fingerprint ridges gently slid on taut line 10 feet past the rod. She could feel the vibrations clear down to the handle. That's sensitivity.
I'd take my new champ into bed with me tonight -- if it weren't for my wife, dog, two cats, two computers, and me crammed in here. Anyway, it might smell like bass.
But seriously, why isn't white line the best color braid for top water applications? Might have to start a new thread for that question.
Congrats on your purchase. The champion line is a great line of rods from Dobyns. I don't have the 735, but I have its younger and older brother. lol 734 and 736. Both are great rods when used for their respective applications.
iabass8 reply :
On 11/13/2015 at 6:52 AM, NorcalBassin said:I'm doing my best not to pick up one of the new HP's in a 742c to throw small tubes and jigs on, but I'm getting weaker by the day...
give in and let me know! I plan on getting the new 742 during Black Friday
NorcalBassin reply :
On 11/13/2015 at 7:39 AM, iabass8 said:give in and let me know! I plan on getting the new 742 during Black Friday
Uh oh, you're supposed to tell me it's not as sweet of a rod as I've been hearing! Now it's almost inevitable!!
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