There is a trend among rod manufacturers to build faster and faster blanks. It seems like a few years ago you couldn’t get a true “fast” action rod while today its hard to find anything less.
For a lot of applications in the bass world that was a great transition. Unfortunately, it has wreaked havoc on unsuspecting fisherman trying to fish a jig.
I hope this video sheds a little light on what I believe to be as close as you can get to the “perfect” rod for fishing 1/2 oz and heavier jigs.
I hope my insights into rod actions make sense to you. Is this something you’ve noticed? Or do you completely disagree? Either way, leave a comment, I’d love to hear what you think.
4. January 2012 at 12:23 AM
I haven’t had any problems with the longer rods straining my wrists. Some of this may be due to the longer handle length. With the longer handle you’re able to support the rod with your entire forearm rather than just your wrist. You’ll have to try it for yourself but I think you’ll be happy with the longer rods.
3. January 2012 at 10:56 AM
Hey
Doesn’t it put too much stress on the wrist to work jigs with a 7’4 feet + rod? Especially if you go vertical style?
I have a 6 feet rod that is said to be fast, but it easily gets a deep flex. My 7 feet rod is mostly top action though. I’m also new to jigging, but wanting to catch more perch and zander it seems to be a must!
I would like to try and get perhaps a St.Croix bass rod (7’6 feet moderate fast / 1 1/4 oz), but I’m afraid trying to work it will destroy my wrist
For jerkbaiting pike I use a 6 feet rod.
Any suggestions on gear from St.Croix perhaps? And what about the reel? I have a Revo Premier + Toro 51 HS and Winch. I suppose speed is essential in this business and the faster the better? Any suggestions will be much appreciated!
1. January 2012 at 1:02 AM
Brett, I try to keep things simple. I flip with a Curado 200E.
Louis, while I fish Dobyns rods exclusively I am also well aware that Croix makes great rods. There are a few anglers who’s opinions I respect greatly that fish Croix products. Choose a longer rod with a slower taper. Somewhere in the 7’4″ to 7’8″ range in order to get a full flex out of the rod. Choose a rod of this style will definitely increase the number of jig fish that make it to the boat.
28. December 2011 at 6:51 PM
I’m a st.croix rod man to the bone but i know dobyns makes some great rods i live in Wisconsin and don’t see bass that are huge like 10+ i was wondering if you could make a few suggestions for a new all around jig rod i really want to get into more swim jigs and pitchin jigs and football jigs nothing huge. thanks matt love the videos
27. December 2011 at 3:55 PM
Matt, what about reels? Do you have a preference for the best reel to use when flipping a jig?
22. December 2011 at 6:19 AM
Matt. Another company that expressed that parabolic bend and give in the rods is the Wright and McGill Skeet tessera 8ft Flip/pitch. Not the most expensive rods on the market and an eye sore if you hate yellow but I can say its a nice rod and a difference then your common broom stick. And when using braid there’s always the argument of alittle give or no drag whats so ever. If its a broomstick I’ll back just alittle off the drag sometimes to the point I can barely pull any out by hand. With this kind of rod you don’t need to do that. Great video
21. December 2011 at 7:53 PM
Pete, the 735 is a great rod, I’ve caught a lot of fish on it. It really comes down to what you like in a rod. I prefer a little more length to get more overall bend out of the rod. That’s why I choose the 765 Flip. It has a very similar profile, just a little more tip.
18. December 2011 at 7:01 AM
Matt, you ever used or checked out the Dobyns 735 Champion? It’s got an extra fast rating but do you think it is more like a true fast rating? I’ve heard good things about this rod but don’t have a tackle shop that carries them nearby. Thanks.
12. August 2011 at 8:17 AM
Roy,
I’m not familiar with those specific actions but I would definitely lean you toward the 7’7″. Its going to give you more leverage and rod flex to help keep those jig fish pinned. The 7 footer will give you a positive hookset but will lack the backbone and length to keep them pinned, especially in a close-quarters fight from shore.
Matt
27. July 2011 at 3:43 AM
Ive been trying out flipping/pitching using a Phenix 760MH 12-30lb Flippin Stick, but Im in the market for a little bit lighter(?) setup since most of my jig fishing in cover is done from shore with 3/8-1/2 oz jigs. Im pretty adamant about sticking with the Phenix brand and was wondering if you could give some insight on what rod I should be looking for. As of now I have my eye on a 7ft 10-20 H rod (same rating as the Dobyns 704 with and exception to the lure weight), but wasnt sure if Id be gimped on leverage by the length. Their next length up is a 7ft 3in 10-30lb XF rod (similar to Dobyns 735/736), but theres only one rating. Up from that is a 7ft 7in MH/H rod (similar to Dobyns 763/764). My thoughts were on running football jigs, C-rigs & small swimbaits on the 7’7″ H.
26. June 2011 at 11:04 PM
Mike,
That is a great question. The Savvy series are really nice rods. The only reason you don’t see them all over my boat is that I’d purchased all my rods and rounded out my arsenal before they even hit the market. For an angler on a budget they are an excellent option. Just like you said, they stepped down some of the components to help the angler save a few bucks.
26. June 2011 at 12:20 PM
Matt,
I’ve always appreciated your candor and honesty when it comes to fishing products. So, I would like to ask your opinion about the “other” Dobyns rods. The Champion Extreme and Champion rod lines are pretty pricey (especially when considering purchasing multiple rods). How about the Savvy rods? Are these rods capable of the balance, power and feel of higher priced Dobyns rods with just less costly components??
Thanks for the info. As always, your efforts are very much appreciated!
Mike (in TN)
24. June 2011 at 11:46 PM
Thanks Andrew, I appreciate the feedback. I am only sponsored by companies that have made major impacts on my personal fishing and I stand behind them 100%. However, I recognize that different anglers have different styles and that has to be addressed when giving advice. What is right for one may not be right for the next. I’m blessed to have sponsors who realize that I will promote honesty before promoting products.
24. June 2011 at 12:19 PM
Thank You Matt. That definitely helps. I would just see for myself instead of bothering you about it, but they are a little pricy so I figured I’d seek some guidance before purchasing. It’s nice to have s website were someone seems to want to aid in the learning of fellow anglers rather than be a salesperson for their sponsors; so, thanks for that.
22. June 2011 at 9:33 AM
Andrew,
Most of the Dobyns line-up are extra fast blanks, expecially the Champion Extreme Series. The 765 and 764 both have the killer parabolic action as does the 743 and 744. I hope this helps.
15. June 2011 at 10:21 AM
I agree with you about blanks becoming to fast with the recent production of fishing rods. I myself have experienced this fact personally and was wanting to ask you if every rod from dobyns has that ” parabolic ” bend when it comes to fighting the fish. Also, I’ve heard of people using graphite crankbait rods with a mod – fast action for jig fishing as well.
2. February 2011 at 4:43 PM
Nick,
I keep it very simple. All of my jig rods have Curado 200 DHSV’s on them. I use the 7:1 to really get the fish moving toward the boat when they’re around cover.
31. January 2011 at 8:30 PM
Matt
What’s your reel recommendations for pairing up with the 765? I know the specs to look for in a reel for jigs, and so I was curious what brands you like?
Thanks
Nick
7. January 2011 at 11:59 PM
Nick,
I think the 764 would make a great swimjig/LIGHT flippin’ rod. However, the 765 has it so dialed in its hard for me to look anywhere else. I’m not sure why the difference in rod description but the reality is they fish fairly similarly.
Alex, thanks for taking the time to reply. The 743 definitely has a place in your future. I was catching football jig fish on it just the other day.
5. January 2011 at 1:47 PM
Matt
What do you think of the Dobyns 764c for a versatile rod for flipping and swimming a jig? It is listed as a light flipping rod and small swimbaits, seems like it could be good for both jig techniques? I have been told the 764c would also make a good chatterbait rod. If I was going to go with 765flip, is it just a preference things? I notice the 764 is listed as heavy and the 765flip is listed as a Med Heavy, wonder why….
Thanks!
26. December 2010 at 11:22 PM
I fish mostly football jigs in clear resevoirs, and use the Dobyns 744c and 784c. I’ve been watching these videos. And now looks like a 743 and 765 may need to be in my future. I don’t fish the Delta much but I was using my 736c to pitch slop jigs..and of coarse frogs/punkers.
25. October 2010 at 1:10 PM
Just because the industry does something doesn’t make it right. Keep trusting your instincts. You’ll find a rod that meets your needs perfectly and once you do, you’ll rarely lose a jig fish.
-Matt
24. October 2010 at 1:42 PM
I am so glad I stumbled upon this site, this just confirms the questions in my head about flipping sticks! There is so much good info and yes I have noticed that when I set the hook with the current rod that I am using(crucial 7’6″ heavy action fast tip, feels like a broom handle though) I really have to try and keep the rod loaded or I loose a high percentage of the fish. I have been thinking that I need a more moderate rod but everything you read says otherwise. Cool video, wish companies would give you more options.
20. October 2010 at 7:59 AM
There is a rod company out of lake amistad texas that uses Gary loomis’ North Fork Composite’s blanks called Power Tackle rods. Every rod this company builds has a moderate/fast action and their main focus is on heavy powered rods. Nothing against dobyns I know they make a great rod, just pointing out the trend of slower action heavy powered rods, pretty interesting really. Looks like I am going to have to buy a new jig rod.
17. August 2010 at 9:54 PM
-Matt
17. August 2010 at 7:54 PM
I’ve looked at several sites for the Dobyns 765 Flippin stik you mentioned including “Dobynsrods” and in all the descriptions the taper or action is rated as fast. I’m sure you are correct the 765 has a moderate action,but without your video I would have never known that,thanks.
Casca
17. August 2010 at 6:23 PM
You make some excellent points! One I completely forgot to cover is that hook.
You absolutely want to create a small hole. In this instance, cutting points are BAD news!
It sounds like you’ve dialed in exactly how to put fish in the boat with your setup… that’s the important thing.
And finally, you’re so right! When is the last time you heard the word “parabolic” applied to a rod? You’re going to hear it coming out of my mouth from now on.
-Matt
17. August 2010 at 2:15 PM
I think its interesting how things come more and more full circle. Rich Forhan was swearing by the Seeker S glass Flippin stick due to the fact that the road took the load and was more parabolic, a term that is being lost on todays fishermen.
My jig stick for structure fishing 3/4oz -1.5oz is the Loomis IMX 844Mag Bass – Heavy Action rod, fast tip. Feeling the line pick up and setting that hook with a positive hook set gets more fish in the boat. I keep grinding on the reel and keep that rod tip pointed at 10-10:30 to keep a bend in the rod. Another key here is to find the strongest small diameter hook you can get away with, that wont straiten out. The smaller a hole you put in that fishes mouth the less chance they have of throwing that heavy jig.