Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 703C

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Real Pudd legend
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Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 703C

Post by Real Pudd legend » Fri Oct 12, 2018 7:37 pm

For those of you who have this rod can you give me some insight on what you use it for , where it shines and how do you like it .

Thanks in advance !!

godshippy
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Re: Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 703C

Post by godshippy » Sat Oct 13, 2018 9:54 am

It's a great senko and spinnerbait rod. Perfect length for pitching into tight spaces and loads up really well with 3/8 oz spinnerbaits. I also like using it for heavier dropshots using 12# fluorocarbon and a 1/4 oz weight.

Real Pudd legend
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Re: Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 703C

Post by Real Pudd legend » Sat Oct 13, 2018 11:50 am

How do you think it will fair with 1/8 and 3/16 oz Texas rigs ? And a weightless ika ? I’m curious of the backbone to drive the hook home..

godshippy
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Re: Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 703C

Post by godshippy » Sun Oct 14, 2018 8:59 am

I've never actually fished an Ika, but I've had no issue pitching a T-rig with a 3/16 oz weight.

DirtyD64
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Re: Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 703C

Post by DirtyD64 » Sun Oct 14, 2018 9:16 am

This is a good question, I have always wondered about the Dobyns MH versus M. The MH feels more like the stout Medium powered rods I have gotten used to, but my local retailer doesn't carry a single Medium powered casting rod (Dobyns). I just got worried that if the MH can basically handle semi-finesse casting lures then maybe the Medium is too soft for small jigs, swimbaits, shaky heads, etc...???

godshippy
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Re: Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 703C

Post by godshippy » Thu Oct 18, 2018 11:16 am

I don't have the 702 because it's more of a finesse oriented stick, but I do have the 742 and it's not under powered at all for those lighter jigs and shaky heads.

I definitely fish one power more with Dobyns because I fish the CA Delta.

spencerinstl
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Re: Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 703C

Post by spencerinstl » Thu Oct 18, 2018 12:34 pm

I have the Champion Extreme DX 703C not the HP version. I like to use it for 3/8 oz jigs. 1/4 oz is as low as I would go with this rod, but that's just me. I love my dobyns rods, but at 1/8 oz for jigs and t-rigs I prefer an extra fast rod like the GLoomis 802C JWR.
That extra fast action gives you a little more hook setting ability with a finesse rod.
Thanks for the epiphany captain obvious

Real Pudd legend
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Re: Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 703C

Post by Real Pudd legend » Fri Oct 19, 2018 12:12 am

I ended up picking up the 703C champion extreme HP new with tags for $220 . It seems to be a very versatile all around MH rod. I’ve used it for wacky senkos so far and it’s perfect . Heaviest I’ve gone is a 3/8 oz jig and I feel that’s the sweetspot in terms for overall weight capacity when fishing bottom bouncing baits. It’s sensitve and casts great, and seems to have a nice backbone but a nice tip for accurate casting. The backbone seems to snap well, it’s hard to explain like if I were to compare it to a MH Daiwa rod such as a steez xt or the new Tatula rod the Dobyns reacts faster and the crispness of the taper results in a more solid hookset . If I were to set the hook with the Daiwa MH it seems mushy and the backbone is soft as if I don’t trust the hooks penetrating the fish’s mouth. I feel it’s more of a regular taper on those Daiwa Mh rods as the Dobyns has a crispier feeling and that backbone is just right. I’ve read some reviews pertaining their lack of sensitivity but I feel the sensitivity actually surprised me and I’m very pleased with its response and feel. I fish exprides, Megabass , Daiwa etc and this Dobyns is no slouch I will pick up another one without hesitation. The Tip has this almost floating feeling like it gravitates up which gives it a nice balance . It’s paired up with a Shimano aldebaran 50HG and it’s a perfect combo with no fatigue and easy handling .

So far I believe it would be great for the following :

Weightless senkos, wacky senkos/worms
1/8 to 3/16 oz Texas rigs
1/4 to 3/8 oz jigs
Flukes
Spinnerbaits/ chatterbaits
Jerkbaits
Topwater
Dropshot
Shakey

Great rod !!

Dink Dawg
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Re: Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 703C

Post by Dink Dawg » Wed Oct 24, 2018 10:37 pm

I've had mine for about seven months. I have used it for tubes, hula grubs up to 3/8 ounce, and 1/4 oz shakey heads. I fished some weightless Senkos and it was great for that. I plan to fish neko rigs with it this next season. I paired it with a Diawa SV105 and it balances great.

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Re: Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 703C

Post by slipknot6 » Thu Nov 08, 2018 3:23 pm

A 703 is my favorite 1/4oz swim jig rod i've ever used.

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Reservoir
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Re: Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 703C

Post by Reservoir » Thu Nov 15, 2018 6:01 pm

I have this rod. And personally it’s one of my favorite rods I’ve ever fished. I feel like I have more control of the fish vs my cousins im8 rod and gloomis imx. Also, it’s not a very light rod, but it’s light and very sensitive.

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