December 2022

Dobyns Rods News & Updates
Stay up to date on all the latest and greatest from Dobyns Rods!
Gary's Corner...


Happy Holidays to everyone!!! The last month of 2022 is here and it’s been a fast year. Looking back on this year, the thing that really sticks out is the number of new dealers we’ve signed up. It’s been a really good year overall. We have launched several new items this year and I’ll review each of them.

 

We’ve just released the new Champion Cull Tags (also called Cull Buoys by some). I’ve already received questions of why are there 8 different colors. Well, in Crappie events it’s a 7-fish limit, plus other countries also have events where creel numbers are larger. These Cull Tags are super easy for one-handed operations. Plus, they don’t lose fish as you pull them from the livewell. We’ve tested these for a while and made changes until we believe they’re the best cull tags available. These are just now available and priced at $59.99.

 

The Champion XP Series DC 794.5 AR A-Rig rod was launched this year and it’s definitely a homerun for us. It has the same action as our popular swimbait models and falls between the Champion

DC 794SB and DC 795SB models. The other difference is this rod has a cork handle on it.

 

The Josh Jones Hyperlite crappie series has also been a homerun. These come in 10-, 11-, 12-, and 14-foot lengths. They’re made for the forward-facing sonar craze that Josh is largely responsible for. It’s hard to balance these long rods but we’ve done a good job and we’re getting great feedback. These are all 2-piece models.

 

We’ve had so many requests to expand our clothing line. So, we added a new polyester hoodie in a bunch of colors. The response has been great. We also added a bunch of new hat styles and colors. The best place to view these is on our website at Dobynsrods.com

 

The Maverick Rods and Reels were brought to market this year. It’s our first venture into the reel market. The Maverick Series has rods, reels, and combos. These were made because of dealer requests so we responded to their needs. The Maverick rods are a straight 24T Mitsubishi graphite rod at $99.99. They are extremely balanced and sensitive. The Maverick casting reels come in 3 gear ratios, and three colors to match your Dobyns rods. They have 11 ball bearings plus a roller bearing. They are incredibly smooth and strong. The spinning comes in two sizes (2000 & 2500) and also in 3 colors.

 

The tip removal tool is also new. This has not sold well because no one really has seen anything like this before. It was designed by my good buddy and custom rod builder Lynn Williams. We see damaged blank tips on rods where anglers overheat the tips. This tool makes it impossible to damage a rod tip. It’s super easy to use and everyone that’s tried the tool raves about the ease of use and how functional it is. If you’d like to see a video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlQtlG1UmN8&t=8s.

  

Lastly, I’d like to thank all the anglers that have tested the new cork and have given us feedback. We made four very popular models of Champion Series rods with the new cork and put them out to the public to test and give thoughts. The response overall is very good. There have been some negative comments by a few anglers but it’s been very positive mostly. Here’s how the feedback to date is running: 82% of the anglers love the new cork. With four different styles, the comments vary on which style is their favorite. 11% like the new cork fine and just want cork handles and 7% do not like it at all. Some of the commenters believe we’re looking at saving money with the new cork. But, in truth, it costs a lot more and I’m just looking at new options as cork quality is declining. We have some test samples left, so anyone wanting a good deal on a test rod, there are some still available. I’m still looking for comments. Again, thanks to all for the testing and feedback. It really helps to test something new and getting hundreds of anglers using it is the fastest way to help me make decisions.

 

Happy Holidays to all and maybe Santa will surprise you with a new Dobyns rod under your tree!

Opens profile: Smith ascends to the top rung


by Mark Hicks, bassmaster.com


With a second-place finish at Lake Hartwell for the final Bassmaster Southern Open of 2022, Californian Bryant Smith garnered enough points to claim second in that division’s Angler of the Year Standings. It also earned him an invitation to compete in the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series, which he fully intends to do.


It was a Bass Pro Shops catalog that set Smith on the path to become one of the world’s best bass anglers. While visiting grandmother Shirley Reynolds, curiosity led the 7-year-old Smith into his grandfather’s workshop. Grandfather Jack was an avid outdoorsman who had passed before Smith met him. While in the shop, the youngster came across the catalog.

“I was flipping through the pages and immediately became fixated on all the bass lures and how it all worked,” Smith said. “I was amazed that you could catch a fish on something that wasn’t real bait.”


Click Here To Read More



New FAQ Page Added To Website


We've added a FAQ section at the top right and bottom left section of the website. Here you will find some answers to some of our most common questions regarding warranty, repairs, shipping and upgrades.


As always, you can still reach us by phone at (903) 919-8028 or email for any questions you may have!


Click Here To Visit The FAQ Page


Dieffenbauch Secures Classic Berth


Dobyns Rods Pro Staffer Wil Dieffenbauch led after the first two weigh-ins but dropped to second Friday after catching three bass for 7-15. He lost two hours of fishing time after experiencing boat troubles, but he already was scrambling by that time.


“The first spot I pulled up on, there was a local boat on it,” the 33-year-old angler said. “I made a gamble and ran down to Second Creek knowing there were a lot of fish down there. I was hoping to catch them on a topwater in the rainy conditions … but I spun my prop.”


It was a disappointing finish, but making the Classic helped Dieffenbauch realize a lifelong dream.


“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” he said. “Knoxville hasn’t been too kind to me in the past, but hopefully we can change that in a few months.”



CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Dobyns 8-Pack Cull Buoys


Introducing the new Dobyns 8-pack cull buoys! These have a unique design with a stainless steel spring load for one handed operation and a non-penetrating clip to keep a fish on without causing harm. Each set contains eight distinct colors that will cover any tournament situation. They have large visible numbers to significantly reduce culling time. Clips are color coordinated with the buoys and designed for maximum durability.


Click Here To Purchase

Deep Cranking With Dobyns,

Which One Is Right For You?

Follow along as angler Fishin Mitch breaks down the differences and uses of each of the Champion XP Series crankbait rods.


"Dobyns Rods carries a HUGE variety of rods to cover any fishing style you could think of. In this video I dive (lol) into the

DC 804CB, DC 805CB and DC 806CB to discuss my experience and the purpose of each rod!"


Click Here To Watch The Video

Customer Testing Opportunity


We have a limited release of 3 of our most popular Champions models and 1 brand new Champion A-Rig Special, each featuring a different, unique cork handle. Due to the declining quality of cork in today’s market place, we are looking into new and different opportunities. We have discounted these rods with the new handle designs to get them into the market quickly. We are looking for honest feedback from our customers on the looks, durability, and desirability for each style. You can find these on our website at https://dobynsrods.com/specials/.


I normally test product for at least a year before launching. This is the second time that I am trying to use our customers for testing. I tried this with the Kaden Series and we got lots of great feedback and made some adjustments and I was able to bring these to market quickly. I don’t personally want to test these for a year because I wouldn’t be able to launch in a timely manner. I f I can get feedback from a couple hundred people, I’ll know quickly if I have a winner or not.” – Gary Dobyns

Strategic Angling - Season 2, Episode 14 - Is The Dobyns Champion DC 734C The Most Versatile Rod?

Dobyns Rods Pro Staffer Brady Hanna is joined by longtime (12+ YEARS) Dobyns Rods Pro Staffer JJ Patton to break down different rods he uses as well as a review of every Champion XP Series DC 734C that Dobyns makes. This man has spent more time with a 734 in his hands than any human on the planet.



Click Here To Watch The Video

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2023 Dobyns Rods Product Catalog

Now Available Online

Click Here to view the online catalog.


Price Signs With Carson Newman University


By Jim Green Sports Editor, rockymounttelegram.com


Cason Price has gone fishing.


Well, he has been fishing most of his life; now he is going to college for it.


Price, the son of Dee and (Dobyns Rods Pro Staffer) Jeff Price and a senior at Rocky Mount Academy, has accepted a bass fishing scholarship to compete on the bass fishing team at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tenn.


Carson Newman started a bass fishing club team five years ago, according to coach Hunter Sales. The past three years, the program has moved to within the intercollegiate recreational sports department on campus and is now listed as such. Bass fishing has its own governing bodies outside the NCAA (Bassmasters and Major League Fishing). The program at CNU is funded by the university and has three employees who serve as the program’s coaches. It operates separate from NCAA jurisdiction.


This past season, CNU traveled to tournaments in Florida, Michigan and Arkansas, among other places. Its main location for home events is Dandridge Lake.


Price and his fishing partner at RMA, Gabe Winham, competed in several high school events in locales ranging from the Albemarle Sounds to Kerr Lake, Lake Gaston, the Roanoke River, the Chowan River, Kerr Lake and Lake Norman in Charlotte this past year. All of these events culminated in them winning the High School Bassmaster East series points championship, which qualified the duo for the 2022 Bassmaster High School National Championship at Lake Hartwell, South Carolina, in August. Price and Winham were one of five North Carolina teams and one of 313 teams nationally who qualified for the event.


Click Here To Read More


Panama Fishing - Round Three

by Pete Robbins, halfpastfirstcast.com


I’m supposed to be a writer, but honestly I don’t know how to describe what I’ve now experienced on three trips to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge. Is it the start of a new addiction (likely) or the crowning experience of my fishing career (hopefully not)? Every moment there, from popping for hard-charging tuna to dragging massive cubera snapper out of the rocks, to the food to the people, is exquisite and life-affirming. It all reminds me of my earliest days on the water, when everything was new and thrilling and invigorating.


Look at that crazy smile in the photo above. That cubera snapper was my dream fish, the one that eluded me on the first two trips to the Gulf of Chiriqui. It was my last fish of the trip this time, and made all of the bouncy boat rides and wet days worth the hassle. Hanna was shocked that after I released it I pumped my fist and did a little happy dance — I simply couldn’t control my emotions. That’s something that rarely happens.


Click Here To Read More

Holiday Gift Guide

Polyester Hoodies

Starting at $49.99

Dobyns Rods Hats

$24.99 ea.

Face Buff

$19.99

Maverick Baitcaster or Spinning Reel

$99.99

Dry-Fit Shirts

Starts at $27.99

32 oz. Water Bottle

$20

Colt Series CL 601SF $79.99 - This model is the Pan Fish Special in the Colt Series and it’s made for crappie and bluegill fishing. This model came about several years ago after Gary fished with a couple of good friends on Kentucky Lake. The rods they were using were short and heavy, 5’ and 5’3” and he hated them. So, he came back and made a 6-footer. Gary said "I just don’t see the need for a rod shorter than 6-feet unless you’re ice fishing." This rod is rated for 2-8 lb. test line and 1/16 to 5/16 oz. It’s a fun and great little pan fish rod. This rod also gets a lot of play with young kids. It makes a perfect starter rod for kiddos. This model does have 15% glass in it for strength and abuse but it balances very well and feels really light in your hands.

Champion XP Series DC 734C $269.99 - This rod is the swiss army knife of fishing versatility. It can do pretty much everything you can ever ask it to do. Need something to throw an S-Waver 168? Need a jig rod? Moving baits like a spinnerbait, chatterbait, or a swimjig? What about top waters? Texas rigs, and other soft plastics? I don’t think this rod has very many limitations….except it doesn’t come with that handy toothpick. -Dobyns Rods Pro Staffer Steve Latino

Sierra Trout & Panfish Series STP 791SF $169.99 - Aside from being a great trout and panfish rod, this rod finds its way into my bass arsenal all winter out here in the west. From throwing some ultra finesse style I-Motion baits on 4lb test, to doubling as a thin senko/3” senko rod it has earned its keep regularly. Only thing is, this rod is really good for those tough bite days, meaning I am usually not much outside of the 4lb test realm on it. Nothing like pulling a donkey out of the sticks during a tournament on light gear….really gets the heart going! - Dobyns Pro Staffer Steve Latino

Kaden Series KD 735CB $189.99 - This model is made to cover a wide range of baits and depth ranges. It won’t throw the small, light baits well or handle the magnum deep divers, but it’ll handle most baits in that 5 to 15 feet or so range. This covers a lot of the baits we throw most of the time. If you’re looking for a great CB rod, give the Kaden 735CB a look.

Champion XP Series DC 794.5 AR $269.99 - As we get into the swing of winter-time fishing and water temps start to drop, the A-Rig bite is about to get good. The newest addition to the Champion lineup is the DC 794.5 AR. This rod possesses all the qualities you want and need in a dedicated A-Rig rod. It’s a rod I feel every angler should have in their arsenal. - Dobyns Rods Pro Staffer Nick Kefalides

Champion XP Series DC 736CB GLASS $249.99 - Because of its quality and performance, the DC 736CB GLASS is one of the leading Chatterbait and Spinnerbait rods manufactured today. The rod is a full 7’3 in length with a full cork handle and heavy action performance. Windy days are a pleasure to use the 736 and anywhere we have grass filled lakes, this rod shines. - Dobyns Rods Pro Staffer Howard Swarts

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