Some anglers might have thought that increasing the stiffness in the rod might be the trick to driving the hook home better, but I was not so sure as I was already using a pretty stiff rod. I changed rods to a Dobyns Savvy (now Sierra) SA 733C; a model 3 inches longer and medium-heavy, with a much more parabolic action. I never lost a fish the rest of that event and placed high in the money.

Now a quick caveat. It is not that a medium or even medium heavy spinning rod are never appropriate choices. For instance, in super heavy current (think mouth of Detroit River or parts of the St. Lawrence) I will go to a medium action because there is so much bow in the line with the current pushing it around. A medium action will help get a better hook set and keep control of the fish in the heavy current. I will adjust the drag as soon as I hook up and/or back reel more to compensate. The same goes for heavier baits like a spinnerbait, but I still use a rod like the Sierra SA 734C (heavy) because of its parabolic bend.

These days the Fury FR 733C and Sierra SA 733C baitcasting rods, and Fury FR 702SF and SA 702SF spinning rods see 90% of the work with my clients. The Kaden KD 743C and KD 712SF are starting to see some significant playing time as well. These 3-power action baitcasting rods and 2-power action spinning rods simply put the smallmouth in the boat at a better rate than other actions. I would estimate my landing rate somewhere between 90 and 95% on most days with these rods and clients of all experience levels. Even for my own personal use, I still stick with those models just in the Champion or Champion Extreme versions, although I constantly find myself still picking up the Sierras.

If you want to talk more fishing or are interested in a guide trip on Lake St. Clair or Lake Erie, I work for Marcel’s Guide Service and you can find and message me at the following. I love talking fishing so feel free to reach out!

After a half hour battle, Jarrett Knize was able to land this 72lb 9oz bighead carp out of Humboldt Park lagoon in Chicago, IL. Jarrett was using the Dobyns Rods Fred Roumbanis Series DC 703C FR on the record-breaking catch and while it wasn't exactly what he was targeting, it's definitely one for the books!

Tournament fishing in the Crappie genre has made a big change from the normal long line trolling with 8 rods, back to the single rod because of improved electronics. I run the Lowrance Active Target and it has been a total game changer for me, now I pull out the Dobyns Sierra STP 791SF for most every tournament.   The Sierra STP 791SF is a 7 foot, 9 inch that I can pitch, cast, or flip right where I my electronics show me.  I love this Panfish rod, the length is great, it is a light rod to hold all day, and the cork grips help avoid wet hands from slipping.  I can also feel limbs when I am pulling over them, but Crappie as you know, have a very light bite, but this rod delivers on sensitivity, and I haven’t missed a bite yet.   Hair jigs are making a comeback and downsizing is helping on the fish that just don’t want to bite.  My go to is still the Bobby Garland baby shat and itty bitty’s. I am looking forward to the signature series rods that Josh Jones and Gary are designing, be on the lookout for those, I can’t wait! I am gearing up to hit the St. John’s River in January for the first Crappie USA event of 2022.  

Congratulations to Gary Baldwin who took home the win with the Wild West Bass Trail Pro/Am Championship on the Co-Angler side. Gary conquered the Delta after bringing 32.88 pounds across the stage using his DC 744C SH, DC 736CB GLASS, DC 733SF, DX 743SF, and DX 795FLIP.

Gary will be taking home a brand new Bass Cat Boats Pantera Classic with a Mercury Marine 200 HP ProXS valued at $55,000.

Mike May of Wilson, North Carolina

Home Waters: Kerr Lake, Gaston Lake, and the Roanoke River

Bucket List Fishery: Lake Baccarac

Largest Catch: 10lb Bass

Favorite Dobyns Rod: Dobyns 734C in any model. This is one of the most versatile rods I have found so far in the Dobyns lineup.

Go-To Technique: Power Fishing

Best fishing tale: I recently fished the Bass Pro US Open on Table Rock Lake it was a great experience. We placed 20th out of 350 boats.

Give Mike a follow on Instagram mikemayfishing and keep up with more of his fishing tales.

Tony Vang of Fresno, California

Tony calls Millterton Lake Reservoir his home lake with Pineflat Reservoir coming in at a close second.  Tony said his favorite Dobyns rod is the Dobyns Xtasy Series DRX 722SF paired with a 2500 Shimano Stradic with 15lb braid to a 7lb FC Sniper leader.   Dropshot is Tony’s primary technique for Spotted Bass on pressured waters (on his lake).

Largest fish: 22.5” Largemouth Bass weighing in at 5.7 pounds.

Best fishing tale: “My most memorable tale was probably catching my personal best 21.5" largemouth in a small kayak tournament. Day 2 of the tournament with no fish to land for the day. I decided to Carolina rig an 6" Googan Baits Okeechobee Worm on my Dobyns Sierra Series SA 734C with an 3/8oz egg sinker. As I cast out the line put the rod in my lap to pull out my sandwich. When I took the first bite of my sandwich, my rod halfway flew into the water. Just in that split second, I grabbed it and hooked the fish. Took me for a good 30 second fight. As I reeled it in, I saw the fish surface. Easily could've been a 7-8lb in the pre spawn. It was my most epic tale for my 4 years of getting into fishing. I caught the fish in 2020 and started fishing back in 2018.