About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the rod, which I purchased with my own money in September of 2022.

My take

The Douglas DXC Casting Rod is a niche rod. It can be used for other baits, but it shines as a flipping jig rod and is outstanding for that specific application. It has a super soft and responsive tip section. If one is searching for a particular jig rod, this is a great addition to their arsenal.

About this rod

• Model: Douglas 765XF
• Rod Length: 7’6”
• Rod Power: 5-Medium-Heavy
• Rod Action: Extra-Fast
• Rod Pieces: 1 piece
• Rod Material: Graphite

About me

• Preferred fishing style(s): Jig
• Experience: 10 years of conventional fishing

Test conditions

• When I bought this: September 2022
• Reel Paired with Rod: Daiwa Tatula SV103
• Line Paired Rod: 40-pound American Tackle Bushido Braid
• Days tested: 5
• Waters I’ve used it on: Freshwater
• Species targeted with rod: Bass

How it performs

What I was looking for

I bought this rod after searching for a technique-specific rod for casting and flipping jigs. I talked with one of the Douglas sales reps to find the perfect rod for the application I desired based on power, action, and sensitivity.

Why I chose this gear

After many emails and calls directly with the Douglas representative, I decided on this rod. I considered several options but we concluded this would be the best fit for my very specific parameters.

What I love about it

• Quality: This rod is built with some very high-end Fuji rod components. It looks and feels very nice and of high quality.
• Durability: Very durable rod so far. I will continue to put it through a tournament-testing atmosphere. The rod is built with high-end components, and there weren’t nicks or damages even through a tournament day.
• Application: This rod is built to be a special jig rod that is ultra-sensitive and has a perfect feel for jig fishing. The longer rod helps flip jigs more efficiently. The softer tips add to the sensitivity while compounding a nice strong background to power those fish.
• Performance:
  • Ease of casting: With the super soft tip, this rod is super easy to make the flipping casting style.
  • Power: This rod has an excellent backbone for a bass jig rod.
  • Action: It’s an extra fast action rod that allows for a super sensitive tip and easier casting.
  • Ideal casting distance: This rod is excellent at both casting and flipping styles.
  • Accuracy: High accuracy rod with its super soft tip allows for upgraded control.
• Feel: The Douglas DXC rod feels stouter for its rod power compared to other companies. So this rod is only a 5-power (medium-heavy), but it feels more like a heavy power.
• Literal Weight: This rod is super lightweight, only 5.5oz. This lighter weight leads to less fatigue on a long fishing day and a better balance point on the overall rod.
• Length: This is a true 7’6” rod and a great jig length. This added length to the standard rods allows for easier flipping and adds overall power.
• Sensitivity: This rod is excellent with sensitivity. Its super soft tip helps with easier bite detection.
• Grip: This rod has a split EVA handle and super compressed foam that helps with sensitivity.
• Build: This rod is built with high-end Fuji rod components. These higher-end components were one of the main reasons I went with this rod over competitors.
• Aesthetics: The rod looks super sleek with its black and silver coloring.
• Warranty: Douglas has a great warranty that has a 5-year limited warranty.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Versatility: Not the best rod to be a versatile rod. It’s a specific jig and bottom contact rod. The DXC rod can be used for a couple of applications, but it performs the best as a specific jig rod. Being an extra fast action rod makes it perfect for bottom contact baits.
• Application: Not for finesse applications. This is too powerful for finesse applications.

Favorite moment with this gear

I was flipping trees in my most recent tournament and was pulling a jig through branches and feeling up and over those, and suddenly, I felt a thump and then again and felt that bass swimming off with my jig. So I swung on that fish and worked him out of that tree.

Value for the money vs. other options

The Douglas DXC Casting Rod is excellent quality and made with high-end Fuji’s flagship components. While the DXC is a higher-end priced rod, it’s well worth the added price tag for the sensitivity and sensitivity. This rod compares to the Daiwa Tatula Elite series and the Shimano Poison Adrena series.

Final verdict

This rod is by far the best jig rod I’ve used in my competitive career.** **It feels like a perfect combination of power and softness in that sensitive tip. It handles more like a heavy power rod compared to other companies.