Arv

So, I finally tried out a drop shot rig a couple of weeks ago. Admittadly, I was suprised at how productive it is. Since then I've landed several decent fish with it, but I am having trouble picking up the actual bite. A few times I thought I was hung up on the bottom and other times I would just see my line swimming away but I really don't feel anything when I get a fish on. This has led to several missed fish. I don't have a designated drop shot rod since I do not have a wide array of rods but I feel like the set ups I have used should do a good enough job. I use a 6'6 Shimano Compre spinning set up with 8# fluoro and a 702c Dobyns Champion with 10# fluoro. My question is, from your point of view, what does a fish feel like on a dropshot? And is there anything you do to pick up on bites using this rig? Thanks in advance.

MH/F will cover pretty much anything you want to throw aside form crankbaits and very light finesse presentations. It may not be ideal for EVERYTHING, but it will get the job done in most cases.

For rods, Veritas Winch or Powell Diesel Glass.

Pro Qualifier.

For your price point, IMO, most $50 reels will be ok. I'd look at a Shimano Sonora/Sahara or Pfleuger President. I have a Shakespear Dimension that I picked up from Walmart for 40-50 bucks and its still works fine. I don't expect it to last forever and I will eventually upgrade when I can afford it. But for now it does what I need it to.

I think a 6:1 gear ratio will be a good overall selection for any application you throw. Personally, I would only use 5:1 if I were throwing deep diving crankbaits, which I do not, so I don't have one. You could get a 7:1 for other applications like worms/jigs, spinnerbaits, etc. but the preference is really up to you. Of the reels you have listed, I would definitely go with the Curado for your two remaining rods. If you can find an E series, even better. Other reels you might want to consider in that price range would be a Shimano Citica, Lews Tournament Speed Spool and a Abu Garcia Revo S. The Pro Qualifier is also a fine choice IMO. I just got two and I am very impressed so far. For the money, I don't think you can beat this reel, so, if you're on a budget, the PQ is a nice reel for the price. As far as color goes, I couldn't care less. Fish aren't looking at your rod and reel in the water and probably don't care what it looks like if you get them out of the water. I doubt they're going to go back in the water and insult your color selection to their friends. If its a quality product that will last, I'm all for it. If you're able to put the reels on the rods you want to match them with, I would recommend doing so before you buy them. Like RW said, a well balance set up feels like next to nothing in your hand. IMO, balance is more important than weight.

I'm pretty sure thehooligan has a spinning M1 for similar applications. You might want to try asking him.

I have that rod and I really like it for squarebills, mid range divers and lipless cranks. I've never had any problem ripping cranks out of weeds. I have it paired with a Lews TSS with 12# Yo Zuri Hybrid and it makes for a nice combo IMO. At $120, I think you're getting a great rod.

Haven't tried too many in this range, but I do like my M1 and Endurance a lot.

A Veritas and a Revo S would make a nice set up. I would go for either the M/F or MH/F. Since you are bank fishing I would lean towards the M/F, especially with the Veritas. Other rods to consider at that price point: St. Croix Mojo Bass, Shimano Compre, BPS Carbonlite and now a lot of people are talking about the *** ***. Other reels might be a Shimano Citica and BPS Pro Qualifier. You may also be able to find some really nice deals on higher end equipment in the flea market. But if you are looking to buy new, I don't think you could go wrong with anything I mentioned above. Good luck!

I'd go with the Savvy. IMO, you don't need to spend over 150ish for a rod used for moving presentations. Is it important to have a sensitive rod, yes. But, at least on my budget, I can't justify spending THAT much on a spinnerbait rod. Plus Dobyns makes an excellent product. Really, you can't go wrong with any of them though.

I was worried about that too, but it handles them well IMO. I like the YUM Punkin' Ed which has a 3/0 hook on the 1/4oz size and I have no trouble setting the hook on fish.

Powell Endurance CB

From all the reviews I would also say the Phenix Recon. I have the M1 which is heavier, but its still very light and balances well with my PQ on it.

I own 2 Veritas'. While I think its a good rod for the price, it is not comfortable in my hands and I am not a fan of the reel seat. I can't speak much for the Carbonlite, but I do like the grip a lot more.

I like the Powell Endurance CB line up for this application. They have heavier powers in shorter lengths. I use the 6'9 MH/M for shallow diving cranks, but I also feel comfortable putting a spinnerbait on as well. I have it paired up with a Lews Tournament SS and I think its a nice combo.

I really like fluorocarbon for weightless plastics.

x2. If I'm looking for different colors I really like some of what North Star Custom Baits has to offer.

My advice would to be to keep at it. Once you start landing fish and gaining confidence I bet you'll start to enjoy it more. My go to worm is a weightless texas rigged or wacky rigged senko worm. They may not always catch monsters, but they do flat out catch fish. You may also try a GY Fat Ika. If you're on a pond with clear water, I would recommend 1/4oz to 1/2oz. I use 3/8oz a lot. As far as colors, I stick to browns, greens and black with other accents. Like RW said, there are many resources on how to fish a jig, what line, rod, reel to use, etc. etc. There's no right or wrong way IMO. I'll vary my retrieve until I get (or don't get) a bite. I use some combination of dragging, hopping, twitching and dead sticking a jig. I get most of my bites when the jig has settled on the bottom. It is usually very subtle so a sensitive rod and line are key. Good luck!

LOL

If you can get the Veritas for 50% off I would go for it. Its a nice rod for $100 IMO, and even better at $50

702. Perfect for what you're using it for. I use it for the same thing and it handles awesome.

All the advice you've been given is good. If you continue to have problems beyond adjusting the cast control and brakes I would take it back and exchange it. I just got 2 for Christmas and they cast just as well as any other reel that I have. You shouldn't need to modify a new reel out of the box.

Action and power are different. Get a MH power rod with a fast action and you'll be set to cover everything well except for squarebills. You can still do it, but I would recommend getting another set up for crankbaits eventually.

x2. I have a MH/F that I use mostly for spinners. I don't like it for bottom contact presentations.