Suggestions about a new drop shot rod

[ScottK91]

Hello this is my first post to the site. I'm thinking about getting a new drop shot rod I'm currently using a Denali rosewood. I like it but I'd like to get something a little nice and longer. I'm open to any suggestions I'm looking to spend $1-200 for just the rod. I mainly use 1/4 oz sometimes 3/8. I use braid with fluro leader. I'd like a ML in the 7 foot range. I'm also thinking about getting a rod for throwing 1/16-1/8oz marabou jigs and hair jigs with so if u have any suggestions throw those in as well. I was looking at the 7'6" ML diawa Cronos has anybody used this rod?

Thanks Scott 

[fishnkamp]

Well my first suggestion is a St Croix Avid X AXS70MLF which is a really nice 7 foot ML fast action spinning rod. The Avid X series ai a bit different and I believe a more true ML fast action rod. If you prefer you could also consider the same rod in a 7 ft Medium with the fast tip.  Either of these will do the job well. Another really nice option is a Dobyns Sierra SA 701F or 702SF, Both of these rods are terrific as well.  I also own a G Loomis rod you can look for it is a 7 foot rod available in 1 and 3 pieces it is a model SR843 -2 GL3. It specs as a medium but it is more like a ml and specs 4 to 10 pound line 1/8 to 3/8. It is a spectacular drop shot and finesse rod.  This is from the classic line. This rod is a bit more expensive but it may be worth it to you,  There is a SR842 which is a 7 footer 1/16 to 5/16 if that solves your need for a marabou jig rod. I have owned both and they are great.

[Junk Fisherman]

Wait till Tackle Warehouse's 20% Black Friday sale and get a Dobyns Champion XP for $200.  Like Kamp wrote, you want to get the 701 or 702.  I bought the 702 based on a lot of recommendations but it is a little heavier than what I want in a DS rod.  So I use it for tubes, shakey, or wacky and have bought a 701 for DS.  I love the lighter action on the 701 for DSing.  It also makes a great Ned rig rod.  Overall, I love both rods.  

I was an Avid spinning rod guy for a number of years and the Champion is a superior rod.  When I first bought the 702 I did a shakey head comparison, same weight, line, and rocky location, and the 702 was markedly more sensitive than the Avid.  The Avid is a very good rod.  The Champion is a great rod.  Good luck.  

[SJex]

Try to find a Fenwick 7'6" ML Aetos if it is still on sale. Excellent dropshot rod. The extra length helps alot for casting distance and controlling fish. I use mine to throw weighless finesse worms and dropshotting.

[fishindad]

12 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Well my first suggestion is a St Croix Avid X AXS70MLF which is a really nice 7 foot ML fast action spinning rod. The Avid X series ai a bit different and I believe a more true ML fast action rod. If you prefer you could also consider the same rod in a 7 ft Medium with the fast tip.  Either of these will do the job well. Another really nice option is a Dobyns Sierra SA 701F or 702SF, Both of these rods are terrific as well.  I also own a G Loomis rod you can look for it is a 7 foot rod available in 1 and 3 pieces it is a model SR843 -2 GL3. It specs as a medium but it is more like a ml and specs 4 to 10 pound line 1/8 to 3/8. It is a spectacular drop shot and finesse rod.  This is from the classic line. This rod is a bit more expensive but it may be worth it to you,  There is a SR842 which is a 7 footer 1/16 to 5/16 if that solves your need for a marabou jig rod. I have owned both and they are great.

I completely agree with fishnkamp on the Loomis SR842. A fantastic rod for those light hair jigs.

As for a dropshot rod, I own the Extreme 70MLF and used to fish the Dobyns DX701 and 702SF rods dropshotting for smallies. I think these are a touch too light in power to handle a true 3/8th oz. weight plus plastic. I've also used many more different sticks over the years - if you PM me, I'll direct you to an awesome ML 7'2" DS rod for the price of the Sierra.

[Junk Fisherman]

40 minutes ago, fishindad said:

 

As for a dropshot rod, I own the Extreme 70MLF and used to fish the Dobyns DX701 and 702SF rods dropshotting for smallies. I think these are a touch too light in power to handle a true 3/8th oz. weight plus plastic. I've also used many more different sticks over the years - if you PM me, I'll direct you to an awesome ML 7'2" DS rod for the price of the Sierra.

I was actually planning on getting the DX741 and DX742 this offseason.  Are the powers of Champions Extreme XPs comparable to HPs?  And I agree with you, if I am DSing a Erie Darter or something of that ilk with a 3/8 oz weight, I am using the 702 over the 701.  

[fishindad]

1 hour ago, Junk Fisherman said:

I was actually planning on getting the DX741 and DX742 this offseason.  Are the powers of Champions Extreme XPs comparable to HPs?  And I agree with you, if I am DSing a Erie Darter or something of that ilk with a 3/8 oz weight, I am using the 702 over the 701.  

I still have my DX742 Extreme, the older version just prior to the XP. From what I've heard and read, the new XP versions are a bit more powerful than their predecessors. That 702 is a SWEET dropshot rod. I'll bet the new 741 would be comparable (but 4" longer of course).

[badzr2]

I threw 1/8th oz jigs on a 7'6" Cronos this weekend.   Caught a few fish on it and it felt great.  I will use it for dropshotting the next outing.  Really like it so far. 

[blckshirt98]

If you want to have some real fun catching fish on a dropshot check out the Phenix FX802-1X (telescoping, it's listed as and "Elixir-Popping" on their site).  It's an UL trout rod but works great as a dropshot rod (landed a 7+ lber on one last year).  It's 8' and will throw your jigs nicely as well.

In general though I'd look for a M/XF or ML/XF rod for a dedicated dropshot rod..