canbassguy Posted January 5, 2018 Posted January 5, 2018 I want to buy a dedicated drop shot rod. I've been doing a lot of research and know that usually a ML is recommended. What confused me is some people I've talked to say that if I'm using it for deep dropshotting with heavier weights I should get a M. I want to use the rod on lake Erie mainly dropshotting from 25 to 35 feet with 1/2 to 5/8 oz weight for big smallies. What would you guys recommend? I'm looking at the new 6'9 ML hmg. Quote
Yudo1 Posted January 5, 2018 Posted January 5, 2018 Most ML rods are rated up to 3/8 or 1/2. I'd get a medium power rod for those weights for sure. 1 Quote
Chance_Taker4 Posted January 5, 2018 Posted January 5, 2018 8 hours ago, canbassguy said: I want to buy a dedicated drop shot rod. I've been doing a lot of research and know that usually a ML is recommended. What confused me is some people I've talked to say that if I'm using it for deep dropshotting with heavier weights I should get a M. I want to use the rod on lake Erie mainly dropshotting from 25 to 35 feet with 1/2 to 5/8 oz weight for big smallies. What would you guys recommend? I'm looking at the new 6'9 ML hmg. I fish Erie a lot and my dedicated drop shot rod is a M with a very soft tip. I normally don't go heavier than 1/2oz and that's only when its windy. Normally 3/8 is the heaviest for me. I built my own rod so I can't help with brand suggestion although if I had to go back to mass produced it would be a Fenwick HMX in ML since it covers my needs perfect. Quote
DropShotHotShot Posted January 5, 2018 Posted January 5, 2018 If I could afford it, I would pick up a Daiwa Tatula ASG rod. I use a St. Croix Bass X 7' medium, I am very happy with it for drop shots. as far as ML vs. M, an argument could be made for each, depends on the rating of the specific rod you look at. 1 Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted January 5, 2018 Super User Posted January 5, 2018 Perhaps take a good look at this one by Alpha Angler. Seemed to work well for the reigning Elite Series Angler of the Year. https://www.alphaangler.com/collections/rods/products/drop-shot-rod A-Jay Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 5, 2018 Super User Posted January 5, 2018 St. Croix AVS63MLXF works for 1/2 oz. weights. Step up to the AVS63MXF for 3/4 oz. I use nothing lighter than 1/2 oz. working deep and vertical. Works for me! Quote
DubyaDee Posted January 5, 2018 Posted January 5, 2018 1 hour ago, A-Jay said: Perhaps take a good look at this one by Alpha Angler. Seemed to work well for the reigning Elite Series Angler of the Year. https://www.alphaangler.com/collections/rods/products/drop-shot-rod A-Jay I have the Alpha DSR and love it for weights up to 3/8. If you're using 1/2 ounce weights I'd probably get something a little heavier. 1 Quote
MDBowHunter Posted January 5, 2018 Posted January 5, 2018 I use the new model St. Croix Mojo Dropshot rod and it's been nothing but great. It's light and sensitive, I have it paired with a 2500 Shimano Sedona. In total it was less then $200 for the full setup and that includes the line that on the reel. The newer models of Mojos have the SCIII blank that they use on their higher end rods, the older models with the SCII blanks leave a lot to be desired though. Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted January 5, 2018 Super User Posted January 5, 2018 30 minutes ago, DubyaDee said: I have the Alpha DSR and love it for weights up to 3/8. If you're using 1/2 ounce weights I'd probably get something a little heavier. Thank you for your experience. I have been seriously considering that rod (based on the advertised specs) specifically for deep, big water & big smallies. Most typical ML DSR's (including the 2 ML sticks I currently fish) just don't have the HP I'm looking for. Still looking - may build it myself. A-Jay Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted January 5, 2018 Super User Posted January 5, 2018 You want to use a ML/XF rod for a finesse drop shot which is usually using a weight as light as possible, like 1/16 or 1/8oz. If you are fishing larger weights like 1/2oz or 5/8oz, then you are not fishing a finesse drop shot rig per say. Do you have a MH/F or M/F baitcaster? You should be able to throw those weights fine on either although based on the technique, medium is slightly more ideal. Quote
Fishin' Fool Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 20 hours ago, canbassguy said: I want to buy a dedicated drop shot rod. I've been doing a lot of research and know that usually a ML is recommended. What confused me is some people I've talked to say that if I'm using it for deep dropshotting with heavier weights I should get a M. I want to use the rod on lake Erie mainly dropshotting from 25 to 35 feet with 1/2 to 5/8 oz weight for big smallies. What would you guys recommend? I'm looking at the new 6'9 ML hmg. What's your budget? That will help us give you some ideas. Quote
canbassguy Posted January 6, 2018 Author Posted January 6, 2018 21 hours ago, Fishin' Fool said: What's your budget? That will help us give you some ideas. Thanks for the replies......up to 150 Canadian ......so even if not casting just dropping straight down the rods rating comes into play? If I'm using 1/2 to 3/4 to stay down while drifting in 30'of water a M would be better than a ML? Quote
Fishin' Fool Posted January 6, 2018 Posted January 6, 2018 40 minutes ago, canbassguy said: Thanks for the replies......up to 150 Canadian ......so even if not casting just dropping straight down the rods rating comes into play? If I'm using 1/2 to 3/4 to stay down while drifting in 30'of water a M would be better than a ML? Medium rod for sure. It's a little over your price range but I like the NRX 872s as my drop shot rod. You should probably see what Daiwa or Dobyns rod fits your wallet. Quote
canbassguy Posted January 7, 2018 Author Posted January 7, 2018 2 hours ago, Fishin' Fool said: Medium rod for sure. It's a little over your price range but I like the NRX 872s as my drop shot rod. You should probably see what Daiwa or Dobyns rod fits your wallet. Since I can't get a actual rod made for drop shot with my budget would a standard M fast rod be too stiff of a tip? Quote
DubyaDee Posted January 8, 2018 Posted January 8, 2018 On 1/5/2018 at 11:30 AM, A-Jay said: Thank you for your experience. I have been seriously considering that rod (based on the advertised specs) specifically for deep, big water & big smallies. Most typical ML DSR's (including the 2 ML sticks I currently fish) just don't have the HP I'm looking for. Still looking - may build it myself. A-Jay You're welcome to try it out if your going to be fishing St Clair in the spring, or going to the Novi show this week. Zona talks Thursday at 4 and 6 I think. 1 Quote
Super User OkobojiEagle Posted January 8, 2018 Super User Posted January 8, 2018 On 1/5/2018 at 10:30 AM, A-Jay said: Most typical ML DSR's (including the 2 ML sticks I currently fish) just don't have the HP I'm looking for. A-Jay Amen... oe Quote
Super User WRB Posted January 8, 2018 Super User Posted January 8, 2018 I use Iovino Major Craft finesse spinning and casting rods for both drop and slip (finesse C-rig) shot rigs. Spinning for weights to 1/4 oz and casting for heavier weights. Drop shot the weight sits on the bottom so you work the soft using the rod, not the reel. The only reason I use a casting rod with the same tip action and power as the spinning rod is I prefer baitcasting reels over spinning and with 8 lb line and spinning with 5 lb line. $119 @ TW. Tom Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted January 8, 2018 Super User Posted January 8, 2018 1 hour ago, DubyaDee said: You're welcome to try it out if your going to be fishing St Clair in the spring, or going to the Novi show this week. Zona talks Thursday at 4 and 6 I think. Thank You for the offer - I really appreciate it - Probably will not be on St Clair - as I've got some pretty decent sized local residents I'm looking to introduce myself to - (don't tell anyone ) As for the Novi show, I attended the first two days of it last year (got a room). I was checking out a potential (and eventual) new rig. Did see all of Zona's & KVD's presentations while I was there - even got to to do a little Q & A with them after each. Pretty Cool. And for some reason, I kept bumping into that nice young lady with the wheel barrel full of ice & rice soda . . . Enjoy the show. A-Jay Quote
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