Dedicated Dropshot Rod

[jslaughter]

First post here and this site has the most knowledge of any bass fishing site I have seen! I am looking for a dedicated dropshot rod. I have been looking through the forums and trying to read as much as I can before posting but I am slightly overwhelmed. 

I usually will cast out drag back when trying to cover water in a slower presentation. I also drop using the fish finder as most people do. 

I currently have a 6'6 medium heavy that I throw my dropshot rig on along with other finesse presentation as well. On a calm day usually 1/8 or 3/16 ounce weight depending on the depth, 1/0 hook for largemouth and #1 or smallmouth with 12# braid to a 8# leader. 

I like the backbone of the MH rod but everything I read says M or even ML rods are preferred. Then all the different lengths is killing me. 

Currently looking at a IRod Genesis II IRG712S as a buddy recommended them. I've had pretty decent success on my current setup so wondering why the ML or M over the MH rods? I know I could straighten a hook but I usually reel set with a dropshot. Thanks in advance!

[WRB]

If you are casting and slowly dragging back to cover more water try the slip shot rig*.

I use Major Craft MH spinning rod NAS WJ71MH 7' for both drop shot w 1/4 oz using 7 lb Sniper FC or slip shot using 1/8-3/16 oz mojo style weight with 5 lb Maxima UG mono.

Don Iovino Major a Craft 6'9"" finesse M spinning rod ($130) is easier to work a vertical drop with do to the lighter action rod tip.

Welcome to BR, good luck with whatever you end up with.

Tom

* slip shot rig: 1/8 oz Tubular weight, 8mm glass faceted bead, Carolina Keeper, #5133 Owner down shot hook, about 24"-30" leader length and finesse floating worms. Mono line works better then FC for this presentation as it helps to keep the worm dragging the bottom.

[Bass_Fischer]

I've been delighted with my Loomis E6X 822S DSR.  Super sensitive (it's a Loomis), the 6-10 length is just right to me and the magnum taper combined into a medium power rod gives a sturdy response when I want to lean into one.  It runs $50 more than the IRod genesis II, for your budgeting consideration.  Good hunting.

[ChrisD46]

48 minutes ago, WRB said:

If you are casting and slowly dragging back to cover more water try the slip shot rig*.

I use Major Craft MH spinning rod NAS WJ71MH 7' for both drop shot w 1/4 oz using 7 lb Sniper FC or slip shot using 1/8-3/16 oz mojo style weight with 5 lb Maxima UG mono.

Don Iovino Major a Craft 6'9"" finesse M spinning rod ($130) is easier to work a vertical drop with do to the lighter action rod tip.

Welcome to BR, good luck with whatever you end up with.

Tom

* slip shot rig: 1/8 oz Tubular weight, 8mm glass faceted bead, Carolina Keeper, #5133 Owner down shot hook, about 24"-30" leader length and finesse floating worms. Mono line works better then FC for this presentation as it helps to keep the worm dragging the bottom.

*Tom is explaining a technique (slip shot) that may fit the situation better than dragging a drop shot . With new finesse / Ned   soft plastics (beyond worms) now available - the slip shot rig could be deadly as bass most likely have not seen this older technique . Inexpensive and lots of possibilities - give it a try !

[TBAG]

Welcome to BR, tons of awesome knowledge here. I'd suggest next time posting in the proper forum to get more answers. (I'm sure a mod will move it)

 

Also, a search will yield you tons of topics on a drop shot specific rod. 

 

I don't throw the drop shot a whole lot but when I do I use my Dobyns Sierra 702S. 

[r3825]

Daiwa Tatula makes a nice drop shot rod

[Fishes in trees]

When I feel the need to go finesse with a drop shot approach, I use a medium action 7' St Croix Mojo rod. A smaller Pflueger or Shimano reel, 10 lb braid and a longish leader, generally 10 lb fluorocarbon, maybe 6 completes the set up.  Hook choice varies.

 

Much more often than a finesse approach, I go the bubba drop shot route.   Currently that means a Kistler 7'5" Pitching/flipping stick (the telescopic one ) not sure if it is still available.  That is paired with a Calcutta 50 reel filled with 20 lb Abrazx.   I generally use a half ounce weight in this approach.   Hook choices will vary.

[jslaughter]

18 hours ago, ChrisD46 said:

*Tom is explaining a technique (slip shot) that may fit the situation better than dragging a drop shot . With new finesse / Ned   soft plastics (beyond worms) now available - the slip shot rig could be deadly as bass most likely have not seen this older technique . Inexpensive and lots of possibilities - give it a try !

From what I read its like a lighter carolina rig. I dont think a fish will have ever seen that where I live. 

[FishingGeekTX]

On 11/1/2019 at 11:59 AM, jslaughter said:

From what I read its like a lighter carolina rig. I dont think a fish will have ever seen that where I live. 

 

I'd take that advice, it's a superb worm fishing method.  It's the only rig I fish worms with on the bottom lately, never lets me down.  That action, dancing around behind the weight, just off the bottom usually, and easy hookups.  Cast, sink.   Drag or slow-reel back.  You can pause, not always necessary.  Just fairly slow, ensure on bottom.

 

I just bought a pack of rubber t-pegs though, you can just put a heavier bullet weight on like normal, and just peg it 1.5 feet or so above the hook.  I personally use an offset 2/0 worm hook (not wide gap), and rig it with a 3" roboworm (or any ned-like stick).  It's like bass candy.  Simple setup, no special gear other than the T-pegs.

If you don't need weedless, you might try a standard shank worm hook 2/0, and thread it exposed.  Lure lasts even longer then.

 

I've tried longer floating worms too.  Some are fragile (Grande bass airtail...superb but fragile), and have some finesse floating.  Issue I have with longer worms is that fish sometimes grab the back end, and you don't get a hookset.  You can wait...but then you risk a gut hook.  That 3"...never have to wonder.  I caught fish until I was tired two weeks ago on that rig w/3" green robo worms.  I mixed in other worms out of sheer boredom but the 3" produced the fastest for me.

 

Good luck, it's fun trying all that stuff out.

[bunz559]

I currently fish a Dobyn's Extreme HP 702sf as a dedicated drop shot rod. I run a CI4 3000 with 20lb Power Pro Spectra Yellow with Sunline FC Sniper 8lb leader. I'm usually casting quite a bite so the longer rod helps with casting distance and setting the hook. But if I were vertical fishing, I'd much prefer a shorter rod. Can it be done? Absolutely. Is it ideal? Probably not. I've tried with a 7ft rod and it's a little uncomfortable having to point your rod tip high in order to drop it right at the bow. I tend to prefer that Medium or medium-light power with a slightly slower action (preference). I feel like the more powerful and faster action tips make it hard to cast dropshots. 

 

Occasionally I dropshot with an Expride 7ft Medium Fast action. The tip's much faster than Dobyn's. 

 

[zell_pop1]

On 10/31/2019 at 5:00 PM, jslaughter said:

First post here and this site has the most knowledge of any bass fishing site I have seen! I am looking for a dedicated dropshot rod. I have been looking through the forums and trying to read as much as I can before posting but I am slightly overwhelmed. 

I usually will cast out drag back when trying to cover water in a slower presentation. I also drop using the fish finder as most people do. 

I currently have a 6'6 medium heavy that I throw my dropshot rig on along with other finesse presentation as well. On a calm day usually 1/8 or 3/16 ounce weight depending on the depth, 1/0 hook for largemouth and #1 or smallmouth with 12# braid to a 8# leader. 

I like the backbone of the MH rod but everything I read says M or even ML rods are preferred. Then all the different lengths is killing me. 

Currently looking at a IRod Genesis II IRG712S as a buddy recommended them. I've had pretty decent success on my current setup so wondering why the ML or M over the MH rods? I know I could straighten a hook but I usually reel set with a dropshot. Thanks in advance!

I'm with you I use a 6'6" MH Falcon Lowrider Herm Special rod for dropshot/split shot/shakey head, I dont see the need to go lighter unless I am crappie fishing, and no need for a longer rod these are not distance casting techniques .

[Columbia Craw]

Welcome !  It certainly sounds like you love to drop shot and have some extensive experience with the technique.  Time for a dedicated rod.  I can share my experiences and preferences if that helps.  I started with a Lamiglas 701 Drop Shot special.  The concept was new, lines were small and the rod flexed well into the middle third of the blank.  Too soft of an action for me.  I picked up a Dobyns Extreme 742SF and this rod is is really sweet but tripled as a tube, hula grub and drop shot rod. I wanted a dedicated drop shot rod that was lighter over all and went with the Extreme HP 702SF and paired it with a Ballistic 3000LT.  When you drop shot for three days in a row the light weight and balance makes fishing so much more relaxing.  The Dobyns 2 powers have great tip but transitions into a powerful lower section.  I have some experience with the Diawa Tatula 6-10 Medium and this rod in it's price range is a great performer. Similar action as the Dobyns.  Fish what's comfortable. 

[punch]

On 10/31/2019 at 4:00 PM, jslaughter said:

First post here and this site has the most knowledge of any bass fishing site I have seen! I am looking for a dedicated dropshot rod. I have been looking through the forums and trying to read as much as I can before posting but I am slightly overwhelmed. 

I usually will cast out drag back when trying to cover water in a slower presentation. I also drop using the fish finder as most people do. 

I currently have a 6'6 medium heavy that I throw my dropshot rig on along with other finesse presentation as well. On a calm day usually 1/8 or 3/16 ounce weight depending on the depth, 1/0 hook for largemouth and #1 or smallmouth with 12# braid to a 8# leader. 

I like the backbone of the MH rod but everything I read says M or even ML rods are preferred. Then all the different lengths is killing me. 

Currently looking at a IRod Genesis II IRG712S as a buddy recommended them. I've had pretty decent success on my current setup so wondering why the ML or M over the MH rods? I know I could straighten a hook but I usually reel set with a dropshot. Thanks in advance!

There's quite a few pro's that run a 7' MH dropshot rod, like Mark Daniels JR.. and lots of pro's that like a soft 6'9-6'11 M or even ML rod. There's really no right or wrong way to dropshot. It's all about what you feel confident and comfortable with. 

 

Personally I love drop shotting a LOT (for smallies and largies) and my current setup is a 6'10 ML Shimano Expride with a 2500 daiwa ballistic LT. Always 10lb braid to 8lb leader. I use Owner Covershot #2's ONLY (best dropshot hook period).

 

I personally like the shorter, softer rods so I can fish vertically and feel that i'm not "lifting" my weight up off the ground when I impart action on it by shaking the tip. 

[jslaughter]

On 11/3/2019 at 9:37 AM, FishingGeekTX said:

 

I'd take that advice, it's a superb worm fishing method.  It's the only rig I fish worms with on the bottom lately, never lets me down.  That action, dancing around behind the weight, just off the bottom usually, and easy hookups.  Cast, sink.   Drag or slow-reel back.  You can pause, not always necessary.  Just fairly slow, ensure on bottom.

 

I just bought a pack of rubber t-pegs though, you can just put a heavier bullet weight on like normal, and just peg it 1.5 feet or so above the hook.  I personally use an offset 2/0 worm hook (not wide gap), and rig it with a 3" roboworm (or any ned-like stick).  It's like bass candy.  Simple setup, no special gear other than the T-pegs.

If you don't need weedless, you might try a standard shank worm hook 2/0, and thread it exposed.  Lure lasts even longer then.

 

I've tried longer floating worms too.  Some are fragile (Grande bass airtail...superb but fragile), and have some finesse floating.  Issue I have with longer worms is that fish sometimes grab the back end, and you don't get a hookset.  You can wait...but then you risk a gut hook.  That 3"...never have to wonder.  I caught fish until I was tired two weeks ago on that rig w/3" green robo worms.  I mixed in other worms out of sheer boredom but the 3" produced the fastest for me.

 

Good luck, it's fun trying all that stuff out.

 

I am defiantly going to throw this rig. What rod do you throw it on? I have a 7' heavy for my jigs and 7'2 and 7' MH for all my other casting needs. Would any of those work?

On 11/4/2019 at 11:21 AM, bunz559 said:

I currently fish a Dobyn's Extreme HP 702sf as a dedicated drop shot rod. I run a CI4 3000 with 20lb Power Pro Spectra Yellow with Sunline FC Sniper 8lb leader. I'm usually casting quite a bite so the longer rod helps with casting distance and setting the hook. But if I were vertical fishing, I'd much prefer a shorter rod. Can it be done? Absolutely. Is it ideal? Probably not. I've tried with a 7ft rod and it's a little uncomfortable having to point your rod tip high in order to drop it right at the bow. I tend to prefer that Medium or medium-light power with a slightly slower action (preference). I feel like the more powerful and faster action tips make it hard to cast dropshots. 

 

Occasionally I dropshot with an Expride 7ft Medium Fast action. The tip's much faster than Dobyn's. 

 

 

I do more casting with the drop shot than vertical. So the 7' rod seems to make more sense like you said for distance and setting the hook

 

 

The sheer number of responses to my question is ridiculous! Thanks everyone 

 

 

Tom,

 

Is this what you were talking about?

 

http://www.***.com/all/slipshot-rig-for-cold-water-bass/#.Xbxg1-dKhTY

[WRB]

Pegging a weight on the line using a Peg-It is now called a mojo rig, been around a long time. Pegging a glass bead for a sliding weight stopper is the slip shot or finesse C-rig, also been around for decades. Cylinder shape weights snag less often then a bullet weight and the reason it's preferred in rocky areas.

You don't need a longer rod to get hook sets, just use your reel and sweep the rod back.

Tom

[jslaughter]

3 minutes ago, WRB said:

Pegging a weight on the line using a Peg-It is now called a mojo rig, been around a long time. Pegging a glass bead for a sliding weight stopper is the slip shot or finesse C-rig, also been around for decades. Cylinder shape weights snag less often then a bullet weight and the reason it's preferred in rocky areas.

You don't need a longer rod to get hook sets, just use your reel and sweep the rod back.

Tom

 

On the slip shot do you put in a swivel? 

[WRB]

35 minutes ago, jslaughter said:

 

On the slip shot do you put in a swivel? 

No. Swivel requires 3 knots in lieu 1 knot, otherwise it's your choice.

Mojo style cylinder weight, 8mm tempered faceted glass bead pegged with a rubber Peg-It or use a Carolina Keeper as a weight stop and light wire finesse hook* for lighter line spinning tackle or a medium wire standard worm hook using bait casting tackle. I prefer 1/8 oz Black Pro-jo brass cylinder weight, #5133 size 1/0 for spinning with 5 lb Maxima UG copoly line and 3/8 oz black Pro-Jo weight, #5133 size 2/0 for bait casting with 8 lb Max UG line. Weight anywhere from 24" to 36" above the hook using Roboworms or Iovino worms.

Tom

* lots of good finesse worm hooks work good.

PS, I use the 8mm bead with my sliding bullet weight for T-rigs. It's a pain to remove a rubber peg from a weight or a bead, so I prefer the Carolina Keeper easier to use.