YUP, Another DS thread.

[NHBull]

Gent's the DS has always been my technique of last resort until recently.  I have seen the light.

I have been using a GLX 882S DSR paired with a ci4 1000 for DS and Ned.

My questions is for those that do it a lot......How many rods and for what.

 

I am already looking at a deeper water set-up for heavier weights?

Does anyone use a 2 power BC for heavier deeper fishing?

 

I know this is open ended and videos on this tend to go in all directions.

 

Appreciate your time,

Al

 

 

 

 

 

 

[A-Jay]

Admittedly far from an expert, I've had varied levels of success with the drop shot.

Most all of that starts & ends with finding the fish - I know not exactly big news. 

While fishing shallower & even mid-depth with a DS (say less than 15 ft), I'm usually fishing a ML stick, and most all of that is driven by the weight size.  I like the lighter weight & rod in most cases - that is until just a few years ago.

Below is a clip discussing using heavier than 'normal' DS weight & why.

This is a recent offering but there has been whispers about the technique for quite a while.

Either way, I've been fishing this way quite a bit more the past few season and I'm becoming a fan. 

It relates to this thread in that when doing it, I most definitely prefer a M stick, as the ML just seems to fold up a little too much at or above 1/2 oz. 

These Diawa blanks work nicely for me while drop shotting with a little more tonnage. 

A-Jay

 

 

[NHBull]

@A-Jay, thanks!
Thats what I was looking for!

[Steelhead]

I have the same rod(822). Love it. I'll use a 1/2oz. ds wieght when fishing 30'-40' in windy conditions. I don't go any heavier than that. The rod can handle it. It's lure wieght rating is up to 1/2oz. I also use it for Neds and small plastics. I prefer the reel seat and handle of this rod to the NRX and IMX-Pro. 

 

I tried the St. Croix Mojo Bass C68MXF on a couple of occasions using the 1/2oz. wieght in deeper water. It worked well. No complaints but I prefer spinning for DS. 

 

[waymont]

I use an IMX-Pro 842c JWR for 3/8oz DS, and it works great.

[Spankey]

There is probably 1000 answers and none being wrong. I know I’m no expert, I just give it heck. Drop shot and Split Shot being my favorite way to fish soft plastics. 
 

My favorite rods are the St. Croix Avid spinning AVS68MXF and AVS69MLXF paired with 3000 series Shimano’s. I have the ability to DS fish a few other manufacturers but believe these are my favorite. 
 

I never attempted to fish like that with a baitcaster. 
 

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I prefer a ML XF to DS with most of the time.  I feel I get a better hookset with the XF compared to the F.  In South Jersey where I live most of the lakes are 5ft or less average depth other than Union lake.  Even in deeper water the ML XF is fine as long as your somewhat vertical.  If Im trying to cover water or think I may spook the fish if get to close to the structure or feature there on I go to a M F.  When it comes to ned rigs a ML fast is ideal t keep the hook pinned and to minimize tearing.  I use the same ML XF DS rod for ned rigs and it does fine.  For me 3 rods would cover DS and ned rigs.  I don't have one but I would imagine the GLX 822 with a ci4 1000 would be an excellent set up to DS with not to mention small JBs, small swimbaits, neko rigs and wacky rigs just to name a few.  I have to say this is only my opinion and what I like to use.  Hopefully this helps.

[Spankey]

Admittedly I’m pretty much St. Croix fan. But I must say over the last few years I’ve strayed some and glad I did because I’ve found a few good rods that have worked out great for me. 
 

I put myself together a Abu Garcia Revo/Veritas Spinning Combo together that is a great all around lighter side of plastics set up. I don’t throw big plastics for the most part. The handle on this rod is an EVA foam type. Split handle. I might be still out to lunch on the foam handle but it fits my hand perfectly and is one of my better balanced combinations. 
 

Abu Garcia Veritas VTSS70-4 7’ MLXF 1 pc. I have no regrets buying this rod. It’s not an Avid. But I’d fish it anywhere in the country for Smallies. I have SUNLINE on it. Getting to like that more and more I fish it. 
 

My fore mentioned Avids are used a bit on the specific side. NEDS, Split Shot, Shaky, grubs, creatures and Salty Spiders have successfully be fished on the Abu. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

21 hours ago, Spankey said:

Admittedly I’m pretty much St. Croix fan. But I must say over the last few years I’ve strayed some and glad I did because I’ve found a few good rods that have worked out great for me. 
 

I put myself together a Abu Garcia Revo/Veritas Spinning Combo together that is a great all around lighter side of plastics set up. I don’t throw big plastics for the most part. The handle on this rod is an EVA foam type. Split handle. I might be still out to lunch on the foam handle but it fits my hand perfectly and is one of my better balanced combinations. 
 

Abu Garcia Veritas VTSS70-4 7’ MLXF 1 pc. I have no regrets buying this rod. It’s not an Avid. But I’d fish it anywhere in the country for Smallies. I have SUNLINE on it. Getting to like that more and more I fish it. 
 

My fore mentioned Avids are used a bit on the specific side. NEDS, Split Shot, Shaky, grubs, creatures and Salty Spiders have successfully be fished on the Abu. 

Im a St Croix guy as well.  Other then the mojo they are all made in the US.  Loomis is made in the US but IMO you get more for the money with Croix until you spend nearly $500.  I bought a 13 fishing Muse on a total whim last black Friday/cyber Monday because the no one had the levante or zodias i wanted.  I ordered a 7'1 M F casting rod and really regretted it until I actually got it.  Its a light rod and with a true fast action.  It has good quality EVA grips, I do prefer cork but its not a deal breaker.  The muse reminds me of an avid with the light weight and the way it fishes and honestly I think I like the MUSE as much or better.  If the Muse spinning rods are anything like the casting rods they would be great.  Years ago I thought about buying a revo but I heard about the AR failing in cold conditions so I went with one Daiwa LTs and am glad am I did.  I cant praise them enough, I have an exceler, 2 fuegos and a ballistic.  I have beaten one of the fuegos to death in everything from crappie to bluefish and stripers in the surf since sept of 17 and it hasn't missed a beat.  You can get them for $80 on ebay and I don't think there is a reel that can come close to it at the price point.

[Jermination]

I'm definitely a st croix guy with the majority of my spinning rods, except the ol drop shot. I recently purchased a 7'4 medium finesse IROD genesis II and all i can say is WOW. i typically throw a 3/16 DS weight and this thing can launch an absolute mile as well as button them up. I usually roll with a 1/o or 2/o gamakatsu ss/ds hook with about a 15 inch leader. Not to mention this entire outfit(pfleuger supreme 2500) weighs about 2 ounces. I went to experiment on smallies up river with @TnRiver46 last weekend(i feel like he's given me a segment in a tv show "experimenting smallmouth with jeremy" LOL) and i dont think i missed/lost a single fish out of around 15

[TnRiver46]

@Jermination was indeed casting the drop shot about 1/4 mile.  At one point it sailed over a mountain 

 

the man said he wanted to drop shot smallies, we went into shallow water not typically thought of drop shot territory. Guess what it worked, clearly you don’t have to fish it vertically. 
 

to the OP about having two drop shot rods, if I’m using a heavy sinker I just put it on one of my baitcasters. If it’s clear water and using heavy sinker, I add some 6 or 8 lb test mono leader to whatever line is on the bait caster. Sometimes in winter on highland reservoirs, I will just lay a rod down and drag a heavy drop shot along while casting at the bank with tubes and hair jigs 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

6 hours ago, Jermination said:

I'm definitely a st croix guy with the majority of my spinning rods, except the ol drop shot. I recently purchased a 7'4 medium finesse IROD genesis II and all i can say is WOW. i typically throw a 3/16 DS weight and this thing can launch an absolute mile as well as button them up. I usually roll with a 1/o or 2/o gamakatsu ss/ds hook with about a 15 inch leader. Not to mention this entire outfit(pfleuger supreme 2500) weighs about 2 ounces. I went to experiment on smallies up river with @TnRiver46 last weekend(i feel like he's given me a segment in a tv show "experimenting smallmouth with jeremy" LOL) and i dont think i missed/lost a single fish out of around 15

I just started looking into irod a couple months ago.  Seems like everyone that has 1 seems to love them, I haven't heard any complaints at all.  I like St Croix because even when I buy a rod I haven't seen in person I know what to expect for the most part.  I don't think any shops within a few hours of me carry them, I may be able to order one through tackle direct that way I can check it out without buying it first.  I like the trokar and mosquito lite, but IMO the split/drop is hard to beat, sticks em just about every time. 

[islandbass]

DS is not only for finesse although many use it for finesse. 
 

The DS rig is independent of the weight class you’re fishing. 
 

simply put, to me, DS is the rig — weight below the hook (as opposed to the c-rig, weight above the hook). Period. Done. 
 

 

Using a heavier weight because the conditions demand it? Simply use a rod in you arsenal that will meet it. 
 

DS is also independent of reel type. 

[Jermination]

10 hours ago, Rusty_Shackleford said:

I just started looking into irod a couple months ago.  Seems like everyone that has 1 seems to love them, I haven't heard any complaints at all.  I like St Croix because even when I buy a rod I haven't seen in person I know what to expect for the most part.  I don't think any shops within a few hours of me carry them, I may be able to order one through tackle direct that way I can check it out without buying it first.  I like the trokar and mosquito lite, but IMO the split/drop is hard to beat, sticks em just about every time. 

it's worth the jump buddy--I dont have personal experience with their customer service but have only heard great things. I ordered mine from tacklewarehouse, the 7'4 medium finesse i bought is actually made for small swimbaits but it works GREAT bombing ned rig & d/s 

[J Francho]

I have dupes of SC AVS63MLXF and AVS63MXF. I use the ML for anything up to about 5/8 oz. and the M for up to an ounce.  These probably sound heavy, and they are.  This is for the primarily vertical DS I mostly use on the GL.  If you are casting, obviously, a somewhat stouter rod is necessary. I have played with using a MLXF casting rig for DS.  It's fine for somewhat shallow stuff - less than 10', but any deeper, it's far easier to flip open the bait and let it drop.  A casting rig can work well for pitching, similar to this situation:

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/dropshot-bedding-bass.html

 

As far as the rest of the gear goes, I find a 2500 size reel works well with the straight 6# Tatsu I prefer for this rig.  I don't use any funny hooks or swivels either.  

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

On ‎8‎/‎7‎/‎2020 at 9:23 AM, Jermination said:

it's worth the jump buddy--I dont have personal experience with their customer service but have only heard great things. I ordered mine from tacklewarehouse, the 7'4 medium finesse i bought is actually made for small swimbaits but it works GREAT bombing ned rig & d/s 

I just might.  I always have a 3" keitech with a 1/16 jig head tied on so that rod got my attention right away.  If I had one custom built it would be a 7'4 XF but it would be 1/16-5/16 just because the water is so shallow its hard to tight line an 1/8 slow enough without picking up grass.  I really like the handle on the crusher but the eyes on it look like they were designed 30 years ago lol.  That G2 really looks cool, not to many rods like that around.  Ill have the put iRod on the list.  With no backorders and shipping times being delayed I have so much tackle I have to replace not to mention new tackle and gear, seems overwhelming at times.  Thanks for the advice I appreciate it,  Tight Lines.   

[GetFishorDieTryin]

On ‎8‎/‎7‎/‎2020 at 9:38 AM, J Francho said:

I have dupes of SC AVS63MLXF and AVS63MXF. I use the ML for anything up to about 5/8 oz. and the M for up to an ounce.  These probably sound heavy, and they are.  This is for the primarily vertical DS I mostly use on the GL.  If you are casting, obviously, a somewhat stouter rod is necessary. I have played with using a MLXF casting rig for DS.  It's fine for somewhat shallow stuff - less than 10', but any deeper, it's far easier to flip open the bait and let it drop.  A casting rig can work well for pitching, similar to this situation:

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/dropshot-bedding-bass.html

 

As far as the rest of the gear goes, I find a 2500 size reel works well with the straight 6# Tatsu I prefer for this rig.  I don't use any funny hooks or swivels either.  

 

I have the Avid 610 ML XF and the Avid 7 ML F there good rods.  One of the 7ft Avids and 2 7 ML F Premiers were victims of my VW Passats automatic windows, it was like a nightmare.  The Mojos were just about to come out so I ordered one of the DS rod I think its 6 10 or 6 9 but its ML XF and its a good rod.  The lakes are 3 or 4ft average in my area.  3/16 is the heaviest weight ive used even with casting gear.  Im not big on using casting gear for DS or big ned rigs.  I feel like I dont have as much control.  Ill go to a M if im casting a DS with a bigger T rigged bait.  I use braid to a fluro leader just about all the time.  If its really cold and im having trouble with the braid freezing ill go to co polymer all the fluro ive used really stiffens up in water below 40*.    

[J Francho]

If I fished water that was only 3-4' deep, I might never fish a DS rig.