Looking for a new drop shot setup. Recommendations?

[Fritch]

Hi all.  Looking to pick up a new drop shot setup this week.  I have some ideas but would appreciate recommendations.  I don't have a preference on brands.  My budget goes up to $350 but if I can get away spending less, I'm all for it.  Mostly fishing the NE for bass.  Thx!

[GetFishorDieTryin]

7'1 ML F Tatula with a 2500 or 3000 Tatula LT.  That rod can do just about anything, but it performs much better with 10lb braid then 15lb casting distance wise.  If you want to save some money you could go with an Exceler or Fuego LT and it will still be a great combo.

[WRB]

Upgrading an older outfit or new o drop shot fishing?

Tom

[Fritch]

Fairly used to drop shotting. Previously was using my senko finesse rig but I'd rather have a dedicated setup 

[detroit1]

Nice budget for one ds rig.  You could buy my 2 ds rigs and the braid to go with them for less.

[Holetail]

I have been really pleased with my Dobyns Fury 702 SF paired with a Fuego 2000 reel. Have 15# yellow power pro with an 8# fluoro leader. I don’t fish deep water since there isn’t much of it where I am, but this setup has handled everything I have thrown at it for around $250 including the line. Good luck with your search...

[MN Fisher]

Fury 702SF, President 25, 10# Sufix 832 to 6# InvizX leader. Been good to me.

[S Hovanec]

Avid 610mlxf

[blckshirt98]

My favorite dedicated dropshot rods are 7' or under, ML or M, Extra Fast - Shimano has had a rod in most of their lines that fit those specs (Cumara 6'8" MXF is my all-time favorite), Phenix has a few as well though not XF.

[Happybeerbuzz]

For you guys who are using rods that have the loop style hook keeper, how do you store your rod on your deck or any place else for that matter without the weight dangling lose?  I am planning on getting a dedicated dropshot rod in the near future, but I am leaning towards something with this sort of hook keeper only above the grip instead of towards the end so I can just slip the line under it just in front of the sinker.  

 

[MN Fisher]

39 minutes ago, Happybeerbuzz said:

For you guys who are using rods that have the loop style hook keeper, how do you store your rod on your deck or any place else for that matter without the weight dangling lose?

Hook on the keeper - weight end wrapped around the reel-handle base a few times. Leaves a bit of a loop - but the weight ain't swinging free.

[Happybeerbuzz]

1 hour ago, MN Fisher said:

Hook on the keeper - weight end wrapped around the reel-handle base a few times. Leaves a bit of a loop - but the weight ain't swinging free.

I will give that a try!

[waymont]

14 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

7'1 ML F Tatula with a 2500 or 3000 Tatula LT.  That rod can do just about anything, but it performs much better with 10lb braid then 15lb casting distance wise.  If you want to save some money you could go with an Exceler or Fuego LT and it will still be a great combo.

I second the Tatula 7'1" ML, and Tatula LT 3000! It's an extremely sensitive, light, and balanced setup. That combo can do everything you would need from a ML rod.

[Hammer 4]

2 hours ago, Happybeerbuzz said:

For you guys who are using rods that have the loop style hook keeper, how do you store your rod on your deck or any place else for that matter without the weight dangling lose?  I am planning on getting a dedicated dropshot rod in the near future, but I am leaning towards something with this sort of hook keeper only above the grip instead of towards the end so I can just slip the line under it just in front of the sinker.  

 

A small twist tie works good..

[Junk Fisherman]

19 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

7'1 ML F Tatula with a 2500 or 3000 Tatula LT.  That rod can do just about anything, but it performs much better with 10lb braid then 15lb casting distance wise.  If you want to save some money you could go with an Exceler or Fuego LT and it will still be a great combo.

 

Agreed.  This is what I would go with.  If you could get them onsale, you might be able to get the Tatula Elite AGS and a Fuego for around $300.   Those AGS guides are fantastic and for a dropshot rig you want the most sensitive, high-end rod you can afford.  Good luck.  

[jimanchower]

10 hours ago, Hammer 4 said:

A small twist tie works good..

Or a small piece of Velcro hook-and-loop fastener like you'd find sold for the purposes of organizing cables.

[EWREX]

my DS setup is a daiwa tatula elite 7' ML paired with a pfleuger supreme 2500. i run 15lb hi-vis yellow power pro braid with either a 6, 8, or 10 pound floro leader depending on the water clarity/cover i'm fishing.

[Deplorable Fisherman]

13 hours ago, Happybeerbuzz said:

For you guys who are using rods that have the loop style hook keeper, how do you store your rod on your deck or any place else for that matter without the weight dangling lose?  I am planning on getting a dedicated dropshot rod in the near future, but I am leaning towards something with this sort of hook keeper only above the grip instead of towards the end so I can just slip the line under it just in front of the sinker.  

 

I've been using these hooks. Then I just have drop shot weights on different lengths of line with different weights. I have a loop on the end of the line with the weight and I can just change when I please or remove it completely for storage. 

 

[walleyecrazy]

19 hours ago, Happybeerbuzz said:

For you guys who are using rods that have the loop style hook keeper, how do you store your rod on your deck or any place else for that matter without the weight dangling lose?  I am planning on getting a dedicated dropshot rod in the near future, but I am leaning towards something with this sort of hook keeper only above the grip instead of towards the end so I can just slip the line under it just in front of the sinker.  

 

 

I usually just hook my drop shot weight in the hook keeper and let my hook ride up along the rod.

[slater]

3 hours ago, walleyecrazy said:

 

I usually just hook my drop shot weight in the hook keeper and let my hook ride up along the rod.

this.....

No draw-back in just having the hook & bait float there, just put the tag-end / weight in the hook-keeper...

Done!

[GetFishorDieTryin]

On 4/26/2021 at 12:17 AM, Happybeerbuzz said:

For you guys who are using rods that have the loop style hook keeper, how do you store your rod on your deck or any place else for that matter without the weight dangling lose?  I am planning on getting a dedicated dropshot rod in the near future, but I am leaning towards something with this sort of hook keeper only above the grip instead of towards the end so I can just slip the line under it just in front of the sinker.  

 

Its nice to have a good keeper, but dont discount a rod because it doesn't have a good keeper.  A quick fix for that is using rubber bands or hair ties to fasten the weight down.  I like to use the Fuji keepers over hair or rubber bands.      

[Happybeerbuzz]

4 minutes ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

Its nice to have a good keeper, but dont discount a rod because it doesn't have a good keeper.  A quick fix for that is using rubber bands or hair ties to fasten the weight down.  I like to use the Fuji keepers over hair or rubber bands.      

The more I think about it, if I am going to spend $100-200 on a dedicated rod for a particular technique, I am not going to get something that will require makeshift modifications or adaptation.  I will be thinking about it every time I am fiddling with rubber bands or trying to wrap/unwrap the weight.  It is one thing to make due with something that I already have, and another to actually make a purchase of that size knowing I will be inconvenienced every time I set the rod down or pick it up.