Recommend a drop shot rod

[Shadowx]

I’m looking into getting a dedicated drop shot rig for bass. I’d mainly use it in 8-20ft of water near cover but not in heavy cover and weeds. Probably mostly 1/4 oz weight. I want something light and sensitive but don’t want to spend more than $200 on the rod and $200 on the reel. Right now I’m looking at the Tatula spinning 7’1” ML (non elite) but can’t decide if I should get that or the Medium power. I was thinking of pairing it with the tatula reel probably the 2000. 
 

Does anyone have thoughts on the medium light vs medium? I heard tatulas  are usually on the higher side of the power rating.  Is there a different rod I should look at? Thanks.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

 Vertical jigging or casting? How deep? Vertical fishing in moderate depth you can overload the rod slightly keeping the weight on the bottom and still having the light tip to detect subtle bites.  Deep water or casting and dragging you probably want a heavier power. 

[Bankc]

Medium Light for drop shots.  You don't need much force to set the tiny hook of a drop shot, and you'll gain casting distance with those light rigs.  It'll also be good for ned rigs.  

[Shadowx]

Both casting and vertical I guess. Haven’t had any luck with vertical yet but have gotten a few casting and dragging back somehow.

[thunderblack]

If you go with the tatula cork model buy the ML F model. Its a really nice DS rod that I fished along side the medium recently. The medium is a powerful rod. Also check out the new SC tourney 6-10 ML XF. Just bought that one and its nice as well. You can buy it on sale for a little over your budget around the holidays I'm sure. 

[Darth-Baiter]

my drop shot rod is the Med 7'3" Phenix Maxim.  I love that thing, and it is always with me.  super sensitive to me, since sometimes a drop shot bite is just the tiniest perceivable "tick".  plus, nobody thinks about it much..on a drop shot rod, it is kinda important where the manufacturer puts the bait keeper hook.  on the Phenix it is in the perfect location for me.  I clip the sinker there and the hook and bait are still outside of my rod sleeve.  BOOM

 

so much fun.  if I lost it, and I have..I would buy another one immediately.  it does sink kinda fast.  

[Drawdown]

I ended up returning a ML/F Tatula XT that I received instead of the M/F that I ordered. But my impression from holding it, compared to my ML/F Shimano Convergence, was that it was considerably stiffer to the tip.

 

I don’t believe you’ll at all be underpowered with a ML/F Tatula of any flavor.

 

And I would suggest considering a 3/16oz drop shot weight instead, if a 1/8 isn’t enough. I feel like I would be imparting too much action on the bait just trying to drag a 1/4oz weight unless there was stiff current.

[Shadowx]

Ok awesome feedback guys thanks. Is the hook keeper on the fenix on the end of the handle?  I think it’s there on the tatula and I’ve heard people complain about that but maybe it’s for using with a sleeve.

[thunderblack]

$3 Fuji hook keeper can be located anywhere you like. I put them on every rod I own. Even if the rod has a hook keeper I don't like. 

[Shadowx]

I'm pretty close to going with the tatula 7'1" ML with a tatula reel. Would the 2000 size be best or 2500?

[thunderblack]

43 minutes ago, Shadowx said:

I'm pretty close to going with the tatula 7'1" ML with a tatula reel. Would the 2000 size be best or 2500?

Either works fine. If you are just using for DS go with the 2000. If you want to do some other stuff with it do the 2500 for more line capacity. That's my opinion.....or whatever you find a better deal on. They both work great. The ballistic MQ is one sweet reel as well. 

[waymont]

Get that Tatula 7’1” ml rod! It’s killer for DS and any other finesse stuff

[Big Hands]

1 hour ago, Shadowx said:

Ok awesome feedback guys thanks. Is the hook keeper on the fenix on the end of the handle?  I think it’s there on the tatula and I’ve heard people complain about that but maybe it’s for using with a sleeve.

On my medium handle Tatula 7' M/F spinning rod, it's above the foregrip, which is generally my preference. 

 

I thought the M/F spinning rod would be perfect for dropshot fishing, and it works fine. But after using ML/F spinning rods for dropshot fishing, I prefer them over M/F.

 

As for Phenix rods, I have a few Phenix Feather rods (and others built on Phenix blanks) and find that they usually fish a little lighter than their rated power. For instance I have a Phenix Feather MH/F casting rod, and I would rate it at somewhat less power than my MH/F Tatula casting rod, and another Phenix rated as H/F that is only ever so slightly stiffer than the Tatula MH/F casting rod. Interestingly (at least to me) is that Phenix doesn't make a Feather casting rod in M/F, but instead goes down to ML/F and L/F and I also own those two models as well and use them as semi BFS-ish type rigs with Curado BFS reels.

 

I have another Phenix spinning rod that is rated as being M/F, and it fishes a little lighter than either of my Daiwa M/F spinning rods (a Tatula and a Kage).

 

My four cranking rods are also Phenix X-1x series rods and all of them have the hook keeper just above the foregrip.

 

The only rods I won that don't have the hook keeper just above the foregrip are Shimano spinning rods. On the Zodias, it's mounted in the split, and the Expride doesn't have one, but I assumed that the slots in the seat nut are intended to be used as hook keepers (at least I use them for that). I don't love the placement or style of the hook keeper on the Zodias and have installed on of those snap-on keepers just above the foregrip on that rod.

 

One other thing on the Zodias that I personally don't care for is the Hypalon grips. I just don't care the feel vs. cork grips. And that IS what would keep me from purchasing a rod with Hypalon grips in the future.

 

I don't think that the placement or lack of a hook keeper would be a deal breaker for me, but if there are other similarly good choices within my budget, it might make that rod fall lower on my list.

 

The difference between the 2000 and 2500 is the outside diameter of the spool. The spools are interchangeable on the Tatula reels, and even between Tatulas and Kages. I tried them on each other in the store to conform. Personally, I think the 2000 is fine, especially for dropshotting. In fact, my preference is a 2000 with a 'shallow' spool. But that is not a reel that is sold here in the states. I had to order one from Croatia (Fuego LT2000S-XH) on the auction site. It holds all the line I need to dropshot, but very little of the line I don't need. Line is expensive and I have never been spooled. I also have a Tatula LT2000D-XH and a Kage LT2000D-XH along with other 2500's. I wish all of my 2500's were 2000's in retrospect. JMHO. 

 

Some people use 3000's for the extra diameter of the spool, effectively increasing the inches per crank, but 6.2:1 3000's are almost non-existent with the Procyon being one exception but it weighs two ounces more than the Tatula 2000. Name your poison.

 

Other Phenix rod lines may fish differently, but I don't own any of those so I don't know. 

[Columbia Craw]

Kaden K712SF.   

[LonnieP]

Cashion Icon 7’ ML. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

11 hours ago, Shadowx said:

Ok awesome feedback guys thanks. Is the hook keeper on the fenix on the end of the handle?  I think it’s there on the tatula and I’ve heard people complain about that but maybe it’s for using with a sleeve.

The keeper on the Tatula 7'1 ML is just a simple open loop just above the rear grip, which is IMO the best style and location for a DS rig.  If you use FC or Mono/Copoly, go with the 7' M.  It would handle the heavier weight as well.  If you plan to cast t rigged DS that little extra power will help set the hook at distance.  IMO if you plan to go with the ML you should really use braid.  I would recommend trying to get away with 1/8oz tungsten DS weight or 3/16 at the most.  IMO 1/8 is an optimal DS weight for the ML.  Its heavy enough to give you plenty of sensitivity without too much tip load.

[Shadowx]

14 hours ago, Big Hands said:

On my medium handle Tatula 7' M/F spinning rod, it's above the foregrip, which is generally my preference. 

 

I thought the M/F spinning rod would be perfect for dropshot fishing, and it works fine. But after using ML/F spinning rods for dropshot fishing, I prefer them over M/F.

 

As for Phenix rods, I have a few Phenix Feather rods (and others built on Phenix blanks) and find that they usually fish a little lighter than their rated power. For instance I have a Phenix Feather MH/F casting rod, and I would rate it at somewhat less power than my MH/F Tatula casting rod, and another Phenix rated as H/F that is only ever so slightly stiffer than the Tatula MH/F casting rod. Interestingly (at least to me) is that Phenix doesn't make a Feather casting rod in M/F, but instead goes down to ML/F and L/F and I also own those two models as well and use them as semi BFS-ish type rigs with Curado BFS reels.

 

I have another Phenix spinning rod that is rated as being M/F, and it fishes a little lighter than either of my Daiwa M/F spinning rods (a Tatula and a Kage).

 

My four cranking rods are also Phenix X-1x series rods and all of them have the hook keeper just above the foregrip.

 

The only rods I won that don't have the hook keeper just above the foregrip are Shimano spinning rods. On the Zodias, it's mounted in the split, and the Expride doesn't have one, but I assumed that the slots in the seat nut are intended to be used as hook keepers (at least I use them for that). I don't love the placement or style of the hook keeper on the Zodias and have installed on of those snap-on keepers just above the foregrip on that rod.

 

One other thing on the Zodias that I personally don't care for is the Hypalon grips. I just don't care the feel vs. cork grips. And that IS what would keep me from purchasing a rod with Hypalon grips in the future.

 

I don't think that the placement or lack of a hook keeper would be a deal breaker for me, but if there are other similarly good choices within my budget, it might make that rod fall lower on my list.

 

The difference between the 2000 and 2500 is the outside diameter of the spool. The spools are interchangeable on the Tatula reels, and even between Tatulas and Kages. I tried them on each other in the store to conform. Personally, I think the 2000 is fine, especially for dropshotting. In fact, my preference is a 2000 with a 'shallow' spool. But that is not a reel that is sold here in the states. I had to order one from Croatia (Fuego LT2000S-XH) on the auction site. It holds all the line I need to dropshot, but very little of the line I don't need. Line is expensive and I have never been spooled. I also have a Tatula LT2000D-XH and a Kage LT2000D-XH along with other 2500's. I wish all of my 2500's were 2000's in retrospect. JMHO. 

 

Some people use 3000's for the extra diameter of the spool, effectively increasing the inches per crank, but 6.2:1 3000's are almost non-existent with the Procyon being one exception but it weighs two ounces more than the Tatula 2000. Name your poison.

 

Other Phenix rod lines may fish differently, but I don't own any of those so I don't know. 

Why do you wish all your 2500's were 2000's? Just the small weight savings? Thanks for your in depth answer. 

[Shadowx]

15 hours ago, Big Hands said:

On my medium handle Tatula 7' M/F spinning rod, it's above the foregrip, which is generally my preference. 

 

I thought the M/F spinning rod would be perfect for dropshot fishing, and it works fine. But after using ML/F spinning rods for dropshot fishing, I prefer them over M/F.

 

As for Phenix rods, I have a few Phenix Feather rods (and others built on Phenix blanks) and find that they usually fish a little lighter than their rated power. For instance I have a Phenix Feather MH/F casting rod, and I would rate it at somewhat less power than my MH/F Tatula casting rod, and another Phenix rated as H/F that is only ever so slightly stiffer than the Tatula MH/F casting rod. Interestingly (at least to me) is that Phenix doesn't make a Feather casting rod in M/F, but instead goes down to ML/F and L/F and I also own those two models as well and use them as semi BFS-ish type rigs with Curado BFS reels.

 

I have another Phenix spinning rod that is rated as being M/F, and it fishes a little lighter than either of my Daiwa M/F spinning rods (a Tatula and a Kage).

 

My four cranking rods are also Phenix X-1x series rods and all of them have the hook keeper just above the foregrip.

 

The only rods I won that don't have the hook keeper just above the foregrip are Shimano spinning rods. On the Zodias, it's mounted in the split, and the Expride doesn't have one, but I assumed that the slots in the seat nut are intended to be used as hook keepers (at least I use them for that). I don't love the placement or style of the hook keeper on the Zodias and have installed on of those snap-on keepers just above the foregrip on that rod.

 

One other thing on the Zodias that I personally don't care for is the Hypalon grips. I just don't care the feel vs. cork grips. And that IS what would keep me from purchasing a rod with Hypalon grips in the future.

 

I don't think that the placement or lack of a hook keeper would be a deal breaker for me, but if there are other similarly good choices within my budget, it might make that rod fall lower on my list.

 

The difference between the 2000 and 2500 is the outside diameter of the spool. The spools are interchangeable on the Tatula reels, and even between Tatulas and Kages. I tried them on each other in the store to conform. Personally, I think the 2000 is fine, especially for dropshotting. In fact, my preference is a 2000 with a 'shallow' spool. But that is not a reel that is sold here in the states. I had to order one from Croatia (Fuego LT2000S-XH) on the auction site. It holds all the line I need to dropshot, but very little of the line I don't need. Line is expensive and I have never been spooled. I also have a Tatula LT2000D-XH and a Kage LT2000D-XH along with other 2500's. I wish all of my 2500's were 2000's in retrospect. JMHO. 

 

Some people use 3000's for the extra diameter of the spool, effectively increasing the inches per crank, but 6.2:1 3000's are almost non-existent with the Procyon being one exception but it weighs two ounces more than the Tatula 2000. Name your poison.

 

Other Phenix rod lines may fish differently, but I don't own any of those so I don't know. 

Why specifically do you prefer the M/L for drop shotting? Does the M/L have the backbone to set through texas rigged soft plastics?

[islandbass]

On 10/12/2022 at 6:37 AM, Shadowx said:

Both casting and vertical I guess. Haven’t had any luck with vertical yet but have gotten a few casting and dragging back somehow.

If this will be a dedicated vertical rod for up to 20’ or so, you might want to consider a spinning reel. You might quickly get tired of pulling line off every cast to get your weight to the bottom faster. 
 

A spinning reel by nature doesn’t have that issue. 
 

Or there is the bait monkey answer. One casting and one spinning DS rig each ?

[NorthernBasser]

I mostly fish my drop shots on the 7'1 med-light Tatula. it's even labeled "drop shot" on the rod. Awesome rod for $150, and even better when you get it on sale.

 

I have it paired with a 3000 (non-deep spool version) Tatula LT. 

[Jar11591]

5 hours ago, islandbass said:

 

Or there is the bait monkey answer. One casting and one spinning DS rig each ?

This is the way. 

[uglyasheck]

I use the 7'1" Tatula M/L for drop shot rod . Like the other guy said put you a Tatula LT 3000 and away you go. I have the Rebellion 7' M/L also and love it. If you think you want a stiffer rod the 6'10" medium is a great rod that can do any finesse technic in my opinon.

[Shadowx]

10 hours ago, islandbass said:

If this will be a dedicated vertical rod for up to 20’ or so, you might want to consider a spinning reel. You might quickly get tired of pulling line off every cast to get your weight to the bottom faster. 
 

A spinning reel by nature doesn’t have that issue. 
 

Or there is the bait monkey answer. One casting and one spinning DS rig each ?

By ‘casting’ vs vertical we are talking about bait presentation not casting vs spinning reels.

 

For vertical presentations are you guys using down imaging to find bass and dropping down on them? All I’m finding that way are crappie. Even fish distributed horizontally tight to the bottom end up being crappie.

[WRB]

St Croix Victory VTS73MXF, 7’3”  w/ Shimano Vanford 2500 reel is within your budget after discounts from ALF.

Rod weighs 3.6 oz, reel 6.6 oz.

Very comfortable rod handle abs combo to fish all day. St Croix customer service is excellent.

Tom

[islandbass]

3 hours ago, Shadowx said:

By ‘casting’ vs vertical we are talking about bait presentation not casting vs spinning reels.

 

For vertical presentations are you guys using down imaging to find bass and dropping down on them? All I’m finding that way are crappie. Even fish distributed horizontally tight to the bottom end up being crappie.

Okay. I was merely referring to when vertically fishing as in dropping it straight down from the boat, a spinning set up does it more easily or conveniently. That is all. ?