Dropshot Rod Suggestions...

[central.PA.bass]

Hey all...

Within the next few months i will be in the market for a dropshot rod..  I'm just wondering what you guys feel is the best length and action for these rods.  I'm planning on getting a spinning rod and I don't want to pay too much for it ($150 tops)..  I'm sure loomis makes a great rod but i don't dropshot enough to get a 200+ one at the moment. 

So what do you guys use for dropshotting and why?

Thanks alot (sorry if this topic was covered a lot before.. i did a search and couldn't really find any answers)

[uicdent11]

If you don't mind split grips then I would look at the Shimano Crucial 6'8 or 7'2 Medium drop shot rods.

If you prefer a full grip then look at the St. Croix Avid AVS70MLF.

I have used the 6'8 Crucial and the same model Avid in the Legend Elite line. Both are great rods. There are others in that price range, but these are the only two I have used. 

[skunked_again]

Hey all...

Within the next few months i will be in the market for a dropshot rod.. I'm just wondering what you guys feel is the best length and action for these rods. I'm planning on getting a spinning rod and I don't want to pay too much for it ($150 tops).. I'm sure loomis makes a great rod but i don't dropshot enough to get a 200+ one at the moment.

So what do you guys use for dropshotting and why?

Thanks alot (sorry if this topic was covered a lot before.. i did a search and couldn't really find any answers)

i hate to sound like a homer but...........

the Shimano Compre 7' M XF is a great DS rod. has a great feel and is not tip heavy in the least. id also look at the Falcon Lowrider XG 7' M. a hugely under rated rod.

[central.PA.bass]

Yeah I was actually really looking into a Compre or a Lowrider..  So you feel that a M action is better than a Medium-Light?  and the 7' is better than say.. 6

8 or 6'9?   would these be good in depths of 15-50ft?  I dont even know of any lakes that i fish regularly where i fish in any deeper water

[Glenn]

I'd go with a 6' 10" med-light action rod.  I have several, and can rig them either with a dropshot or splitshot rig.  Very versatile.

[jacobhookem]

Berkley has a whole line of cheaper rods that still feel great and catch tons of bass. My dad just recently picked up a cheaper berkley spinning rod for 40 bucks the rod has a nice sensitive tip yet still has enogh back bone to set the hook. This rod works great for drop shot and also for shaky head. Give them a try for 40 bucks what do you have to lose?

[central.PA.bass]

Berkley has a whole line of cheaper rods that still feel great and catch tons of bass. My dad just recently picked up a cheaper berkley spinning rod for 40 bucks the rod has a nice sensitive tip yet still has enogh back bone to set the hook. This rod works great for drop shot and also for shaky head. Give them a try for 40 bucks what do you have to lose?

thanks for the suggestion.  I actually have the berkley amp if that is what you are talkin about.  It is an ok rod..  i want something better though..

[uicdent11]

All great suggestions on rods. Might want to try and hold a M and ML of the same rod before you decide. I like more power in my rods which I why I prefer a medium. The only ML rods I feel have the power I like are St. Croix. Are you buying from a retail store or online?

[central.PA.bass]

i buy from TW but i like to hold them in a retail first..

[Crestliner2008]

Glenn nailed it cold. Understand this as well; every rod manufacturer that lists a technique specific rod has different ideas as to what a "drop shot" rod is/should be. So don't be fooled into buying a rod based on this spec. Some have a medium light action....some a medium....some actually are passing off med-heavy actions as a drop shotting rods!

Stick with a near 7' ML and you won't go wrong.

[chromedog]

Agreed, 7' M or ML with a F or XF tip.  Personally I use a Woo Dave BPS Extreme pole with a Sahara and I can feel everything.  Sometimes I end up drop shotting when I shouldn't cause I love the combo, lol.

[roadwarrior]

St. Croix AVS66MLF, AVS68MXF or AVS70MF

[central.PA.bass]

thanks for all of the suggestions!  I have a proshop beside me at school that carries all of the shimano stuff.. so ill prob hold some of their rods and go from there..  then place my order to TW

[bassattackerdad]

I love cheap rods, don't have to worry about stepping on them. Those 200. rods, too much to worry about. I've got enough to worry about. But I think the truth about drop shot rods is to spend more than you would than on any other rod. Sensitivity is key when dropshotting. So if your thinking about spending $150. then spend $200 or 250. You'll probably like it better.

[central.PA.bass]

thanks for the suggestion but im sure i can find a really good dropshot rod without spending 200 or 250 dollars..

although a gloomis or something like that would be awesome.. i am sure they make a 150 dollar one thats just as good...

[flippin and pitchin]

I pre-ordered a Lamiglas Excel 703 to add to my Certified Pro XPS 702TN which is no longer in production.  I like the 7 footer for hook setting and playing out a fish on 6 or 8 Lb test. My first DS rod was a 6-6 XMG50 661.  If it was a 6-10 or a 7 footer I would have been set.  Sensitive is good.

[Fishes in trees]

I had line issues when I was trying to learn dropshotting with spinning gear.  I got a Loomis 6'10" dropshot rod with a bait casting grip.  I put a Calcutta 50 on it and it works great with 6 or 8 lb fluorocarbon.   I got the rod for around $180 I think.  It is another option for light line drop shot fishing.

[andamtoft]

I use a shimano crucial 6' 8 ML and i love it. The rod is feather light and sensitive enough to detect the most stubborn of bites. But the feature i like the most is the handle on the rod, it has a perfectly designed finger grove that ensures your front finger is always in contact with the blank as well as increases the ergonomics of the rod, I would definitely take a look at it when you visit the retail store. Best of luck

[ww2farmer]

I also am going to suggest the Avid 7' ML, fast. This has been my drop shot rod for years, and I won't use any thing else. It has the power of most other mfgs. M power rods, but has just the right tip for light line drop shotting. I can really put the pressure on a 6lb smallmouth in 40 feet of water on Lake Erie, with 6lb line and never feel under or over powered, it's just right IMHO. It also fishes many other things well too, I like for 3" Senkos, light shaky heads, and small crankbaits.