Drop Shot Reel Under $150.00

[hjerk24]

What reel would you guys recommend for a drop shot set up, for a reel under $150.00? 

Thanks-

Jamie

If you'd like to include a (under $100) Rod to match it with, that'd be great also.

[roadwarrior]

You might find the new Shimano 2500CI4 for

something close to your pricing target. Otherwise,

the Symetre would be my suggestion.

As for the rod, the Abu Vendetta has been getting

rave reviews for a rod at that pricing point. I would

take a look.

8-)

[hjerk24]

Thanks---with the NEW BPS catalog here, I am overwhelmed with the selection of reels and rods to choose from.  This is my one "new" objective for the season, so I want to get a nice set up, and not break the bank.

Thanks-  Happy New Year-

Jamie

[J Francho]

Any 2500 series will work for finesse.  The most important part is that the reel have a multi washer drag system. 

[SWMIBASSER]

This is just IMO, but if I had $150 to spend on a reel, and $100 to spend on a rod, for the combo you are looking for, I would probably spend $150-200 on the rod, and put whatever reel I could afford on it.

Maybe buy used, or watch sales at BPS.

I think the rod is more important than the reel most times, and especially this time.

Or pick up a Pflueger Supreme 8030-usually at $100, and then a $150 rod which should open quite a few options up (vs at or below $100 for the rod)

[hjerk24]

Rod choices for 150-200$  Thoughts on that ?

THX

[chromedog]

I went with the BPS Extreme in 6' 8", MXF, Woo Dave split grip handle. They are on sale right now for $59. I love it. I paired it with a Shimano Sahara 2500 and I love it for drop-shotting.  I think the Sahara runs about $80.

[ww2farmer]

Spend more on the rod, less on the reel. I'd buy a St. Croix Avid 7' ML power, fast action spinning rod ($180) and put either a Daiwa Exceler 2500 or Shimano Sahara 2500 (both $79) on it and be done with it. You could probably find those reels even cheaper if you looked around a little.

[Team9nine]

Any 2500 series will work for finesse. The most important part is that the reel have a multi washer drag system.

X2 - Look for reviews stating a particular reel has a great drag system. Beyond that, it's just storing the line. I'd focus more money on a very good rod for that technique, which IMO is the more important component in the system (along with good line) 8-)

-T9

[VAfishin4me]

This is just IMO, but if I had $150 to spend on a reel, and $100 to spend on a rod, for the combo you are looking for, I would probably spend $150-200 on the rod, and put whatever reel I could afford on it.

Maybe buy used, or watch sales at BPS.

I think the rod is more important than the reel most times, and especially this time.

Or pick up a Pflueger Supreme 8030-usually at $100, and then a $150 rod which should open quite a few options up (vs at or below $100 for the rod)

I agree big time, spend 150 dollars or a little more and get a quality rod, then worry about the reel. Actually if you got a Symetre or Sahara spinning reel that would leave you with 150 dollars or more left to spend on the rod.  8-)

[roadwarrior]

Well, I'm at the other extreme, especially for

this technique. For "bottom contact" techniques

(soft plastics and jigs), the rod is VERY important.

For "moving" lures, not so much. For drop shotting,

hardly at all!

To me, high quality reels are what make "fishing"

fun. For smallmouth in particular, a smooth drag is

paramount.

On average my reels represent 2/3 of the cost of a rig.

8-)

[hjerk24]

Thanks- so far, lots to look up and chew on. 

THX-

[Redsyn]

I have to agree w/ getting a quality rod and what ever money you have left over for the spinning reel. I have a gloomis dropshot rod which I mount a reel I got in 2002 for $35. It's a jdm lower end shimano reel but the drag still works great and the retrieve is smooth so I never can get my self to upgrade it because its just a spinning reel. Load it w/ 15# braid and a FC leader and it makes the setup even more sensitive.

Casting reel is a much different story.    

[jc450r]

Get a 7' vendetta and put a revo s on it.....for the money its the best setup you will find. But thats just my opinion and you know that saying about opinions right?

[Chris at Tech]

St Croix Avid ACS69MLXF paired with a Daiwa Tierra 2000

Purchasing both new should put you around $280.  It'll be worth it to put the extra $30 in

[hjerk24]

Thanks-----The plot thickens....and I get more excited.  Also, I could use the rod for finesse plastics as well, correct?  Texas Rigged, worms, right?  Not JUST drop shotting.  What I am saying, is this going to be a set up that could have more than just the drop shotting function.

THX

[VAfishin4me]

Thanks-----The plot thickens....and I get more excited. Also, I could use the rod for finesse plastics as well, correct? Texas Rigged, worms, right? Not JUST drop shotting. What I am saying, is this going to be a set up that could have more than just the drop shotting function.

THX

For the most part, most of the rods mentioned are rods meant to serve more than one purpose. Unless it is specifically a drop shotting rod, than you should be fine.

[hjerk24]

THX- Happy New Year-

[dodgeguy]

imho this is a no brainer.

38-351-192-00   6.2:1

35"

8.8 OZ  8 LB/200 YDS  9035XT  $129.99 

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98349_100001002_100000000_100001000_100-1-2

with

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_104147_100002002_100000000_100002000_100-2-2

or

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98315_100002002_100000000_100002000_100-2-2

or

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98026_100002002_100000000_100002000_100-2-2

[hjerk24]

Just got a Carbon Lite 6'9" ML Fast from BPS.

I will pair it with a spinning reel in the next few weeks...probably sooner, after the rod shows up at the front door. 

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10205013_100002000_100000000_100002000_100-2-0

Getting Pumped for Spring.

Thanks for all the input.

Jamie

[nralover]

You might find the new Shimano 2500CI4 for

something close to your pricing target. Otherwise,

the Symetre would be my suggestion.

As for the rod, the Abu Vendetta has been getting

rave reviews for a rod at that pricing point. I would

take a look.

8-)

The Symetre is a great reel for less then your budget- I have had mine for several years and have caught bass and large channel cats on it without a hiccup. I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

[repper]

I guess I lean more towards roadwarrior's feelings on this. i would go with a Shimano Compre rod 7 foot ML, with perhaps a Daiwa Sol reel. of course if you can spend a little more than I would put that reel on a Dobyns 702 champion series rod. i think that with such a light action rod I can feel even the slightest nibbles with even a Compre rod, which is a great rod for the money, and you are always working with the reel so it's nice to have one that works nicely, which I think the Sol does. there are lots of good choices. if you were talking about a rod for fishing jigs, for which you need a stouter rod then i would tell you the more expensive rods will help you feel the bites.