DROPSHOT SETUP....???

[Carrot_Stix]

I am getting a rod and reel for dropshot.

Can 1 rod and reel combo perform both dropshot and texas rigged plastics??

Can I use baitcasting for dropshot or do I have to have spinning?

What rod action/length/power is good for dropshot?

Reel gear ratio?

Thanks for the help.

[bigfruits]

you can use spinning or baitcast.

i like a soft tip for drop shot. for t-rig i like it stiffer. but you can use the same rod.

i use an AVS69mlxf.

the action of the bait is caused by rod tip movements so gear ratio does not matter.

[Crestliner2008]

I would suggest you get two separate rigs for those vastly different presentations. With Texas rigging plastics, you're going to need a medium-heavy baitcasting rig (or spinning rig). It has to have a strong backbone to drive a 4/0 hook through plastic and into the jaw of a bass. A lot different than what you're going to up against with drop shotting.

To drop shot effectively, you really need a very responsive, light action tip and although you'll need some backbone in the lower section of the rod, it's not as important as with Texas rigging plastics. A good quality 6'6" - 7' rod with a medium-light action is a good choice. Here, spinning has the edge in most cases. However, I've used a baitcaster before for drop shotting in heavy pockets - bubba rigging, if you will, where you use heavy line and pitching the drop shot rigging into targetted cover.

Most drop shotting is done over open water however, with lighter lines. So you have decide what it is you really want to do. Yes, both can be accomplished with one rod & reel. But to maximize your presentation skills, I'd suggest investing in two separate rigs. JMO.

[flippin and pitchin]

If you are planning on one combo for both techniques, lean toward the heavier set up because Texas Rigged baits have hook points covered and a drop shot, in most cases but not all, uses an exposed hook point.  You can dropshot with a stiffer rod but a dropshot rod will not be effective for Texas rigs.  A Lamiglas Excel 703S would be a great compromise and is a great rod for under a hundred bucks. 

[Carrot_Stix]

Well been looking at rods all day.

Will 7' medium, fast - extra fast, 1/4 - 5/8 lure, 8-17 lb test work for dropshot?

I was looking at getting a Okuma Reflexions casting rod for dropshot. 7' medium light 1/8-5/8 lure and 6-17 lb test. Will this rod be ok? It only costs 60$ and I do not dropshot that much so seems like it will fit the bill.

Opinions...Thanks.

[islandbass]

I like that Okuma option for you. It seems like a decent rod for the price.  Just get yourself some 6# line and you're good to go, if the cover permits.

[David P]

I use a  Dobyns 743 Extreme lately for drop shotting, it's a baitcasting rod and works well for both drop shotting and T-Rigs. But the drop shotting I'm doing is with heavier line next to more cover. If you're talking about finesse drop shotting, two separate rods is ideal.

[roadwarrior]

I used to fish spinning tackle exclusively,

but recently switched to a Dobyns 683C/

CH50MG. This rig balances so perfectly,

it creates the illusion of weightlessness!

8-)

[islandbass]

I used to fish spinning tackle exclusively,

but recently switched to a Dobyns 683C/

CH50MG. This rig balances so perfectly,

it creates the illusion of weightlessness!

8-)

Cool!!! I just found out that Dobyns Rods are finally making to local vnedors in the Seattle area. I can't wait to see what the (good) hype is about these rods myself.  I'll have to find a 51 though.  8-)