Need a new drop-shot rod

[LunkerLust]

I was in Cabelas (Ct) today, talking to one of the salesman about getting a drop shot rod. He happens to be a tournament fisherman that likes drop shotting, and he recommended the Team Daiwa 6'10 TD-X, for around $170. Cabelas doesn't have it. So, my question is how do guys on Bassresource like this rod, or is there a different brand that you all prefer. I'd like to stay under the $170 figure, but would still like to hear opinions on more expensive rods. Lastly where would I get it?

[BASSclary]

Dobyns Savvy, Powell Max.

@ ***.com  8-)

[David P]

Dobyns Savvy Series over at Tackle Warehouse for sure. Best rod I've felt in that price range. The 702 is a great drop shot rod, also works well for shaky heads. You'd be under the price mark, with free shipping and no tax assuming you live outside of CA.

[NorcalBassin]

I recently picked up a G. Loomis DSR822S and love it so far. In addition to the Dobyns rod mentioned, I've also heard good things about the St Croix Avid AVS69MLXF. Good luck!

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Shimano Crucial drop shot rods.  I've got one of the spinning and one of the casting.  Fantastic rods.  The 7'2" M spinning is one of my favorite sticks.

[KSRonH]

In that price range the choices you have are limitless as are the opinions you'll get. So for my .02 I use the St Croix LTBS69MLXF and love it. ( a great finesse rod with plenty of backbone and split grip handle ) In your price range is the Avid, AVS69MLXF, a solid one piece cork handle. I know you would love this rod but just my opinion. You need to try several of these suggestions for yourself with the reel of your choice and find out what you like. Hope this helps you and doesn't just add to the limitless choices. For your budget you can't go wrong, just decide what you prefer, and not the guy down the street.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Don't limit yourself to something marketed or labeled "Dropshot". Remember that a drop shot is just a terminal rig and can be of any weight. Sounds like you're referring to a traditional finesse presentation. Get the most sensitive rod your budget allows with the rating for the lure weight size you want to fish.

[Hitch]

Dobyns Savvy

[flippin and pitchin]

Don't limit yourself to something marketed or labeled "Dropshot". Remember that a drop shot is just a terminal rig and can be of any weight. Sounds like you're referring to a traditional finesse presentation. Get the most sensitive rod your budget allows with the rating for the lure weight size you want to fish.

Great advice !

[skno]

I have the loomis 822s and it is a great rod.

[SoCalRob]

I have the Dobyns Extreme  DX701SF dropshot rod for sale in the forums for around your budget...its an excellent rod.

PM me if interested...price could be negotiable

[BossHoss]

I have the Dobyns Extreme DX701SF dropshot rod for sale in the forums for around your budget...its an excellent rod.

PM me if interested...price could be negotiable

That thing looks sweet.  If I had the coin, or the need for a new drop shot I would be all over that thing.  You might also wanna check out the daiwa cielo.  They are still on sale at TT for 124$ and I LOVE mine for drop shotin.

[LunkerLust]

Thanks for the responses, seems like many of you would pick a Dobyns rod. I will look into it.

I would like to add that I don't have any serious fishing friends, so I don't get to try out any of these rods and make the decision for myself, I have to rely on word of mouth of people that have used this gear. The guy that recommended the Daiwa TD-X claims that he has used the Crucial, Avid and a Loomis and he just feels and catches more fish with the TD-X. But none of you guys voted for the TD-X, so if any of you have used it and still prefer the Dobyns, then that might be the way to go! Thanks again!

[MrWrinkle]

I like the Crucial a lot.  I actually use it for finesse more than I do drop-shot.  At a push it will do 'heavier' plastics, too.

[repper]

If you can afford it then that Dobyns 701 Extreme would be the best bet. That rod is a huge jump quality-wise from the other rods being considered. HUGE. those extreme rods from Dobyns are awesome. I've got the extreme 702 as one of a couple of dropshot setups, and well..like I said. Get that used Dobyns if it is still available, you won't be sorry.

[Redsyn]

For $170 I would get a rod w/ lifetime warranty. Doesn't daiwa only offer 5yrs?

I would seriously look into a crucial dropshot rod. It was either that one or the gloomis DSR822s  for me when I was shopping for one. At the time the Xpeditor service was only $50 and when I went to the tackle shop to check them out the handle felt better in my hand so I went w/ the loomis. If I were to shop for one now, In the $100-200 range I probably go for the crucial and $200+ I would go w/ st croix legend elite/extreme.

I dont use my loomis much anymore but it was a bday present from my gf so I didn't sell it. The st croix is a $300 rod but of course I didn't pay that amount but it is by far much more sensitive than the loomis.

[Speed_Racer]

I have the Dobyns Extreme DX701SF dropshot rod for sale in the forums for around your budget...its an excellent rod.

PM me if interested...price could be negotiable

Take it! That's a great price for that rod. I have the Loomis DSR820 GLX and the DX701 and I use the 701 more! Plus he's willing to negotiate. The rod used to be $299 but all the Dobyns rods have gone up and retail for it is now $319. Awesome deal.

[aarogb]

I picked up the Carrot Stix when it was on sale at TW for $89.00 and I like it very much.  It is very sensitive and lightweight.  I don't know if it is still on sale for that price, but if it is you should get it, that is a great rod for a great price.