Drop Shot Rod Actions 2024
dgretz@centurytel.net reply :
I plan to purchase a dedicated drop shot (spinning rod) this spring. I will be using it primarily on very clear waters for small mouth and plan on loading it with 6 lb fluorocarbon. I notice that most drop shot rods have an extra-fast action.
Why is that preferable over fast? On 6 lb line, wouldn't an x-fast action be more prone to snapping line? Any insight would be welcome; thanks.
livetofish28 reply :
I've never had a problem with snapping line while drop shot fishing I use a st croix rage spinning reel with an Abu Garcia revo sx and you just have to watch how hard you set the hook
skeletor6 reply :
On 1/13/2013 at 10:19 PM, dowen said:I plan to purchase a dedicated drop shot (spinning rod) this spring. I will be using it primarily on very clear waters for small mouth and plan on loading it with 6 lb fluorocarbon. I notice that most drop shot rods have an extra-fast action.Why is that preferable over fast? On 6 lb line, wouldn't an x-fast action be more prone to snapping line? Any insight would be welcome; thanks.
Drop shot dedicated rods, have different tip sections that are softer than regular spinning rods. These tip sections are softer, you are correct in wanting a softer tip section so when you present the bait and set the hook you do not rip it from the fishes mouth. Usually, you will find that extra fast actions will have a stiffer tip, this is something that you do not want for dropshotting. Action designations are varied between companies, brands, and rod lines.
Generally, if you are going for a spinning rod that is not designated as a dropshot rod you are going to want something with a slower action. Not exactly sure what your budget is, but the Megabass Orochi F3-610X4S Aaron Martens Limited is a great dropshot stick with what I would consider accurate descriptions in the rods power and action. It is designated as a medium light and has a moderate fast action. That moderate fast action correlates to a tip that is going to be softer in nature and have more give, which is something you want in a dropshot stick.
Now, you said you are looking for a dropshot specific rod, so you will want something with a soft tip section. In my opinion I would look at the following rods.
~$100 Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth ML/F
~$150 Shimano Crucial Dropshot Spinning Rod (I would opt for an older model crucial with the full handles, get in the power you want ml, m, mh and get an XF action I will explain later why)
~$200 Shimano Cumara Dropshot CUSDX72M (love this rod, you can get the CUSDX68M, but I much prefer the 7'2'' version, find this one used or on closeout for a great value, very sensitive and versatile stick than can even throw some shakeyheads and flickshakes)
~$230 Phenix Ultra MBX S700L or S700M depending on the power you need (I haven't used this one, but have heard great reviews as far as sensitivity and drop shot capabilities, even the medium 7'6'' version)
~$350 St. Croix LES76MLXF...............heard great reviews on this as a dropshot stick. Long rod, but very sensitive and many use this blank to build off of which speaks to its capabilities.
$399 Megabass Orochi F3-610X4S Aaron Martens Limited...............if you are looking for a unique JDM rod this is a good one. It fishes just like the older DGS megabass version that was around $600 or more. Great stick that is very capable as a dropshot rod. It also is versatile enough to throw some flickshakes, but is a dropshot specific rod.
~$500 G. Loomis NRX 822DSR Probably the best dropshot stick out there as far as sensitivity goes. It is an amazing stick for dropshotting. Note: with how soft the tip is, this rod really is only good for dropshot. If you get this rod you will probably only and always have a dropshot tied on. Pretty much the best as it gets for dropshot specific rods at the moment.
Comments.....Many of the rods I listed do have that "Extra Fast" tip designation. Speaking for the Shimano's, if they are designated as a dropshot rod it will have a very soft and almost whippy characteristic tip. They will not fish stiff at all like a traditional XF tip that is not designated as a dropshot stick. The CUSDX72M that I own has the perfect tip for dropshotting and it is my dropshot specific rod right now. I love the length of the rod and it actually is somewhat versatile which is something that dropshot specific rods usually are not because they require such a soft tip that is not good for setting hooks on anything but thin wire sweeping hookset type situations.
Rods that are not designated as dropshot specific rods you must be careful in selection as of making sure that the rod has the right tip-section that is soft enough to dropshot fish extremely well. I have done much research on dropshot rods and reviews as of what ones are good and what ones are not, the ones that I recommended fit my personal guidelines as being sensitive and having the right tipsection of the rod that is good for a DROPSHOT SPECIFIC ROD. There are many rods out there that CAN dropshot fish, but are not dropshot specific rods. If you are looking for something that is going to be very versatile, a dropshot specific rod is not the way to go.
Off the top of my head some very good versatile spinning rods that you CAN dropshot fish with are the DX702SF, DX742SF,, Avid 6'8'' MXF and there are many others. Note, that these rods are not specific to the dropshot technique, but are very versatile rods. If you are only going to have one spinning rod, you are not going to want a dropshot specific rod. It will not have the power in the tipsection to set the hook well for small jigs/t-rigs and so on.
I fish in very clear lakes where I feel it is in my best interest to have a dropshot specific rod. As far as price to performance goes I feel the Cumara (old version) is where it is at. I got mine for less than half of its retail value and it is plenty sensitive for a dropshot stick and it has the desired action and softness in the tipsection taht I look for in a dropshot rod. In the waters I fish dropshotting at times is very essential and really any of the rods that I have mentioned are more than capable of handling your dropshot needs. It all depends on your budget and preference in length and action.
You may get recommendations that people use for dropshotting as well as many other techniques, these are versatile spinning rods, not necessarily dropshot specific rods. You are going to have to decide for yourself as of what you want. You can get rods that are stiffer in the tipsection that are able to dropshot, just won't be as good as the ones that are dropshot specific rods. I also encourage you to check out the following video. He is fishing the DGS megabass rod that fishes the same as the Orochi model that I have noted above. Notice how much the tip gives during his presentation and how he catches a very small fish, but it looks like he has a 5lb bass on there. That should give you a good idea about the technique itself and how the midsection of the rod is where you are going to end up fighting the fish. Not the tip of the rod, which is why a soft tip is desireable for the dropshot technique and presentation. Good luck and if you need anymore help in selection let me know.
WCCT reply :
Dobyns DX702SF is one of the best dropshot rods I have ever used, hand down.
Flywatersmallie reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 12:37 AM, WCCT said:Dobyns DX702SF is one of the best dropshot rods I have ever used, hand down.
Thats funny, I was just going to post the DX701SF in the same light. Great minds think alike! I like a little less rod to keep from overpowering the rig and inadvertently moving the weight and overworking the plastic above it. Thats just me. For years I used a 6'6" light St Croix Avid and did well, the Champion Extreme is a much better rod though.
Just be careful to not go too heavy or you lose the feel of that ball of lead sitting on the bottom and in turn lose all thats great about the drop shot. The light/Medium light options are just about right.
skno reply :
I cant speak for the the other rods mentioned but I really like my loomis 822 Bass rod. Its no NRX but I would compare it to IMX in there line up and it can be had for Around 255.00.
ww2farmer reply :
I don't have a rod labled as a "drop shot" specific rod, but I do have a rod I almost always use exclusivly for drop shotting.........if that makes any sense. My rod is a St Croix Avid 7' ML/F spinning rod, and with all the fish I have caught drop shotting on this rod, it would be hard to convince me that a I need a "drop shot" labled rod. IMHO while all the rods made and called drop shot rods no doubt excell at that technique, but might be poor choices for anything else, you will find plenty of rods that will be just fine for dropshotting and as a bonus have a little versitility for a few other techniques............like the rod I use. Technique specific tackle is great, and it's nice to have a set up dialed in to every thing under the sun, but it's deffinatly not needed for alot of stuff.....drop shotting IMHO is one of them where it's NOT needed, almost any ML, or M powered spinning rod with a F or XF action will fish it,and fish it well. In fact the only two techniques that I personally think you need matched specific gear for are deep cranking, and heavy cover flipping/punching.
skeletor6 reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 1:08 AM, ww2farmer said:I don't have a rod labled as a "drop shot" specific rod, but I do have a rod I almost always use exclusivly for drop shotting.........if that makes any sense. My rod is a St Croix Avid 7' ML/F spinning rod, and with all the fish I have caught drop shotting on this rod, it would be hard to convince me that a I need a "drop shot" labled rod. IMHO while all the rods made and called drop shot rods no doubt excell at that technique, but might be poor choices for anything else, you will find plenty of rods that will be just fine for dropshotting and as a bonus have a little versitility for a few other techniques............like the rod I use. Technique specific tackle is great, and it's nice to have a set up dialed in to every thing under the sun, but it's deffinatly not needed for alot of stuff.....drop shotting IMHO is one of them where it's NOT needed, almost any ML, or M powered spinning rod with a F or XF action will fish it,and fish it well. In fact the only two techniques that I personally think you need matched specific gear for are deep cranking, and heavy cover flipping/punching.
Only thing is the OP designated he wanted a dedicated DS specific rod. I, personally, have found a use for such a rod and know many others have as well. A ML/F rod, by characteristics will end up having a softer tip and lighter power that will work good as a dropshot rod. Note earlier the fenwick elite tech smallmouth ml/f. Medium power XF rods that are not dropshot specific rods I feel have too stout of a tip for dropshotting specifically. Usually, a medium light rod will have a softer tip since it is a lighter powered rod all together.
Dropshotting can be a very effective technique if you are fishing the right waters and conditions and the OP seems to think so since he clearly stated wanting a DS specific rod.
wnybassman reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 1:37 AM, skeletor6 said:and the OP seems to think so since he clearly stated wanting a DS specific rod.
Actually, he said he wanted a dedicated dropshot rod. My dedicated dropshot rod for many years was a 6'6" ML Fast St. Croix Premier even though it wasn't labeled as such. I have five of those rods and used them for everything I used a spinning rod for with success, and believe it or not that included skipping docks and hauling fish out of laydowns and brush. But what that rod excelled for was clear water smallmouth fishing. A couple years ago I got the Legend Tournament ML XF "dropshot rod" and to tell you the truth, I don't see a whole heck of a lot of difference in feel or action to justify the cost difference. It's a nice rod, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't do any more than my Premiers did.
WRB reply :
If anyone is thinking about Loomis rods they are going up 20% soon! The new GLX look and feel good, about $450, the NRX's will $600 after the price increase!
A recreational angler can get by with a good 2 power or med/light "trout" rod or standard action, you don't want a fast action rod with clear water drop shot that uses 6 lb line small octopus style hooks. If you tournament fish A specific drop shot action 2 power rod 6'10" to 7'3" from a rod maker that has good customer service and style you prefer within your budget. The Shimano CUSDX72M, Dobyn's DX702SF are both popular out west.
Tom
skeletor6 reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 2:36 AM, wnybassman said:Actually, he said he wanted a dedicated dropshot rod. My dedicated dropshot rod for many years was a 6'6" ML Fast St. Croix Premier even though it wasn't labeled as such. I have five of those rods and used them for everything I used a spinning rod for with success, and believe it or not that included skipping docks and hauling fish out of laydowns and brush. But what that rod excelled for was clear water smallmouth fishing. A couple years ago I got the Legend Tournament ML XF "dropshot rod" and to tell you the truth, I don't see a whole heck of a lot of difference in feel or action to justify the cost difference. It's a nice rod, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't do any more than my Premiers did.
You are pulling hairs here. A "dedicated drop shot rod" = a rod that will be dedicated for dropshotting only. If you are going to use a rod that you will dedicate for dropshotting only then you will want a "dropshot specific rod".
The OP never designated that he wanted an all around spinning rod that could meet all of his spinning rod needs as you mentioned with your 6'6'' premier that you bought 5 of. Frankly, I feel that 6'6'' is too short of a rod to dropshot with, it does not have the length to control the fish when dropping the bait straight down.. One could dropshot with a G. Loomis BSR 852s GLX (a great spinning rod), but that does not make it a rod that is great for dropshotting, its tip section is too stout and it is better for jigs and weightless plastics. Point being, as I mentioned above, many rods can dropshot, but there are rods that are better than others at it. If you are wanting to get a dedicated dropshot rod then you are going to want a rod that is made for dropshotting since it is dedicated for that technique. I gave the characteristics that one should look for in a dropshot rod and recommended many different ones trying to help the OP find a rod that he could dedicate for dropshotting.
I can not speak on behalf of the 6'10'' MLXF rod you mentioned, but St. Croix when they announce their lineups gives each rod a designated usage. The St. Croix Legend that I owned was labeled "Finesse Jig", but I found it to be much better at different things. Furthermore, take the Shimano Crucial and Shimano Cumara dropshot spinning rods that I recommended. That is a whole lineup that are all dropshot specific rods. That is much different than a lineup of rods that one so happens to be labeled "dropshot". Members I spoke with about the 6'10'' MLXF St. Croix found it a very nice and sensitive rod that they could use for many things, maybe not the best dedicated dropshot rod. I dont know, that is why I did not recommend it.
Furthermore, I would be far more confident in using a 6'9'' Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth ML/F for dropshotting than a 6'6'' St. Croix Premier. The rod is exceptional at its price range of $100 shipped (or less at some local places), it is extremely light and sensitive, has a nice soft tip, and fishes above its price point.
Some people like having rods that they use solely for one purpose. There is nothing wrong with that and if you have enough outfits to do so then I say why not. A dedicated dropshot rod can be very useful if the technique is very effective in the waters you fish and I know of many members who choose to have a rod that they use solely for dropshotting and will not tie anything else on but a dropshot. In such a case, you want a rod that is a dropshot specific rod designed to have all the characteristics that one would want in a dropshot rod.
Hyrule Bass reply :
personally, im not a believer in high dollar rods. i use Shakespeare rods because they have served me well for all my fishing over the years. i have a 7ft Medium Ugly Stik and a 7ft Medium Shakespeare Tiger rod(both spinning) that have worked great for me as drop shot rods. Plus they also work well for many other techniques i fish.
skeletor6 reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 3:12 AM, WRB said:If anyone is thinking about Loomis rods they are going up 20% soon! The new GLX look and feel good, about $450, the NRX's will $600 after the price increase!A recreational angler can get by with a good 2 power or med/light "trout" rod or standard action, you don't want a fast action rod with clear water drop shot that uses 6 lb line small octopus style hooks. If you tournament fish A specific drop shot action 2 power rod 6'10" to 7'3" from a rod maker that has good customer service and style you prefer within your budget. The Shimano CUSDX72M, Dobyn's DX702SF are both popular out west.
Tom
X2!! I own the CUSDX72M and it is an exceptional dropshot rod, very sensitive with the perfect length and tip IMHO. I also have heard good things about the DX702SF and also heard it is very versatile as well. If you are deciding between the DX702SF and the DX742SF know that the 742 is slighly more powerful.
Goose21 reply :
Alright question for you guys relating to the topic.
I was given a new 7'2" shimano crucial drop shot rod for xmas. M XF. Rated for 4-8lb test. I paired it with a shimano ci4 2500 spinning reel spooled with some 6lb invisix I had laying around. I rarely drop shot and was planning to use this rod with light t-rigs, shakeyheads, weightless plastics, and wacky rigs. I have not had any time on the water with it because everything is ice.
"Finesse" fishing isbone area I would like to improve and experiment with after the thaw this year. Do you all think this rod will be sufficient?
Im a little skeptical about hook sets but as I said I havnt been able to fish it yet.
Thanks
ww2farmer reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 3:21 AM, skeletor6 said:You are pulling hairs here. A "dedicated drop shot rod" = a rod that will be dedicated for dropshotting only. If you are going to use a rod that you will dedicate for dropshotting only then you will want a "dropshot specific rod".
The OP never designated that he wanted an all around spinning rod that could meet all of his spinning rod needs as you mentioned with your 6'6'' premier that you bought 5 of. Frankly, I feel that 6'6'' is too short of a rod to dropshot with, it does not have the length to control the fish when dropping the bait straight down.. One could dropshot with a G. Loomis BSR 852s GLX (a great spinning rod), but that does not make it a rod that is great for dropshotting, its tip section is too stout and it is better for jigs and weightless plastics. Point being, as I mentioned above, many rods can dropshot, but there are rods that are better than others at it. If you are wanting to get a dedicated dropshot rod then you are going to want a rod that is made for dropshotting since it is dedicated for that technique. I gave the characteristics that one should look for in a dropshot rod and recommended many different ones trying to help the OP find a rod that he could dedicate for dropshotting.
I can not speak on behalf of the 6'10'' MLXF rod you mentioned, but St. Croix when they announce their lineups gives each rod a designated usage. The St. Croix Legend that I owned was labeled "Finesse Jig", but I found it to be much better at different things. Furthermore, take the Shimano Crucial and Shimano Cumara dropshot spinning rods that I recommended. That is a whole lineup that are all dropshot specific rods. That is much different than a lineup of rods that one so happens to be labeled "dropshot". Members I spoke with about the 6'10'' MLXF St. Croix found it a very nice and sensitive rod that they could use for many things, maybe not the best dedicated dropshot rod. I dont know, that is why I did not recommend it.
Furthermore, I would be far more confident in using a 6'9'' Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth ML/F for dropshotting than a 6'6'' St. Croix Premier. The rod is exceptional at its price range of $100 shipped (or less at some local places), it is extremely light and sensitive, has a nice soft tip, and fishes above its price point.
Some people like having rods that they use solely for one purpose. There is nothing wrong with that and if you have enough outfits to do so then I say why not. A dedicated dropshot rod can be very useful if the technique is very effective in the waters you fish and I know of many members who choose to have a rod that they use solely for dropshotting and will not tie anything else on but a dropshot. In such a case, you want a rod that is a dropshot specific rod designed to have all the characteristics that one would want in a dropshot rod.
This post says it all folks. You will not let anyone else talk on this thread with out getting the last word in. I must have missed the memo in myPM box declaring you the all knowing drop shot rod expert, and all questions about drop shot rods should be answerd by you and you alone. And none of the rest of us know anything.
PondBoss reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 3:23 AM, Red Earth said:personally, im not a believer in high dollar rods. i use Shakespeare rods because they have served me well for all my fishing over the years. i have a 7ft Medium Ugly Stik and a 7ft Medium Shakespeare Tiger rod(both spinning) that have worked great for me as drop shot rods. Plus they also work well for many other techniques i fish.
May have started a S*** storm with the rod snobs with this comment. lol
rippin-lips reply :
I'm using a Powell Diesel 6'10 M/XF rod for my drop shot. I bought 2 so one will be for the drop shot and the other for shaky/wacky apps. Powell makes a drop shot specific rod but I called and spoke with the owner Keith and he said this would work great for it. This just tells me I don't need something marked 'drop shot' on the rod for it to work well. Just like others have already mentioned. I mean why would he not try to push the more expensive rod on me? He was just being honest. It's not needed.
WRB reply :
Should be a good, just set your drag at 2 lbs and trust it. This should prevent over zealous hooks sets breaking your line or bass breaking off near the boat. You can learn to back reel on stronger fish, it takes a lot of practice.On 1/14/2013 at 5:20 AM, Goose21 said:Alright question for you guys relating to the topic.I was given a new 7'2" shimano crucial drop shot rod for xmas. M XF. Rated for 4-8lb test. I paired it with a shimano ci4 2500 spinning reel spooled with some 6lb invisix I had laying around. I rarely drop shot and was planning to use this rod with light t-rigs, shakeyheads, weightless plastics, and wacky rigs. I have not had any time on the water with it because everything is ice.
"Finesse" fishing isbone area I would like to improve and experiment with after the thaw this year. Do you all think this rod will be sufficient?
Im a little skeptical about hook sets but as I said I havnt been able to fish it yet.
Thanks
Tom
WRB reply :
That is what I call a general use "trout" rod, good all around spinning rod for price. I started split shotting and drop shotting with a similar Finwick rod several years ago and gave the rod to my son and did well with it. The higher end rods are lighter weight and you do get better feed back with them, but they cost a lot more.On 1/14/2013 at 7:09 AM, rippin-lips said:I'm using a Powell Diesel 6'10 M/XF rod for my drop shot. I bought 2 so one will be for the drop shot and the other for shaky/wacky apps. Powell makes a drop shot specific rod but I called and spoke with the owner Keith and he said this would work great for it. This just tells me I don't need something marked 'drop shot' on the rod for it to work well. Just like others have already mentioned. I mean why would he not try to push the more expensive rod on me? He was just being honest. It's not needed.
Enjoy your new rods, they should be good.
Tom
PS ; don't take "trout" as being a negative, it's not met to be!
rippin-lips reply :
Yeah I don't drop shot often but will be using it more this season since I bought a boat. That may have been why he suggested the diesel over a more technique specific rod but I don't know. I'm a firm believer in the fisherman and technique. You can buy the most expensive golf clubs made but if you suck at golf they won't help. You still suck at golf.
Hyrule Bass reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 6:55 AM, PondBoss said:May have started a S*** storm with the rod snobs with this comment. lol
haha wouldnt be the first time
dgretz@centurytel.net reply :
I valued the first page of posts. Got a bit petty at the end. Better to not say anything than talk trash.
I appreciated skeletor6's detailed responses; it was the type of information I was hoping to receive. I was really hoping to hear about the fast vs x-fast actions and what the benefits/risk might be when using lighter line.
iabass8 reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 6:18 AM, ww2farmer said:This post says it all folks. You will not let anyone else talk on this thread with out getting the last word in. I must have missed the memo in myPM box declaring you the all knowing drop shot rod expert, and all questions about drop shot rods should be answerd by you and you alone. And none of the rest of us know anything.
Great idea. Let's direct all the hate towards the only person in this thread that has given a very good detailed and more than helpful explanation towards the OP's exact question....
ww2farmer reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 10:04 AM, iabass8 said:Great idea. Let's direct all the hate towards the only person in this thread that has given a very good detailed and more than helpful explanation towards the OP's exact question....
No hate............but when two different people give there opinions on what they use for drop shotting rods, just to let the OP see another point of view, said "person" has to go on long winded semi rants on why we are all wrong, and that anything other than what he suggests is just a waste of time. I don't care if people like or even read what I post, put me on your ignore list if you don't want to see or hear from me. I am not the most tactfull wordsmith around...........so more times than not I just let it fly.
rippin-lips reply :
Well not all rods are the same so fast and extra fast are just labels really. There is no standard for this set in the fishing world. All manufactures can be different. Ones extra fast may be another's fast. Here is something that may help you out.
X-Fast: Upper 20% flexes
Fast: Upper 30% flexes
Med-Fast: Upper 35% flexes
Mod-Fast: Upper 40% flexes
Moderate: Middle flex point
Slow: Flex progressive from tip to butt
cueball reply :
The chart showing rod actions is helpful, but it misses one thing. How much load is on the rod when it is bent as shown? A light power, extra fast action rod will initially bend near the tip, but because it is light power it will bend well into the blank when loaded more heavily. I think this is one of the things that makes discussing rod actions difficult.
St Croix rods are good to use as an example. They have ML, M and MH power, extra fast action rods. With equal loads on each, they bend very differently. But those rods will also bend into similar shapes if the load is varied appropriately. There are measurement systems that have been developed to measure rod action and power. Those system typically use enough weight to deflect the tip of the road 1/3 of the length of the rod when the rod is held horizontal. The rods compared are all deflected and equal amount, the weight needed reflects the power of the rod and angle of the tip of the rod reflects the action.
As far a drop shot fishing, I like the tip of the rod to load slightly with the sinker weight I am using. But, I also like the road to bend into the mid section with a fish on to help keep small hooks from pulling out and to protect lighter line. I don't like the road to bend all the way to the butt with a full load so that the bottom of the road provides sufficient power when needed.
flippin and pitchin reply :
Dowen, may I answer you actual question ? Rod manufactures look at what models sell to include by lenth, power and action. Many have set the X-fast action on DS because it's probably the most popular and they want to sell what anglers want. Every manufacture's offering will feel differnet regardless if the power and actions are stated the same. Fish what feels good for YOU ! I have a Lamiglas DS701TS drop shot rod. I would not recommend it to anyone buying it blind. It has a different feel most anglers probably wouldn't like but it's the preferred power and action. Go figure. This gig gets way too complicated.
BobP reply :
I think Skeletor has it just right and gave dowen an extensive run-down with many options and good explanations of what to consider and why. If others choose to use a non-dropshot specific rod, that's fine but that wasn't the question asked. An XF tip on a dropshot rod indicates its response time, not its power. I use a Shimano Crucial 6'8" dropshot rod that is rated medium power - but it has an 18" tip section that is fast with light power. Some call this a "hinged" action. It throws 1/8 oz weights well, is sensitive to soft bites due to the soft tip, and the medium power down the blank can handle 5+ lb bass. A few of the western pro anglers who pioneered dropshotting in the U.S. recommended the Shimano dropshot rods a few years ago because of their "hinged" construction and I have never regretted paying $150 for a Crucial. Yes, I can and have, on occasion, thrown dropshots with a ML rod. But frankly they seem pretty crude after using a technique-specific rod. JMHO
skeletor6 reply :
Dowen I am glad you got the information you were looking for.
Hyrule Bass reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 11:20 AM, flippin and pitchin said:Dowen, may I answer you actual question ? Rod manufactures look at what models sell to include by lenth, power and action. Many have set the X-fast action on DS because it's probably the most popular and they want to sell what anglers want. Every manufacture's offering will feel differnet regardless if the power and actions are stated the same. Fish what feels good for YOU ! I have a Lamiglas DS701TS drop shot rod. I would not recommend it to anyone buying it blind. It has a different feel most anglers probably wouldn't like but it's the preferred power and action. Go figure. This gig gets way too complicated.
the red text is the best advice in the whole thread
mudkart reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 5:20 AM, Goose21 said:Alright question for you guys relating to the topic.I was given a new 7'2" shimano crucial drop shot rod for xmas. M XF. Rated for 4-8lb test. I paired it with a shimano ci4 2500 spinning reel spooled with some 6lb invisix I had laying around. I rarely drop shot and was planning to use this rod with light t-rigs, shakeyheads, weightless plastics, and wacky rigs. I have not had any time on the water with it because everything is ice.
"Finesse" fishing isbone area I would like to improve and experiment with after the thaw this year. Do you all think this rod will be sufficient?
Im a little skeptical about hook sets but as I said I havnt been able to fish it yet.
Thanks
I've the same rod, and IMO, you need to look no further for a DS rod.
OTOH, for the reasons set forth above by skeletor6, you will likely find it to perform poorly (relative to other spinning rods) for the non-DS techniques you mention, primarily because casting distance is sacrificed due to the tip design. It's a very sensitive and light rod, so yes, you could (and I have in a pinch) throw shakey, split-shot, etc. with it and feel confident it will perform OK, but there are much better rods out there for those techniques (e.g. any graphite MF 7' spinning rod from your manufacturer of choice).
3dees reply :
I started drop shotting a lot last year. I'm retired so a 300.00 rod is out of the questiion. I bought a St. Croix Eyecon. it's a walleye jigging rod and I use it mainly for the drop shot. for 110.00 it's a great rod.
J Francho reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 3:21 AM, skeletor6 said:You are pulling hairs here. A "dedicated drop shot rod" = a rod that will be dedicated for dropshotting only. If you are going to use a rod that you will dedicate for dropshotting only then you will want a "dropshot specific rod".
I'd listen to No Good, he knows a thing or two about drop shotting smallies on Erie....
kickerfish1 reply :
Very good detailed and well written posts in this thread skeletor6! A quality rundown by price for every budget and/or angler's need. Thanks for sharing!
mod479 reply :
I personally use the 7'2" Cumara M/XF, but you dont need a high dollar rod for the technique. Medium light or Medium action, fast or xtra fast taper. The rest comes down to what you feel comfortable holding and your budget range.
Id be more concerned with finding a spinning reel with a quality drag to keep that 4-6lb fluoro intact...you wont be horsing those smallies.
Sam Scalf reply :
BRAVO on the rod action chart , and text on the subject .
On 1/14/2013 at 10:19 AM, rippin-lips said:Well not all rods are the same so fast and extra fast are just labels really. There is no standard for this set in the fishing world. All manufactures can be different. Ones extra fast may be another's fast. Here is something that may help you out.
X-Fast: Upper 20% flexes
Fast: Upper 30% flexes
Med-Fast: Upper 35% flexes
Mod-Fast: Upper 40% flexes
Moderate: Middle flex point
Slow: Flex progressive from tip to butt
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
I got two dropshot rod both shimano crucial 6'8" one for baitcaster one for spinning. I like them both very much and they can also serve as all purposes rod as well.
I also agree with skeletor6 that other xtra fast or even fast rod can rip hook out of bass mouth. This happened with me quite a few time when I use my backup rod which is two pieces quantum response medium / fast action, but hardly happen with crucial.
1BADAIR reply :
I have two St croix avids for dropshot. 6'9" mlxf and a 7'6 mlxf. Like said , use what feels right to you. I prefer the 6'9" over the the longer rod because it seems way to light and I cant feel them bite as good. I know people that swear by using a heavier rod, you can feel them bite better. The Xfast tip lets you "wiggle" or "twitch " the bait better than a fast. I dont feel that the tip affects the ripping out that much. I lose very few on dropshots and I am not exactly gentle with them either. I want to try a Mxf this coming year to see how that feels. I was gonna sell my 7"6 but instead started using it for spybaits
WRB reply :
What sets apart a good drop shot rod from others is the ability to shake the worm/ soft plastic without moving or dragging the weight. When using light 1/8 to 3/16 oz weights the rod play a big role in working a drop shot rig and detecting strikes. Heavier weights or dragging the weight the rod action is less critical.
Tom
stk44 reply :
BassOnKlinger reply :
Considering a dedicated drop shot combo and I have a question. I know a lot of it comes down to personal feel, but is there a reason not to get a shorter, 6'6" ML/F rod? I don't have a boat and mostly do bank fishing, so sometimes I'm limited by the trees around me. Casting a longer rod can be difficult. Also, I'm an avg height person at 5'9" and all of my rods reflect that: bait casters are all 6'7", spinning rod for t-rigs is 6'6"....although I do have a 7' cranking stick and a 7'1" frog rod (both feel too big when I'm using them).
With all that said, I like Dobyns and have two choices:
Fury 6'6" ML/F (which is not listed as Drop Shot specific) but still suits my typical rod lengths. Or...
Savvy Microguide 6'9" ML/F (which is listed as Drop Shot specific) but a few inches longer rod than I'm used to.
Thoughts on this? I'm leaning towards the 6'9" Savvy but I'm a bit hesitant.
J Francho reply :
On 6/5/2017 at 11:06 PM, BassOnKlinger said:I know a lot of it comes down to personal feel, but is there a reason not to get a shorter, 6'6" ML/F rod?
None at all. My preferred length is 6-3. The rods I use are not "drop shot specific," but feature the same taper often offered as a drop shot rod: Avid AVS63MLXF and Avid AVS63MXF.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 1/14/2013 at 2:36 AM, wnybassman said:
My dedicated dropshot rod for many years was a 6'6" ML Fast St. Croix Premier even though it wasn't labeled as such.
I use the same rod for dropshotting. Great choice.
I like Ike's Bass Resource video on the dropshot. His explanation on how to set the hook is spot on.
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