Drop Shot Rod? St Croix 2024

WRangler506 reply :

I want to get a better rod for dropshots for smallmouth. I guess I narrowed it down to a couple St Croix rods I know of

Avid X 69 MLXF

Legend TOurnament 610 MLXF

Avid or Legend 7ft ML F

I wanted to ask the question here since this seems to be the right audience for this. I mostly fish Michigan lakes, rarely deeper than 30ft where im fishing, usually much less.

Thanks

PatrickKnight reply :

That LTB was purpose built for drop shot.

padon reply :

I own the Ltb dropshot rod and its excellent.also a great all around rod for lighter open hook baits like tubes grubs wacky rigs etc.

Mosster47 reply :

To me, their ML's are too soft at the tip to drop shot anything above an 1/8oz weight comfortably.

WRangler506 reply :

On 3/30/2017 at 8:35 AM, padon said:

I own the Ltb dropshot rod and its excellent.also a great all around rod for lighter open hook baits like tubes grubs wacky rigs etc.

What is the heaviest weight that works well on that ML? Im assuming it only comes in a ML

padon reply :

its rated a ml but like most st.croixs it fishes heavier than that.i would call it more of a light medium if that makes any sense. I usually don't fish anything over 1/4 oz on spinning gear but it works fine up to there and probably 3/8

PatrickKnight reply :

When I drop shot over an 1/8 oz (very very rare) I go to a medium power 7 foot rod.

MickD reply :

Personal preference- I like the most sensitive rod I can afford for drop shot , which leads me to the SCV rods. I think the medium power is more appropriate based on better hook sets. Fast or extra fast. If you're sticking with light or med-light power, and missing fish, check your hooks-must be sticky sharp, especially for lighter powers.

padon reply :

yeah depends on application etc. when I drop shot its usually with an open hook and not extremely deep 30 feet at most.if im gonna use a weedless lure I use the 6 10 shakey head ltb which has a stiffer butt.

3dees reply :

I use a St. Croix Eyecon which is a walleye jigging rod. great rod and less expensive than the choices posted.

Mosster47 reply :

On 3/30/2017 at 8:35 PM, MickD said:

Personal preference- I like the most sensitive rod I can afford for drop shot , which leads me to the SCV rods. I think the medium power is more appropriate based on better hook sets. Fast or extra fast. If you're sticking with light or med-light power, and missing fish, check your hooks-must be sticky sharp, especially for lighter powers.

I have the ML/XF SCV and after about three casts I retired it from the drop shot arsenal. Fantastic Ned rig rod though.

I would recommend the SCV blank as well for the drop shot, but go with a medium power and you can throw finesse jigs and shaky heads on it too.

WRangler506 reply :

MAn Im surprised by the MED recommendations. I use fairly light weight rigs and the Croix ML feel more stout than other MLs to me.

Ive read several times now the 69 MLxf is a great rod, also great for dropshots.

The 610 LTB is said to be awesome, but many say its VERY stiff compared to the 69mlxf Avids.

I think Im more comfortable starting w a ML and if its too light sometimes Ill buy another.

Still considering :

LTB 68 ML F Bass Spinning

LTB 610 ML XF Drop Shot

Avid 69 ML XF

I wish I could buy them all....

WI_Angler1989 reply :

I absolutely love my 610mlxf LTB! It doesn't feel weak as many have stated and I frequently fish towards the top end of its lure ratings.

Honestly, I don't dropshot much. It's on my list of things to learn next season. I mainly used my LTB for tubes and finesse jigs. It's an awesome finesse rod!

padon reply :

Yeah I love that rod too it's my favorite of all my rods.I don't feel it's at all too light for dropshotting.I had the avid that your referring too and I did feel it was a touch too light but that could just be me.I also have the 68 ltb light that your looking at.in my opinion it a little light I love it for Ned rigs light grubs etc though.

WRangler506 reply :

On 3/31/2017 at 6:02 AM, WI_Angler1989 said:

I absolutely love my 610mlxf LTB! It doesn't feel weak as many have stated and I frequently fish towards the top end of its lure ratings.

Honestly, I don't dropshot much. It's on my list of things to learn next season. I mainly used my LTB for tubes and finesse jigs. It's an awesome finesse rod!

What size reel is that? Does it balance well?

Do you have any experience with other St Croix rods compared to this?

THanks

I may need to pick one up.

WI_Angler1989 reply :

The reel is a 2500 size Shimano Stradic FK. It does balance well. The rod itself is a little tip heavy, but I've never noticed it while fishing.

I also have 2 Avids, a 6'6" M and a 7'MH. I like all my St Croix rods, but the LTB handle is super comfortable and I prefer it.

I know you'd be happy with your purchase if you do end up getting a St Croix.

WRangler506 reply :

On 3/31/2017 at 8:59 AM, padon said:

Yeah I love that rod too it's my favorite of all my rods.I don't feel it's at all too light for dropshotting.I had the avid that your referring too and I did feel it was a touch too light but that could just be me.I also have the 68 ltb light that your looking at.in my opinion it a little light I love it for Ned rigs light grubs etc though.

The 610 just doesn't get mentioned as much as the 69. Ive handled them but never at the same time, maybe I haven't handled the 610 in person, nobody has one here and its hard to buy without checking it out. Would you recommend the 610 and 69 over the 68 MLF?

The LTB68MLF felt great in the store a couple months back. For reference I know I love how the 66MLF feels but not so much the 7MLF. 68 seemed perfect in between.

Thanks for your thoughts on this, I wish there was a loaner program from St Croix....

On 3/31/2017 at 11:04 AM, WI_Angler1989 said:

The reel is a 2500 size Shimano Stradic FK. It does balance well. The rod itself is a little tip heavy, but I've never noticed it while fishing.

I also have 2 Avids, a 6'6" M and a 7'MH. I like all my St Croix rods, but the LTB handle is super comfortable and I prefer it.

I know you'd be happy with your purchase if you do end up getting a St Croix.

I already bought and used 2 LT6'3" rods. The MLXF and MXF for walleye jigging. That was only a few hours, and IMO jigging doesn't give you the full feel of the rod the mess around with. I also bought the 68MXF Avid X, but have yet to use it. Im looking for something to fill the ML slot in something longer. I just don't know which one...

When I do, my guess it will be my favorite, as I prefer ML's and the 63 are darn short. I only jig a few times, but I throw drop shots all summer. Not sure what I was thinking.

I think the St Croix Mediums are too heavy for my preference, or maybe I just fish heavy lures and heavy cover much.

I also like the LT handle feel.

WI_Angler1989 reply :

On 3/31/2017 at 11:06 AM, WRangler506 said:

The 610 just doesn't get mentioned as much as the 69. Ive handled them but never at the same time, maybe I haven't handled the 610 in person, nobody has one here and its hard to buy without checking it out. Would you recommend the 610 and 69 over the 68 MLF?

The LTB68MLF felt great in the store a couple months back. For reference I know I love how the 66MLF feels but not so much the 7MLF. 68 seemed perfect in between.

Thanks for your thoughts on this, I wish there was a loaner program from St Croix....

I already bought and used 2 LT6'3" rods. The MLXF and MXF for walleye jigging. That was only a few hours, and IMO jigging doesn't give you the full feel of the rod the mess around with. I also bought the 68MXF Avid X, but have yet to use it. Im looking for something to fill the ML slot in something longer. I just don't know which one...

When I do, my guess it will be my favorite, as I prefer ML's and the 63 are darn short. I only jig a few times, but I throw drop shots all summer. Not sure what I was thinking.

I think the St Croix Mediums are too heavy for my preference, or maybe I just fish heavy lures and heavy cover much.

I also like the LT handle feel.

I agree that jigging doesn't give a complete feel of the rods capabilities. Especially with such versatile rods like the LTB's. I prefer the 610 length. Anything shorter doesn't feel right to me anymore.

I actually had the 610mxf, the shakey head rod, and traded it in for the ML. I like the feel and handling of the ML a lot. The XF tip makes the ML power much more stout than people think it will.

My rod has tons of power and backbone, but can launch an 1/8 oz tube plenty far.

sully420 reply :

If you have a gander mountain near you that's closing they are selling all there st.croix rods for 20% off

padon reply :

the 68 ml just kind of collapses a little too much for me when you put some pressure on it . all st croixs feel a little stiffer when you pick them up than when you put a reel and lure on them. the 610 mlxf feels a little stout off the rack but when you rig it up it comes to life. to me its the most versatile of all the ltb spinning rods. unless your fishing heavy cover or texas rigs a lot the shakey head rod is probably a little stiff. I love mine for light texas rigs and its my favorite for weightless flukes and senkos I think you will be happy with the ltb 610 mlxf its a very versatile rod. great all around smallmouth rod.

kroberts9 reply :

just another option. i use a 7'2 light l, fast action Phenix M1 paired with a ci4+2500 it is perfect and has handled 3lb smallies with ease

Fishin' Fool reply :

On 3/30/2017 at 2:10 AM, WRangler506 said:

I want to get a better rod for dropshots for smallmouth. I guess I narrowed it down to a couple St Croix rods I know of

Avid X 69 MLXF

Legend TOurnament 610 MLXF

Avid or Legend 7ft ML F

I wanted to ask the question here since this seems to be the right audience for this. I mostly fish Michigan lakes, rarely deeper than 30ft where im fishing, usually much less.

Thanks

Where are you from in Michigan? I'm a Michigan guy too. Mainly fish St Clair with some local inland lakes too. I like the G Loomis NRX 872s as my drop shot rod. Personally like a longer rod for those smallmouth making runs at the boat.

WRangler506 reply :

On 3/31/2017 at 7:29 PM, padon said:

the 68 ml just kind of collapses a little too much for me when you put some pressure on it . all st croixs feel a little stiffer when you pick them up than when you put a reel and lure on them. the 610 mlxf feels a little stout off the rack but when you rig it up it comes to life. to me its the most versatile of all the ltb spinning rods. unless your fishing heavy cover or texas rigs a lot the shakey head rod is probably a little stiff. I love mine for light texas rigs and its my favorite for weightless flukes and senkos I think you will be happy with the ltb 610 mlxf its a very versatile rod. great all around smallmouth rod.

Thanks for the detailed description. Maybe there is a chance I will like a few of these mediums once I start fishing with them then. Maybe they just feel too stout off the rack as you said.

I think Ill pick up the 610MLXF, and report back once I get to try it out.

On 3/31/2017 at 9:28 PM, Fishin' Fool said:

Where are you from in Michigan? I'm a Michigan guy too. Mainly fish St Clair with some local inland lakes too. I like the G Loomis NRX 872s as my drop shot rod. Personally like a longer rod for those smallmouth making runs at the boat.

Im from Fenton. Never fished St Clair, but fish Trav Bay a bunch, since I take my family there during summer. My dad has a place there so we go a fair amount. Actually would like to dial in Lake Fenton more, as I take my kids there a bunch. Its only 10 mins from home.

I just checked that NRX out. Looks awesome and gets good reviews, no way I could swing that price though. The LTB 610 might be a close as I get to that but sounds promising.

WRangler506 reply :

I just saw TW has a sale on the 610 IMX drop shot rod. How does this compare to the LTB 610 drop shot rod?

They would be roughly the same price at 225, but Im not familiar w the Loomis power ratings....

Fishin' Fool reply :

On 3/31/2017 at 10:26 PM, WRangler506 said:

Thanks for the detailed description. Maybe there is a chance I will like a few of these mediums once I start fishing with them then. Maybe they just feel too stout off the rack as you said.

I think Ill pick up the 610MLXF, and report back once I get to try it out.

Im from Fenton. Never fished St Clair, but fish Trav Bay a bunch, since I take my family there during summer. My dad has a place there so we go a fair amount. Actually would like to dial in Lake Fenton more, as I take my kids there a bunch. Its only 10 mins from home.

I just checked that NRX out. Looks awesome and gets good reviews, no way I could swing that price though. The LTB 610 might be a close as I get to that but sounds promising.

Read the NRX post in rods and reels forum it mentions a place you can get demo rods cheaper. Last year TW had a sale and so did Monster Fishing Tackle and I picked up 2 new rods for $699 which isn't bad since MSRP is $550. We fished Lake Fenton 2 years ago for a tournament. It was a tough day for me though I caught a dozen short fish I didn't get one to measure.

MichiganBass80 reply :

I currently use a St Croix Premier 7' ML/F. It's nice, but if I were looking for a new drop shot rod I would go with the 610ML/XF LTB

WRangler506 reply :

On 4/1/2017 at 5:05 AM, MichiganBass80 said:

I currently use a St Croix Premier 7' ML/F. It's nice, but if I were looking for a new drop shot rod I would go with the 610ML/XF LTB

Yeah that's looking like a good option now. I was going to try a stradic FK 3000(or 2500) on it.

Turkey sandwich reply :

I haven't fished the LTB, but I do have the above mentioned Avid X ML XF drop shot rod and really enjoy it. Unbelievably sensitive, light, and handles a wide variety or lures well. It's great for the dropshot and finesse plastics in general, but isn't usually my first choice for tubes or finesse jigs. I tend to prefer a 7' Med power Fast action rod in both those instances.

Nscheele reply :

I also use an eyecon 6'6" medium light with a 2500 stradic fk. Works great for me, great sensitivity and balance.

stk44 reply :

On 4/5/2017 at 2:52 PM, Turkey sandwich said:

I haven't fished the LTB, but I do have the above mentioned Avid X ML XF drop shot rod and really enjoy it. Unbelievably sensitive, light, and handles a wide variety or lures well. It's great for the dropshot and finesse plastics in general, but isn't usually my first choice for tubes or finesse jigs. I tend to prefer a 7' Med power Fast action rod in both those instances.

I will second this for the 6'9 MLXF avid X. FANTASTIC rod and has all the attributes Turkey Sandwich has described. When I go river fishing, I always bring my MLXF avid X and my MF LTB.

I personally think it's a fantastic tube rod, I typically fish tubes with a 1/4 oz piece of tungsten with a t-rigged tube, mainly because the rivers I fish have too many snags for an open hook. I've fished up to 1/4" oz bitsy bugs with trailer and that is usually my tipping point when I switch over to the LTB MF rod.

You can't go wrong with either of them.

WIGuide reply :

I've got the 6'8" M/XF and 6'10" ML/XF both in the LTB line. The ML rod is an absolutely killer dropshot rod! Looking at the way you are going to be using it, I'd say that's the rod for you. You can dropshot with the medium power rod too, but it just seems a little overpowered for it most of the time. If your primary purpose for your rod is to be a ds rod, the ML/XF is the way to go.

Burntorangefan reply :

Hope this helps:

I have a LTB 63MXF that I really enjoy but felt was a little too stiff for DS. Its a really common technique out here and we fish it A LOT in water up to 40 feet. Anyway, the little 63 helped me land a 50" tiger Muskie last year if that gives you an idea of the power these rods have. That being said, to me the Med is a little too stiff and I took advantage of being in WI last week and picked up a Legend Extreme 610MLXF. I've not fished it yet but I'm pretty geeked to try it. In my hands, it feels like the perfect combo for DS and Ned rigs. I know people split hairs between light jigs and DS, but I plan on using it for both.

J Francho reply :

I use two Avid models for DS:

AVS63MLXF and AVS63MF

They're strictly for vertical, deep DS in cover free water. The ML is for 1/2 oz. weight, and the M for 3/4 oz. weight. I actually have two each, so I can keep fishing with less reties, or use two baits. I don't generally cast with them, though you can easily pitch the weight. They've served me well on Erie, Ontario, and several Finger Lakes.

WRangler506 reply :

Great information guys. Ill have to try my LT 63 ML and M just to see how short they feel to me. It sounds like the LT610ML is going to be awesome. Im excited to get it in my hands and get the Stradic FK (3000) on it.

Thanks for all the other comparisons also. Ill try out this 68MXF once the weather gets better here, but Ill be considering the 7MF also. I wondered about that 7 footer when I was picking the 68....

These rods are tough to buy like this but I plan on keeping only the ones that I fish the most.

The 7footer should throw heavier plastics and medium size crankbaits right? Not sure if the 68MXF will do the crankbaits very well.

Burntorangefan reply :

On 4/7/2017 at 1:12 AM, WRangler506 said:

Great information guys. Ill have to try my LT 63 ML and M just to see how short they feel to me. It sounds like the LT610ML is going to be awesome. Im excited to get it in my hands and get the Stradic FK (3000) on it.

Thanks for all the other comparisons also. Ill try out this 68MXF once the weather gets better here, but Ill be considering the 7MF also. I wondered about that 7 footer when I was picking the 68....

These rods are tough to buy like this but I plan on keeping only the ones that I fish the most.

The 7footer should throw heavier plastics and medium size crankbaits right? Not sure if the 68MXF will do the crankbaits very well.

The XF tips (or even fast) bend too high up the blank for cranks, imo. You want something like their new Legend Glass.

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