So I did a search and didn't find anything so I'll just start a thread.
What makes a good dropshot rod? What would you recommend for less than $200? Thanks for any advice.
I love my St. Croix Avids. I've got three of the spinning 7' MH, Fast tip (Model: AVS70MHF)
Bass Pro makes a good rod for around $100. Thier extreme rod in a 7ft med/ hvy. Or go one step up for around$39 more, get the Johnny Morris signature series. Why pay for a name? Their blanks are good and they use Fuji guides..
You can get into an All American Series Grandt rod for a little over $100. Complete lifetime warranty. Completely made in the US, and a GLb sponsor. Very sensitive, very strong. You cant go wrong with a Grandt. I'll even loan you one if you want to try it out.
i just bought a dobyns savvy series 702sf with micro guide and love it. super light and very sensitive. retails for $159.99
Quote from: Slipkey on June 29, 2013, 10:28:48 PM
I love my St. Croix Avids. I've got three of the spinning 7' MH, Fast tip (Model: AVS70MHF)
A MH Croix for drop shotting?
Turns out that Avid's 69MLXF is called their DS rod. I have that rod but have always used it for dragging tubes. Probably look at replacing the tube rod. My arsenal needs another spinning rig so I can have rigged:
Tube combo
dropshot combo
wacky senko combo
Swimming grub/light jerkbait
Most of these applications can be used on the same combo.
Thanks for the recommendations.
All I find myself using now is my NRX852's for everything a spinning rod is needed for including dropshotting. I purchased a Dobyns Champion Extreme DX 742 SF for dropshotting last year and never use it so if anyone wants one that's basically new for that application its for sale.
$70: http://www.powellco.com/powell-spinning-rods/Drop-Shot-Split-Shot-Shaky-Heads-Wacky-Rigs/Spinning-Diesel-6103-MEF
$170: http://www.powellco.com/powell-spinning-rods/Drop-Shot-Split-Shot-Shaky-Heads-Wacky-Rigs/Spinning-Endurance-714-MHEF
At some point in the near future I'll be picking up that Diesel rod. Wish I could afford the Endurance this year, but it's looking like a 2014 purchase. I already have one endurance casting rod and I LOVE it.
Well
You'll need more then one
I Like the Kitsler Mag and Hel med 7' rods
And I have 2 of the MH 7'
The med is the way to go, you get a better feel and there's plenty of backbone for any bass in Michigan
Right now the Helium rod is 199 and the Magnesium is 149
They fish about the same, the Helium is a better blank and does
have a better grip. can't go wrong with either one
I have used the St. Croix Avid ($190) for about 4 years now. It is extremely sensitive. I have the medium light extra fast tip. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and is made in the US. They are however not a Great Lakes Bass Sponsor.
Seems weird that so many people replied MH for drop shot. I always thought you would want something a little smaller and sensitive to feel the bite. I've been using a St. Croix premier MLF. Everyone has their preferance. I don't drop shot alot. But I asked around and checked the different manufactures and most of their "drop shot" rods are Medium Light Fast or Extra Fast.
i
Quote from: BIGSHOW on July 02, 2013, 01:46:27 AM
Seems weird that so many people replied MH for drop shot. I always thought you would want something a little smaller and sensitive to feel the bite. I've been using a St. Croix premier MLF. Everyone has their preferance. I don't drop shot alot. But I asked around and checked the different manufactures and most of their "drop shot" rods are Medium Light Fast or Extra Fast.
Yea it seems weird to me as well
Your fishing 10# or less. But we all fish and spend our money different
i
Quote from: fiker on July 01, 2013, 11:52:29 PM
I have used the St. Croix Avid ($190) for about 4 years now. It is extremely sensitive. I have the medium light extra fast tip. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and is made in the US. They are however not a Great Lakes Bass Sponsor.
I've been using Avid spinning rods for close to 10 years now. Great rods. The 6'9"MLXF and the 7' MLF are two rods I use with tubes, DS, and wacky. The 5'9" MXF is great for skipping boat docks.
I have a Grandt Rods All American Pro Series 076M spinning rod (http://www.grandtrods.com/All%20American%20Pro%20Series%20Custom%20Graphite%20Fishing%20Rods) (7 ft 6 in - I like longer rods most of the time) that might be a little heavier action that some people would want for drop shotting. I can and do use it for that but I use it more for tubes, grubs, darters and such. I like a little heavier action at times for some fishing people tend to use lighter action rods for.
I have an Grandt XLH70 Series XS176ML that Dave Wagensomer gave me years ago. It is in the higher price range but is comparable to the All American Pro Series 076ML so I think the ML versions of the 7 ft 6 in Grandt Rods would be the action more anglers would like for drop shotting overall. Dave gave it to me as a gift for Great Lakes drop shotting and I use it for that a lot. Also use it for my Neko rigging.
Grandt Rods has 6' 6" and 7' versions of these spinning rods in M and ML too.
I am probably the most prolific drop shotter on this site... just ask anyone who fishes with or against me. I have been using the Shimano Cumara 7'2" Medium dropshot rod for several years now. Very light, VERY sensitive rod that has won me more money than any other set up in my boat. Fork up the extra dough and get one, you will NOT be disspointed.
I use 7 foot MH crucials....I switched last year to MH and that has helped with my catch rate...alot less fish come unbuttoned. ......
When I am dsing during the spawn in shallow water I still use medium.
I am with Dan on using longer rods....especially in open water.
I don't drop shot much but when I do I use the same rods I use for fishing tube baits. Right now that would be the Quantum KVD Signature Series in a 7 foot length.
BD. ;D
13 Fishing OMEN $100 but fishes like a rod worth $250
Quote from: Waterfoul on July 04, 2013, 11:34:58 AM
I am probably the most prolific drop shotter on this site... just ask anyone who fishes with or against me. I have been using the Shimano Cumara 7'2" Medium dropshot rod for several years now. Very light, VERY sensitive rod that has won me more money than any other set up in my boat. Fork up the extra dough and get one, you will NOT be disspointed.
Oh thems figh'in words. I am the DS bro. The 6'10 Loomis G2 med. ($189) Is simply the best DS rod I've used so far. I have a shimano Stradic fh 2500 with 8 lb and owner #2 hooks. Have not lost a fish yet. .......
Now - here's where I've been. Started with Crucials. And they are dynamite. I lived off the 6'8" med . Also had a 7'2" med but sometimes, when I hook a 4-6 lbr in 7-15 fow, my other crucial, the 7'2" med would sometimes bow sideways after I set the hook, ( which is straight up ) so the 6'8" was perfect. That crucial was great. But the rod was too brittle - snapped like a twig. So went to the cumara. The blank is different, but still great in Med 6'8".
The avid is my tube rod for reasons exact reasons you stated.- 6'9" Med, and so far this
one and the G2 with 8# and the shimano stradics have been the ticket to a couple a checks. G2 transfers and the hook set is automatic. And that's a problem cause when I switch to tubes, I'm not setting it as hard as I need to because the DS is so automatic.
I never once thought to go to a MedHeavy so I thought those were interesting comments. Would like to hear more.
Quote from: Waterfoul on July 04, 2013, 11:34:58 AM
I am probably the most prolific drop shotter on this site... just ask anyone who fishes with or against me. I have been using the Shimano Cumara 7'2" Medium dropshot rod for several years now. Very light, VERY sensitive rod that has won me more money than any other set up in my boat. Fork up the extra dough and get one, you will NOT be disspointed.
Is that the rig you used for the win on Table Rock this past Spring?
I have been using a st croix avid 7 MLF and really like it. However it isn't first season DS
I use a Denali Rod Kovert Series multipurpose 6'10" M. $129.00. can't beat it. Most sensitive rod I have ever used. don't buy a mass produced name buy a fishing rod.
IM8 blanks, semi-micro guides, lightweight skeleton reel seat, custom EVA handles for max comfort, and a stabilized hardwood fore grip.
check them out at www.denalirods.com
they also have a 7'2" MH.
Quote from: Big dreams on August 03, 2013, 09:13:14 AM
Quote from: Waterfoul on July 04, 2013, 11:34:58 AM
I am probably the most prolific drop shotter on this site... just ask anyone who fishes with or against me. I have been using the Shimano Cumara 7'2" Medium dropshot rod for several years now. Very light, VERY sensitive rod that has won me more money than any other set up in my boat. Fork up the extra dough and get one, you will NOT be disspointed.
Is that the rig you used for the win on Table Rock this past Spring?
Actually we won that one mostly throwing A-rigs and shakey heads.
Quote from: jjjmpv22 on August 03, 2013, 11:06:37 AM
I have been using a st croix avid 7 MLF and really like it. However it isn't first season DS
I've got the same rod in a med. Love it........ But looking to move up (again)........ So if you want to try a touch stiffer hook set, while keeping sensitivity, lemme know
check out Denali Rods. Great rods for a great price.
D**** sporting goods has shimano crucials for $120 right now. The one by me in chesterfield has one drop shot left and two worm and jig rods. Looks like they are clearance online there also. Not sure why, maybe nobody is buying from them.
I have Patriot Rods made from BUSHIDO blanks custom wrapped with your choice of colors with micro-wave guides for $175 or with standard guides for $155
Quote from: Slipkey on June 29, 2013, 10:28:48 PM
I love my St. Croix Avids. I've got three of the spinning 7' MH, Fast tip (Model: AVS70MHF)
I love it for DS. I have one for sale in a medium but, I'm thinking of keeping it..... I like it much better for DS than tubes. However, RIGHT NOW - This Avid is 1 year used and for sale !!! TUBE or DS - PM me and throw an offer. Or go to the For Sale and see the ad there.