Looking for my first dropshot rod

[t0x]

Hey everyone, I'm just looking for some opinions on dropshot rods. I've never dropshotted before but I really like the feel of the Shimano Compre in a 7' med. fast. I want to stay right around $100 or $120. I'll probably also use the rod for shakey heading and some tubes but dropshotting will be the main use. I just don't have any other experience with other rods, so any hints, good or bad, will be appreciated.

Thanks!

Clint

[beast96z]

I love my Shimano Crucial DS rods. 7' M/Fast is a great all around rod for what you are wanting to do.

[bassrods]

For drop shotting you want a 7' med light to light rod...

Some times the hardest thing about drop shotting is felling the bite, are you fishing more for smallmouth or spots or largemouth???

[hesjustbassin]

Easily one of the best dropshot blanks is the St Croix 5S70MLF blank. I'd say that for this application, you can't get much better.

[t0x]

I'll be dropshotting mostly for largemouths but most of the lakes I fish also have a decent amount of smallmouths also.

[islandbass]

Find a rod with these general specs and it should serve well as a drop shot rod:


Lure Weight: 1/8 - 3/8 oz or 1/8 - 1/2 oz
Line Weight: 4-10# test
Rod Length: 6'3" to just over 7' (I use 7' and would also recommend this length)
Rod Power: Medium Light to Medium (My rod is ML)
Rod Action: Moderate Fast to Extra Fast (you will see the gamut of rods from many makers with drop shot specific rods to have a power in this range)

These are the typical traits you will find in a typical drop shot rod. If you can find a compre with a ML Power, it will probably suit you fine. Please note that this is very general. If you plan to fish deeper waters, say > 30', or say heavier cover, what is listed above might not be the best choice. You will have to step up in Power accordingly.

My Drop Shot rod is the 7' ML Lamiglas Certified Pro Drop Shot Special Rod. It is rated for lures (1/8-3/8 oz) and line weights listed above. 

My trunk rod, is a Spinning MH Compre 2-piece rod.  It works fine for just about every tactic and serves me as a drop shot rod when I don't have my true bass gear  (the one pieces stay home during the week because they don't fit in the trunk so it serves as my DS rod by default). 

You won't regret getting into Drop Shotting. It is by far my most productive technique.

[J B]

The rod that I used for many years drop shoting in your price range is a Fenwick HMX 7' ML.I would recommend a 7' rod it really helps to have a rod that long to keep the fish away from the trolling motor and from going under the boat.Also a ML rod will protect the light lines. I use 6lb Berkley 100% on all my dropshot rods.

[SWMIBASSER]

Hey everyone, I'm just looking for some opinions on dropshot rods. I've never dropshotted before but I really like the feel of the Shimano Compre in a 7' med. fast. I want to stay right around $100 or $120. I'll probably also use the rod for shakey heading and some tubes but dropshotting will be the main use. I just don't have any other experience with other rods, so any hints, good or bad, will be appreciated.

Thanks!

Clint

I'm heavily considering buying a Rogue 7' DS blank from Johnn's Pond. And then having Patriot rods build a custom rod for me on that blank. They sell from around $70 at Johnny's Pond. And Rogue rods are EXCELLENT.

[George Roth]

The Rogue would be a good choice.  I'd suggest that you also consider the St. Croix LE 5S70MLF.  Doesn't get much lighter or sensitive than that.  Consider the RECoil guides and an Alconite tip.  Split Rear Grip - Extreme handle with a Comfort Button.  It will be one of the sweetest rods in your arsenal!

Good luck.......George

[Pablo4x4]

Listen to Geroge, he's an expert!! I bought my drop shot St Croix rod custom built by him and is by far the greatest rod I own.

Pablo Magallanes
Mexico

[George Roth]

Pablo...

Way to go!  Nice fish!  I appreciate the opportunity to help you enjoy your fishing trips!

Take care.....George