What dropshot rod would you buy?

[occasionalfisher]

Ok guys I am thinking about upgrading my dropshot/ned rig/neko rig rod from a 13 fishing Omen 2 Black 7-1 ML to something else. I will use this rod for most all finesse things except a shakeyhead, but at times I might need to throw a 1/8 or 3/16 oz shakeyhead on it too in an emergency.
I like the 13 rod but while it performs well with a dropshot and neko rig the ML is just about impossible to get a slider or shakeyhead hook in a fish with it.
So here is what I am looking for, ..... Spinning rod, between 6-10 and 7-4, a finesse fishing spinning rod that can on occasion do double duty if I only want to take one spinning rod for the day since I am normally a backseater.
Budget is sub $300, so that takes out most of the Loomis line. I have a Loomis mag-medium shakeyhead rod and like it for that, but it is not a good dropshot rod.
Will be throwing braid to floro leader on a Daiwa Ballistic 2000 sized spinning reel.

So what would you guys pick and why?

 

[jason]

I just purchased the John Crew’s Dropshot Rod from Cashion. I needed one spinning rod that could handle a variety of applications and already have several casting rods from Cashion that are simply awesome.
cashionrods.com/product/crews_dropshot_rod/

 

[G_weav65]

May want to check out Dobyns Sierra series. I recently purchased the SA 703SF for Ned rigs and Finesse type baits, and have been very pleased with the sensitivity of the rod.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/fish...yns-sierra-spinning-rods/2413536.uts?slotId=0

 

[Blue76]

I have three rods for dropshot.. a Shimano Expride 6'6" medium action and a Dobyns HP champion Extreme 7' medium action and a much cheaper Falcon Bucco 6' 6" medium light rod. Of course the first two are better rods and way more sensitive but I have caught a lot of fish on that Falcon rod for a fraction of the price.... matter of fact I landed a 7lb 6oz LM on 6lb test with the falcon this spring.</p>

</p>

The only reason I have those crazy expensive rods if because I am stupid sometimes.... my family asked what I wanted for my birthday and I told them a good drop shot rod and told them about the Dobyns... I didn't think there was a chance they would spend 400 bucks on a rod... Then I had a coupon from Shimano for 60% off on the Expride rods for being a boat Capitan for a HS team. So I bought the Expride only to have the Dobyns given to me later. Duh...</p>

But I have liked having them... I put a drop shot on one and a ned rig or small shaky on the other. Great rods.... I would give the nod to the Expride over the Dobyns for sensitivity though.... and lighter. I put a CI4 reel on both andthey are crazy light.</p>

 

[Fshn Cpa]

I use a 6 ft St. Croix premier medium for drop shot. I picked up a 7ft. Fenwick at Sportsman's for a reasonable price, but still like the 6 ft. better for drop shot. Good action and no need to throw it a mile.

 

[BullMerc225]

Joe Burns owner of Joe's Custom Rods builds a perfect rod for what you are wanting to use it for. I have a few and they are absolutely flawless and well within your budget. He is a custom rod builder in Cleveland TN and will let you customize your colors. Hard to beat a local product with a full, no questions asked lifetime warranty.

 

[occasionalfisher]

Thanks for the choices guys, I have been looking at the Dobyns as I have a couple of their other rods. The custom route is something I had not thought about doing, but I will look into that as well. Thanks

 

[SethColeman]

Do you have a budget in mind? Anything to do with spinning gear, I highly recommend St. Croix. I use legend Elites, but they make several levels. The avid is hard to beat.

 

[porthos33]

Go check out the All Star lite series at Academy. They have a Drop shot rod for 150 that is 7'6 ml with an extra fast tip. Talk about super light weight rods and with the extra fast tip you can get a good hook set.

 

[djsmarinelectronics]

Cashion makes a very good drop shot rod, in stock. Also hard to beat a Yank-um Custom Tackle drop shot rod for lightness, sensitivity and price ($125)

Come by and check them both out!

 

[luckystar]

You might want to check out rods made locally by Wally Kilpatrick.Awesome rods for a great price

 

[FishingwithRusty]

this: http://www.taipanrods.com/store.html#!/JOHNNY-JOHNSON-DROPSHOT-ROD/p/74616328/category=21480960

 

[Blue76]

To add to my post above... I never really used a drop shot much until I spent the day on Guntersville with Alex Davis a couple of years ago. He used tow things... a robo worm on a drop shot and a flipping jig.. two rods all day and landed a crazy amount of fish... at least 4 fish over 5lbs on the drop shot. I thought it was for small fish only but he show me different.

So... I went drop shot crazy for a while and developed tendonitis on my elbow from shaking that rod. Everyone laughs when I tell them I have a fishing injury... So... I wanted the lightest rod possible to reduce the tendonitis ... That is why I bought those stupid expensive rods and stopped using the Falcon as much. I don't know if it really helped or not. I wear a compression sleeve now and that helps a lot.

 

[jsb]

I'm like Seth I love St. Croix rods. I've been using the avid series and have no problem feeling the bite or bottom. I have a 7 footer med. I throw mainly a shakey head on but have used it as a drop shot rod too. Strong, sensitive and plenty of tip. Put one over 10 on 8 lb test in boat no problem.

 

[on fish]

If you want to test an All Star let me know I have all models and all prices ,don't mind a bit if you want to test drive one before you buy

 

[occasionalfisher]

Thanks again guys I think I have it narrowed down to a few choices now. Probably end up going with a Dobyns Champion XP. I do have one mroe question for you guys though, Do you prefer a longer drop shot rod since it is more flexible? I have caught a few fish on it over the years, but never been a big part of my game plan. It has always been a last ditch thing to try for one more fish kinda thing.

 

[Blue76]

I like 6'-6" for a drop shot rod. I want it very light and since their isn't a real need for long casts I didn't want the longer rod.

 

[jpdavidm]

G-Loomis NRX822s.

 

[retired20xd]

My vote is for a Joe Burns custom rod, best warranty out there and quality to go with it!!

 

[occasionalfisher]

Thanks again guys for all the input. I think I am going with the Dobyns XP 703 as a catch all rod. I agree a custom rod would be nice, as would that NRX, but that is a bit much to pay for a rod I am not going to use a ton. I have an e-mail into Kistler to see if they can alter one of their rods for me, and to find out how much that costs, but will probably go with the Dobyns.