The Perfect Drop Shot Rod

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jake Anderson on March 16, 2010 at 10:06am

Marc,

What is it about a fast action that is not preferred by yourself. Are there any applications where a fast action would be preferable?

-Jake



Marc Marcantonio said:

6' 6" or 6' 8"

medium action (not fast action)

built around 6-lb test using a 1/4 ounce QuickDrop (gives the proper range above and below)

medium power (3-power)

split grip, no foregrip, no cork anywhere

Just like the Certified Pro model that Lamiglas is unveiling this Spring!

ciao,
Marc

Permalink Reply by Greg Hatleberg on March 16, 2010 at 10:10am

I agree with Ron on there is not a specific rod for every type drop shotting. There is the ultra light line times when using 4, 5, or 6# line and the times you use 8-12# line when around more cover. I use a 1 power rod when it comes to the light stuff between 6'8" to 7'. The heavier stuff I use a 2 or 3 power depending on the cover and the bait. The one thing to keep in mind is the higher priced rods tend to be more stiff. They're more sensitive, but sometimes have the wrong action for the lighter line applications. The rod I'm currently using is a Dobyns 681 SF Champion Series for the light line applications and a Dobyns DX 703SF Champion Extreme for the heavier line applications.

Permalink Reply by Joel Alinen on March 16, 2010 at 11:23am

I honestly dont think I can give much help here...I used to use a 6'6" medium action generic spinning outfit for dropshot, but I recently got a 7'2" poppin rod that I really like for dropshot, havent had a chance to try it much though.

Permalink Reply by Chris Lambert on March 16, 2010 at 1:09pm

Ya, I'm sure it was the rod when you schooled me at Lake WA a few years ago! Like getting whooped 15 fish to 2 wasn't bad enough....now you have to bring it up again 4 years later:)......Just remember that one of my fish was a 6 pounder.....and Brian was nice enough to give you your jig back after he caught the 5 pounder. Still, I think you could use a broomstick and still put a hurting on most of us!


Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:

I am getting one made as well, the problem I have is that I could not find the rod that I wanted the company that made the rod I use now is long gone. My old faithful, I call her Excalibur is on her last limb. I doubt she will make it through this season especially after I get the new and improved version. Her guides are ready to fall off :( I have won more money on this one rod on Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish than all of my other rods combined. With this rod I use only 4# line, people for years have seen Excalibur at work in or around Newport Shores.
I showed Rick Excalibur which was awesome but I thought she could be better. To make a long story short Rick found a blank that was an exact match! It is going to be the Ultimate super light line drop shot rod! I want to call it the "Switch"......... designed for spanking bass and peoples ass!! Switch is going to to be tricked out and I can't wait until she is done. I am super stoked! By the way I don't name any rods except these specialized specific rods, it takes the right rod to pull 4 and 5 pound fish out of boat lifts and from under docks, getting the hook in them, keeping that hook from coming dislodged and subdue them in a timely matter and not to mention not breaking them off. I joke around with alot of guys especially Wolsky, that I can subdue a big smally faster than he on my 4# line than he can with his 6#. I think I could write a book on drop shotting 4# line seriously! I think anyone who has seen Excalibur at work, they would say she is magic! Ask Lambert, Marcantonio, Wolsky, Sessler, and my coanglers during the many draw tourneys at Washington! They all have seen her do her magic....now its time for Switch to make her mark!! LOL

I want to thank Rick for helping me out, I thought I wasn't ever going to find another, I have been looking for 5 years, the cool thing is he pays more attention to details than I and that is scary!

David Watkins said:

The one you built for me last season Rick! :)

Permalink Reply by Marc Marcantonio on March 16, 2010 at 1:19pm

Jake,

First of all I need to qualify my comments. Those who know me know that I use many different pound tests and different lures to dropshot in many different conditions and situations so there are no "standard" rods.

Most people choose their rods for 1) working the soft plastic and 2) for casting. In doing so they focus on trying to feel a bite or feel the bottom. They often mistakingly feel they have to have a fast action for setting the hook.

If you match your hook to your line (i.e. use a #4 Gamakatsu drop shot hook) you will be using a thin diameter hook that is sharp and has a small barb that penetrates with ease. Setting the hook hard with light line is a recipe for disaster anyway.

A shorter rod with a light tip, but slow action (parabolic) can actually be more sensitive since the rod tip is closer to your hand, and because you can keep a lower rod angle while retreiving so it is less susceptible to feeling the wind.

For light line (4-8 lb test) dropshotting techniques your biggest challenge is in landing a big bass. This is where the parabolic action is critical. Both Ron and I insist on this slow action so we don't tear the small hooks out of a big bass, or allow the bass to break the line. A slow action allows you to wear down a bass quicker with less risk of breaking off or tearing out the hook.

Long rods and fast actions defeat this purpose. They may be a pleasure to fish all day long, but they are not a pleasure when it comes to fighting and landing a big bass on light line.

Now, for droppunching or other heavy line and big hook dropshotting methods, then a fast action makes sense.

ciao,
Marc

Jake "The Snake" Anderson said:

Marc,

What is it about a fast action that is not preferred by yourself. Are there any applications where a fast action would be preferable?

-Jake



Marc Marcantonio said:

6' 6" or 6' 8"

medium action (not fast action)

built around 6-lb test using a 1/4 ounce QuickDrop (gives the proper range above and below)

medium power (3-power)

split grip, no foregrip, no cork anywhere

Just like the Certified Pro model that Lamiglas is unveiling this Spring!

ciao,
Marc

Permalink Reply by Jake Anderson on March 16, 2010 at 2:00pm

Great information as always Marc. Thanks

Permalink Reply by Jordan Doucet on January 9, 2014 at 9:56am

Here's another great topic from the past as you look to gear up for 2014. I'd like to hear more from Ron on how "Switch" turned out and the specs he had this built to. I'm in the market for something similar now myself. 

Permalink Reply by Bruce Beatty on January 9, 2014 at 12:03pm

P.J. Koshi said:

I have officially made my go to drop shot rod a 7ft Gloomis WRR8400S Med-Light EX-Fast Action 6-12lb line capacity and 1/4-1/2oz lure. It is in the previous generation of Walleye series rods that Gloomis made and it had all of the characteristics I wanted for how much I wanted to spend. I am pleased with it but I have very little confidence in my drop shot abilities. I do feel more confident since I began using this rod for the technique as it is super sensitive and responsive. I looked at a lot of rods just for this and decided I wanted a 7ft med-light with a full cork handle no split grip and a fast action, and this one fit the bill. I usually fish 6lb line on it but can go up to 10lb for situations involving more cover.

Permalink Reply by Bruce Beatty on January 9, 2014 at 12:06pm

P.J.  The wrr8400s is my favorite dropshot rod as well.  Let me know if you ever want to sell one!  The other G Loomis dropshot rods are also excellent for different situations.

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