WSOzzie

Thanks, as always. Love both my Shimano stradics, and even though the Bait Monkey is fickle beast, it will be hard to part with them. Lots to think about. ??

Thanks for the input. Unfortunately, the older I get, the less fine motor skills. I may be having a fire sale, then reload with a couple salt worthy spinning rods/reels. Any suggestions welcome. Thanks again.

Will be relocating to SW Florida and am looking forward to inshore fishing. I’m curious how saltwater safe my gear is. I have primarily Dobyns rods (Champ, Champ EX) and Shimano reels (Ci+4, FK and Curado DC). Thanks, as always, for the knowledge.

Although I drop shot with this line combo on my spinning gear, I run the exact same on a DC 702C for small 1/4 oz jig heads. I choose the flouro because of water clarity.

If you’re a Shimano guy, the Zodias line is very sensitive. I would go with the 7’3” md light. Your casting distance will improve w/out giving up the sensitivity. I believe that you could throw guppy heads w/small keitech this spring and transition to a ‘cast and drag shot’ into summer. The Nasci (2500) is a solid reel. Nothing fancy, but for just under $100, you can sink the majority of budget into the rod and be a happy spinner. Just my 2 pennies.

20lb Suffix 832 main with 8lb Sunline Assassin leader. ?

Just my 2 pennies. 2500 Ci4+ w/ my DCE 742. Light and balanced... best finessse combo I’ve owned.

I’ve used mine the past couple years throwing 1/4 oz jig head with a 4” keitech. Very happy with balance using an SLX.

FWIW, I have the Champion Ext 742 for my drop shot, Kietech finesse and Neko rigs. Exceptional balance, but on a 2500 Ci4.

Still rolling. Just ordered 712 for Ned.

Absolutely love my 742 for those applications. A little extra distance with the length as well.

Truly believe any ‘Name’ brand ML between 6’-7’ @$100 will serve your purpose (+ other finesse applications). Keep your eyes open for upgrades; I was able to secure a 6’8” ML Zodias from the BR Flea Market for a very good price and made that my designated NR rig.

I’ve had good success with a Daiwa Cronos 7M paired with a Tat 6:3. I’ve used straight mono (12lb)for the past three years. Total should be under $250 now, but I couldn’t be happier with that combo for my spring jerkbait season. ?

15 lb braid (832) with 8 lb flouro (Super Sniper) leader. ?

Late to the party. Apologies. My thought would be to go longer to increase your casting distance (from bank or boat). I do more dragging than dropping...lol. I actually called Dobyns for input on a drop shot/ neko rig combo. I use a shorter (6’8”) Zodias for ned. They recommended a CE 742 which I’ve paired with a ci4 2500 spooled with braid/flouro leader. I have been very happy. Good luck.?

Fuego LT paired with Dobyns Colt series.

Comparable to 2500 size?

Use a 6’8” med/fast Zodias spinning paired with a Smoke3 (25 size) spooled with 8lb Yo-Zuri. ?

At my age, I would just prefer as uncomplicated casts as possible. ?

Pulled trigger on Curado DC, and while I wait patiently (said no one ever) for arrival, I am curious for input on a jig rod pairing. My current jig rod is a Mossyback brc 803 - ?? Would appreciate thoughts on NRX, Legend Elite, etc. Full disclosure, I’m a 2x satisfied customer of Mike at DVT, and have reached out to him as well. The more analysis, the more paralysis, but wth, I used to golf! Thanks, as always, for the knowledge. Tom

+1.... After reading several past posts, I’ve successfully used mono (12 lb) for a topwater/jerkbait rod setup the last couple years.

+1 on the Zodias 6’8” M. I’ve paired it with a Smoke S3 and YoZuri 6lb for both Ned rigs and Senkos. Like you, I’ve wanted to shake it up a bit with a finesse baitcasting set up. I have a Dobyns Champion 702 ready to go this spring. Thought I’d try shakey heads and senkos.

+1

.....and being the IN guy mentioned ?, I can confirm the tracking info for an end of week delivery. FWIW, last month I sent a rod from IN to DVT for repair using our local USPS, and tag was also under $20 w/ ins. Seems that’s the route to go.

My friends, too! I’m just too darn old to erase muscle memory! lol. You know, to be serious, I did not take a lesson when I had the chance. Tried to be a YouTube learner. Then, on the float boat, I had a very patient and experienced fisherman help me out. I’d try again, but I would want a ‘plan b’ ready to go.