skeletor6

Hey Diggy, (love the name) Anyways, It seems to me that you kind of already know what the problem is. You have a ton of 7 foot MH rods! Why not get yourself something in a different length and/or power so you can use it for different purposes? I think that you should get the 7'6'' MH rod. To me that rod would be able to fish frogs and jigs just fine. I feel like the 7'6'' veritas actually fishes more like a heavy and many of those longer rods can be broomsticks if you get them too stout. The veritas' seem to fish a little above their rating imho. I like the idea of adding a little variety to your situation. The 6'9'' rod would be good for fishing topwater and jerkbaits, but it sounds to me that you would be more intrigued with the 7'6'' model. The only 7'11'' rod that I feel does a good job is the Cumara. Very unique rod that one, but in your case the 7'6'' would be a good frog/jig rod. Just my thoughts on the situation.

If I could get very sensitive 2-piece rods I would be all over them. Problem is, it just does not work out that way. Sure there are some that will be more sensitive than others, but I am able to travel 7'5'' rods in a 2-door car. The benefits of having a one-piece rod, far outweigh storage capacity capabilities of a two-piece rod. Some suggestions have been given, but I doubt they would even be close to sensitivity as just a simple take your pick $100 1-piece rod that there are many debates on in the forum. I am a sensitivity freak, I love that side of fishing gear and is why I drop so much money on some of my rods. The truth is, having vibrations and feel being transferred down the length of the blank gets decreased when there is a division among the blank. Even if it gets reconnected. That said, some situations absolutely call for having a two-piece rod. In such a situation, I do not feel having a very-sensitive rod is something you will get. In any case, I am a huge fan of fluorocarbon, but if you are looking for sensitivity in a two-piece rod you are probably best going with braid and really watching your line on the surface. Braid on a tight line can make up for blank dampening that occurs. Just wanted to give my opinion on the matter, you may not have the same sensitivity standards that I do personally. I just wouldn't like to see you put down $100 bucks and be dissatisfied. Great read!

So your the reason why I can't obtain any new gear? d**n Seriously though, usually fishing gear getting too hot is an issue. Such as any polymer melting or warping, but usually the cold is a form of a preservative. Still, the change in temperature can have effects on the change of composition of certain materials. Its too easy to store all of my plastics in a controlled environment. I would imagine you could package the reels pretty tight as well. Keep in mind, most fishing gear is made to use in variable climates. They should be able to handle such temperatures. Soft plastics though I would be worried. Probably more because of paranoia, not worth the risk imho.

That's where my $40 would go

I second the notion of a 2 powered rod with a fast action. My NRX 822 SYR I would call a fast action, although somewhat unique in its tip strength. Hard to go wrong with the AVS68MXF. The rod sets the benchmark for versatility, its action is softer than a cusx68m, can be had very reasonably as well and can handle almost all of your spinning applications well. Do you already have a spinning rod? Complimentary rods are always nice to fish a wide range, if your looking for an ideal technique specific rod you will get closer with more rods. There's usually a spectrum I feel with my spinning applications going from the softest (dropshotting) to the firmest (light jig, t-rig work). Shakeyheads falll somewhere in the middle of that range imho.

X2 Great rod in its price range. Haven't seen the fenwick dropshot, but the smallmouth series mentioned is a very light and sensitive rod. Not to mention can be had for $100

You really should be looking at the two new Stradics. If a lightweight reel balances better than get the ci4 if weight is not an issue than go with the fj. That post is spot on!

Not quite sure how the powell diesel would be more sensitive than the endurance?'

I'll 2nd the BPQ at $80 on sale. Your price range was $50-$80 aluminium framed reels can be had for that kind of price range.

Can't disagree with that. I have the same rod and for $40 does everything I could want it to for moving baits.

Great description! I was not limiting the rod to an 1/8oz. I have just heard that the rod is killer for 1/8oz weights. That action would indeed be great for a dropshot. That rod I heard is just really good for 1/8oz dropshots. The whole action thing gets confusing, because when a dropshot specific rod calls itself extra fast, it is meaning something completely different then a standard spinning rod. Extra fast dropshot cumara rods are very soft. Whereas the cusx68m would be stiff.

The carbonlites are nice, I think if you like the reel seat you should give the veritas a hard look. Especially the micro guide version. 30 million modulus blank and the fact that it fishes a little stouter will allow you to fish heavier spinnerbaits well. Just my input, a lot of rods in your price range...inspect the rods on the rack well, make sure they were handled okay in the store

How about an H20 mettle? Sure its not a shimano, but its hard to beat that for its price when its on sale. I prefer centrifugal breaking over the magnets and I've used mine and it has no problem casting crankbaits at all. Great warranty on the reel too, if you mess up and break something its free replacement and you can actually get some pretty good distance on it too. And if you decide you don't like casting gear you won't be out that much $ Seriously though if your using crankbaits its so much nicer to use a baitcaster than spinning gear. Unless your tossing really light cranks. You said your set on the reel but if your looking to stay cheap get a shimano sellus or berkley lightning rod. Dont be discouraged if at first you aren't great, there's a learning curve.

That's where I snagged the cusdx72m! Definitely can find some deals. Be careful with non-transferrable warranties though. That happened with me and a NRX. I know better now. Also, the flea market here and other places I don't know it I am allowed to mention. Great resources, I like buying used rods, helps me step up to the next tier of rods. The jump from the $100 to $200 rods is huge same with the $200 to $300....gotta love it. Problem is once you get to that next tier its tough going back down. I think also a lot of people like the St. Croix Legend MLXF rods for dropshots too. But I would post a thread about the exact model you are looking at and the year it was made because some years they balance better than others. I listed the 7'6'' version but theres shorter one's that many like as well. Actually many custom rods are built off those blanks.

Learned it from the best! You may correct me on this but the regular cumara spinning rod ML/F is an excellent 1/8oz rod. That with a 1000 sized reel is a deadly combo if you can go that light. Also want to add that shimano has probably the best vertical line management system and is probably the best choice for a drop shot reel. It can be had in lower priced models too. Search dropshot reels and member hooligan has a great explanation about the system and its advantages. I think even $80 models have it don't quote me though lol.

The DX702SF and DX742SF are very nice spinning rods that perform well for dropshotting. The 742 is definitely more powerful than the 702. I agree with the quoted post above me. There is no NEED for a dropshot rod. The 'need' all depends on you. If you have a couple spinning rods and are looking for one that is going to be rigged for dropshot 90% of the time I think you should really consider some of the suggestions that have been given. If this is going to be your only spinning rod, I would not recommend you get a technique specific dropshot rod. The soft tips on them are just not great for some techniques.Your first need to be covered would be to get an all around spinning rod. There are many that fit that category. If you want some recommendations in that area just let us know and we will be able to help you out. Aaron Martens has a great video that you can check out on the subject. One of the big things to take out of the video is that you often want to "shake the worm not the weight". The guy is pro at dropshotting and notice the tip of that rod and how it loads up on the fish. He's using a custom Megabass Rod that has the power of a Medium Light, with a very soft tip. (props to kickerfish on the vid!) Notice the tiny fish that he catches and how the rod loads up on it. You really fight the fish with the midsection of the rod not the tip when fishing nose hooked drop shot baits. Having too stiff of a tip can easily rip the small, thin wired hook from the fishes mouth. All you really need to do is sweep and let the hook pin itself on the fish. I personally found the technique to be pretty vital for what I am trying to do here in my northern waters. Thus, I wanted a rod that would be a "specialist" in dropshotting, while fishing other techniques second. From a member I highly trust on this forum, I was recommended the CUSDX72M for this purpose. The cumara dropshot rods are about as good as it gets in their price range for dropshotting. The pictures posted earlier by "Shane J" I believe were of the CUSDX68M, a great option if you prefer such a length. Buckey12, you are looking at the same type of conditions that I often fish in. The fish are not overly large, and the water is clear. 1/8oz and 3/16oz are going to be your best bet and the cylindrical style tungsten are my favorite. If you have not gotten the VMC Spinshot Hooks, you need to do so ASAP because they are money for dropshotting. Furthermore, it sounds to me like you fit in the category for needing technique specific dropshot rod. This is my assumption and can only be determined by you. If it were me, looking for nose-hooked dropshots in the 1/8-1/4oz range here are the rods I would personally choose. Over $400 = NRX 822DSR (If you get this, expect only to dropshot with it.....that being said be prepared to be amazed by its capabilities) I would definitely get the blue version, I do not like the clear coat on the green models. Your choice though. Definitely the most sensitive in its class. Option 2: Megabass Orochi F3-610X4S Aaron Martens Limited ....its $399 this rod will likely be less sensitive than the loomis, but is the newer version than the rod that is in the youtube video I posted. Speaking with someone who specializes and sells these rods, it fishes EXACTLY the same as the prior discontinued DGS model that is used in the video. The only difference is the handle. This rod fishes like a ML and is versatile enough to toss some shakeys too. Around $300 = The DX702SF, or DX742SF may be a good choice. I would rate the 702 as a 1.5 power rod, which fits many of the suggestions about going light by other members. This will be a very versatile rod and dobyns extremes are known for their balance. Take a good look at the St. Croix Legend Elite 7'6'' MLXF (LES76MLXF) .....very sensitive stick, if you like longer rods it does a good job Around $200 = CUSDX72M (my personal fave), the CUSDX68M, and a rod not yet discussed here, but a great rod nonetheless...... is the Phenix Ultra MBX rods. The 700 and 706 in the power of your choice...I heard sensitivity in these rods are very high. The $100-$200 range = Really look at the Older Model Shimano Crucial Dropshots....if you could find yourself the full grip I mentioned earlier...you would be sitting nicely. Also, many others pointed out a lot of rods in this range For ~$100 = I would look nowhere else, but the Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth in ML/F or MXF. You can get it on Amazon brand new 2-day shipping and you will have a super light and sensitive rod for what its worth. Note: There are many other great options that are already posted on here. Some I duplicated. The deal "Kickerfish" threw up there on tacklecenter ends today. Last chance on the cumara dropshot! Nonetheless, people are clearing these out, at some point they may get really cheap like the cumaras on TW. I cannot say forsure. Also, note that the prices I posted are pretty much around retail....you can get them cheaper at the right times of year and/or buying used. Check the warranty programs and decide if its worth it to buy used if you do.

In the $100 price range I would look at the elite tech smallmouth. Either the ML/F or the MXF, these rods perform well above their price point and will shock you at how light and sensitive they are. In the $200 range, its hard to beat a Shimano Cumara Dropshot Rod. I have the 7'2'' MXF (cusdx72m) on the way. I've also heard really good things about the older full grip Shimano Crucial Dropshot rods. Specifically the 7'2'' MHXF version. I heard the Dobyns Extreme 702sf dropshots well too while being able to handle other techniques. It is softer in power than the 742 spinning version, if you are looking to go that route. The type of rod it takes to dropshot is much different from any other rod. The tips are very soft and forgiving. They are not great for setting any type of heavy wire hook, the idea is for the fish not to feel the resistance and sensitivity is very important as most dropshot strikes are very subtle, often you may only feel weight. That is why it is so tough to find good dropshot rods that can double up for other techniques. Very few rods can dropshot reallly well while actually being able to work other techniques. The NRX 822DSR is a good example of a GREAT dropshot rod that probably won't work well for any other techniques

Straight FC. Get premium fluoro it will cover everything for your jig and worm needs. Throw a weightless worm with braid it will float and belly on the surface on the fall and you will not feel anything until the line is tight. Premium fluoro does not have any knot issues, tie the right knot and make it neat and you can throw it into ANY cover. I've straightened gammy EWG hooks with fluoro. Even heavily weedy areas fluorocarbon will perform well in. Braid does not perform well in windy, rocky, brush piles,rip rap, throwing it around docks,if the water is clear, etc. Fluorocarbon handles all of those situations just fine. I only don't like fluoro for floating purposes which is not a jig n worm situation. I would consider that pretty versatile. Don't buy cheap though....if your looking to not spend as much, yo-zuri would be my #2 suggestion

Or you could go with fluorocarbon, kvd line and lure does work and helps with line manageability there are many threads on it and the best methods of application. Mono and braid absorb water readily with braid being the worst imho. There will still always be surface freezing on the line, guides and whatever other surfaces water touches.

I don't like line that readily absorbs water or moisture when the temps are freezing the water will freeze inside/on your line and cause issues. Anyone who has ever had this happen, its not fun to deal with.

That's a possibility, maybe also consider a used bsr852 glx. Its a phenomenal rod that will offer more power for driving in those t-rigged hooks. Many prefer the action of this rod over the NRX and the sensitivity would be fantastic. You might want to get your hands on one to see if the tip is what you want. Its a great spinning rod whatever way you look at it

That's even farther ends of the spectrum. A t-rigged plastic you are really trying to drive the hook home...on a DS you have a small hook with a soft tipped rod where you implement a softer sweep set hookset. You might have to look for an all around rod if your going to both extremes. By medium duty DS what type of hooks and baits do you consider medium? Your definitely going to need something stiffer tipped than a traditional DS rod. Stiffer tipped also does not correlate to loss of sensitivity. I think a 6'8" MXF avid would do the trick.

Yes everyone nailed it right on the head I love the imx 844 for all my heavier t-rigs and jigs, even spinnerbaits....that St. Croix is an awesome rod for what you mentioned, once you set the hook you'll lock right into the backbone and drag those pigs out of cover. Good length for frogging too.

If you can find the older full cork grip shimano crucial dropshot rods I prefer those models over the newer one's. Another alternative to think of that's great is the older cumara (not the new release) crsdx72m ....I'm currently looking for this rod. It should do both well. Very sensitive rod as well. Many people also recommend the dx702sf, but I doubt you will find one under $200 The problem is the type of tip it takes to dropshot well isn't ideal for shakeyheads. Vice versa, the rods I listed should be somewhat solve the issue. My 822syr has an action that is great for shakeys but soft enough for dropshot. I almost feel I need to spinning rods to accomplish both techniques well. Some others may chime in with some other opinions, but the issue your having is something I'm struggling with and the cumara crsdx72m might be the ticket.

For my worms....i choose Roboworm products....simply amazing For my creatures, craws, etc I chose Strike King Rage products