Reel

I've been dropshotting for a while ( 5 + years) now, both from the bank and in a boat. I use completely different techniques in these two situations, specially in rivers. From the bank I use a long rod (7 1/2 footer) medium action and I have used Spin Shot a while but also use other types of hooks. Spin Shots were not a problem. From the bank, casting far, the rod takes up most of the strike and I don't set the drag so it slips at all. You can loosen it later if need to. As you set, you have to turn the reel handle at the same time. This prevents slack and keeps most fish pinned. Drag should not sing as you wind. That equals line twist. When casting far the Spin Shot hook is NOT horizontal. It swings down and is at the bottom of the line because it turns freely on it's axis. I use a drop shot for walleyes and that is good. Hook is closer to bottom. For me a longer rod meant not loosing fish.

Shimano Zodias 7'2'' Heavy

Yes, short and fat

Shimano Macbeth 63 = 5/8 oz.

I used that spinnerbait also. There was one color ( brown and orange, body and blade ) that was really good on smallmouth. They had a special vibration that is difficult to reproduce. I don't modify spinnerbaits, I make my own because I get what I want.

I fish a really big river but I caught the same largemouth bass ( blind in one eye ) from the same rock three years in a row.

I use Shimano products and I have three that come to mind: The Core 100 MG FV is one of them. Also the Castaic 200 and of course the original Green Curado.

I prefer 30 pounds test Super Slick . Less line cut in.

We have gobies around where I fish. What I want is not more action but less action. The TRD suits my needs.

Try a ''deep'' Ned rig. A quarter once head and a TRD and a lot of patience.

Shimano SLX A series

My longest casting reel is a Shimano Calais DC... similar to the Antares

I use 3 size 31 batteries and went from regular batteries to AGM for my trolling motor 4 years ago. My regular batteries would last 3 to 4 years. I am on my 4th year with the AGM and they are good. I went from flooded cell (regular) to AGM because of ease of maintenance and because of winter storage. The AGM's don't require an inspection for water level. They are in a difficult place to reach and that is a plus. I also store my boat during winter ( 6 mounths ) and I can't charge the AGM batteries and that has not been a problem. They charge up real fast in Spring. The AGM are Duracells.

I'm probably lucky. I have no problem walking a frog sideways or up and down. You can trim the legs unevenly ( one, 1/2 inch shorter than the other ) It helps a bit. I also use a rod that is not as stiff as yours and that makes walking also easier.

In my river, right now they are biting a translucent blue back spybait.

I like the anticipation when you've just reached THE SPOT .

Bring a spare spool of line with you and refill it up. As was said, shallow spool reels offer a harder base ( metal ) for line lay and because of the few rows of braid there is no dig in and you get better distance and control. I like them.

Fish there regularly - Yes, good spots for both largemouth and smallmouth.

I have three other versions of the SLX and they work fine with both types of line. There might be a part missing in the cast control cap . I wish I could help you more. Take it back to where you bought it. They might have a solution.

Here are a few things you can do to correct the problem: Brakes get changed when people look at a reel in the store. Make sure you have (depending) 2 on /2 off or 3 on/ 3 off. In house, slowly pull the braid from the reel in free spool to see if it hesitate because it dug in during the retrieve and you did not see it. This happens when using a frog. Even if it's new, oil the bearings and cast control, also the trace for the brakes with a very light oil. One is right handed the other is left handed: do you use the same casting motion and the same hand to cast ? Even if you have the same number of brakes on, there are two more adjustments to make- the brake dial and the cast control knob. How are they adjusted ?

I fish chatterbait in rivers. Trailer is really important. Use one that is discret and not too much for the chatterbait action. The trailer can make or brake a chatterbait. Sometimes you are better with none than one that is too obstrusive. I like white.

St-Lawrence river

Best is having the choice between catching a lot of 3 pounders ( no numbers here ) in one spot or going to another spot and catching a 6 pounder or more than one ... on the same day and not seeing anybody around.

I fish one of them regularly ( at least every week) and I want to tell you it's goooood !!!

Drop shot - heavy weight