Most rods I see listed as drop shot rods seem to be ML, XF action. Is there a real need for the XF action vice Fast action? I have both a MLF rod and a MLXF rod, and want to downsize to just one rod since I seldom dropshot to begin with. The MLF rod is actually a higher quality rod than the MLXF. Will it work just as well or should I keep the MLXF and get rid of the higher quality rod?

Thanks,

Dave

A couple of things. First keep in mind that Fast & XFast are subjective terms and may be very similar especially when crossing brands. Second, there is no strict right or wrong in applications for tackle. Getting a consensus among several opinions is the best you can hope for. IMO, If having one finesse rod fits your budget and needs, stick with the higher quality rod over one with a slightly different action. The higher end rod it probably lighter, more sensitive and has better components. Also, the slightly slower rod tip should load & cast light baits better and it sounds like you do more of that.

You don't HAVE to use a XF. Some guys even prefer a slower, parabolic bend in their drop shot rigs.

I use a St.Croix Avid 6'9" ML XF for dropshot and like it a lot, but don't think the XF is all it's cracked up to be. I've broken several rods with XF taper on admittedly too hard of hooksets right at the curve point. I think it just puts too much pressure on one spot on the blank. I've since went to more of a wrist flick with the XF and no problems. I used to use a 6'6" ML F St.Croix Legend Elite for dropshots and that rod was the bomb for that purpose. No problems with using either a F or XF or dropshot. I use F St.Croix's for all of my other spinning applications, and have never broken one. I will say I definitely prefer a Fast Action to an XFast action for fighting a big fish though

Your issue with breaking tips has zero to do with taper, and everything to do with improper drag settings.

Your issue with breaking tips has zero to do with taper, and everything to do with improper drag settings.

Exactly.

Yup I see very few rod breaks that were not at some level user error.

It was a combination of things. I've learned since - haven't broken a rod in past 3 years. While not necessarily the cause either, but two of the rods were broken on hooksets on approximately 12-15 lb. catfish. I was able to land both of them and they were 31", and 32" respectively. Hooking that large of a fish with a tight drag and XF rod with a vicious hookset is a cause for disaster.

If you don't drop shot fish that much, keep the rod that you like for the other methods that you fish most often.

I've used rods from medium to ultra lites for drop shotting and caught fish with all. I think that the baits and line are more important.

What kind of neighborhood do you drop shot in? The lakes I usually fish in are pretty gnarly - woody & brushy and using standard drop shot stuff, i.e. spinning gear & light line, is just asking for a break off. Anyway, the vast majority of my drop shot fishing is done with a flipping stick and 20 lb Abrazx line.

I've found that you can drop shot in nearly any conditions, but you've got to gear up for it.

What kind of neighborhood do you drop shot in?

Lake Erie.

Lake Erie.

What's Kid Rock say? "It aint cocky if you back it up" lol Nice fish

Thanks for all the responses, everybody! Think I'll keep the better rod!

I dropshot with a St Croix Avid 7' MF and love it. You dont need a hard hookset at all... just pressure and reel... I also use a Powell 702 MLEF and Love it also...

What kind of neighborhood do you drop shot in? The lakes I usually fish in are pretty gnarly - woody & brushy and using standard drop shot stuff, i.e. spinning gear & light line, is just asking for a break off. Anyway, the vast majority of my drop shot fishing is done with a flipping stick and 20 lb Abrazx line.

I've found that you can drop shot in nearly any conditions, but you've got to gear up for it.

Now that's awesome! That's right, DS is not exclusive or limited to only finesse situations. Step in line size, rod power, bait size, one, two, or all three.

To the subject, I also noticed that trend in DS specific rods. Mine is a Lamiglas that has a mod fast action and I love it. It seems that since them Lamiglas has followed suit to and now makes them Med light, XF. Go figure.

I have used a medium action spinning rod by Berkley and it works perfect.

Steez SPX

Google up Aaron Marten's drop shot videos. He discusses the two different rods he uses for drop shotting. One has a very soft tip and he discusses when, why and how he uses that rod compared to a more typical rod.