Does anyone have the rod, used it etc?

I want to get into drop shot this summer. Not a fan of spinning rods. Was thinking of pairing this with a 50 Chronarch.

Any thoughts opinions on it?

Thanks

I've got one.   I used it for a couple of years.  My thinking was similar to yours, in that I wasn't a big fan of spinning tackle and I wanted a way to light line drop shot.  I had mine paired with a Calcutta 50.   My reel, the Calcutta 50 didn't want to work with any line lighter than 8 lb fluorocarbon.  I tried several different brands, but 6 lb test line just didn't work - too many tangles.  I think the rod would handle 6 or even 4 lb test, but my reel wouldn't.

 

Anyway, after a couple of years, I decided light line drop shot fishing was more versatile with a spinning rod and a reel that I could switch spools on, so I could go 4 or 6 or 8 as necessary.

 

Most of my drop shot fishing is bubba style anyway - with 20 lb abrazax and a flipping stick, due to cover considerations, so the Loomis casting drop shot rod is on the bench right now.

I've got one.   I used it for a couple of years.  My thinking was similar to yours, in that I wasn't a big fan of spinning tackle and I wanted a way to light line drop shot.  I had mine paired with a Calcutta 50.   My reel, the Calcutta 50 didn't want to work with any line lighter than 8 lb fluorocarbon.  I tried several different brands, but 6 lb test line just didn't work - too many tangles.  I think the rod would handle 6 or even 4 lb test, but my reel wouldn't.

 

Anyway, after a couple of years, I decided light line drop shot fishing was more versatile with a spinning rod and a reel that I could switch spools on, so I could go 4 or 6 or 8 as necessary.

 

Most of my drop shot fishing is bubba style anyway - with 20 lb abrazax and a flipping stick, due to cover considerations, so the Loomis casting drop shot rod is on the bench right now.

Is the Calcutta to much for light baits?

I only ask as I have a Chronarch and a Curado using 1/4 oz weighted plastics and they seem to work well

It isn't so much the weight that is the issue. That's the easy part. The chronarch/curado 50 has no issues casting smaller DS weights. I wouldn't be using a 200 size reel for casting a DS or vertical DS. It is manageable to put 6-7# fluoro on a 50 size shimano or a diawa sol but can take a little getting used to having such smaller line on a casting reel. Spinning reels are just easier to manage in small # line.

 

As for the rod, I've never used the casting version but I've used(don't own) the 822s nrx. It's a nice rod.

What about using 30 pound braid and a furoro leader. That would put you at 8 pound mono diameter.

That would cast fine on just about any reel. That isn't really what I would personally be using for vertically DS in clear water. If you are casting a DS, then that set up would be fine. I would even go down in braid size. I use either 6/2 or 10/3 832 /w a 7# fluoro leader or straight fluoro for casting a DS with no issues at all. I'd probably just use a 20# braid as it would be a better universal diameter to use a 6-8# fluoro leader. As for the casting rod, I would probably be looking at the (I don't know your budget) 802/852 glx/nrx. The 853 may be "too much" rod but I could be wrong. I use the 854 for heavier jigs. 

I see what you mean now. Sorry I wasn't thinking about vertical fishing was eaiser with a spinning reel m

I am shore bound for another year or so it may work

I have the DSR822C and use it a lot for fishing in 20' or less. Where it particularly excels is dragging dropshot when you're not vertical. The other thing I really like it for is bed fishing. It provides such an easy, shallow entry in comparison to spinning gear.

I have a CH51MG on it using 10 or 12 Tatsu. In some situations I drop down to 7# toray.