Is there a general consensus out there on the best overall length for a dropshot? I assume that both the "shorter" and "longer" dropshot rods have their own special applications, but what length does everyone prefer when it comes to a dropshot rod?

I ask because I am looking at picking up a Shimano Crucial DS rod here in the near future, and it seems like all I can find online is a 6'8" model and a 7'2". I'm not sure of the pros and cons of each length, therefore I'm not sure what rod I should purchase.

Any recommendations?

I use a 6'10".  The longer rod will cast further, pick up more line and provide more cushion to play the fish.

6'8 - 6'10 I use the St. Croix Legend Xtreme 6'9 ML Xfast 

6'10 is perfect for my taste.

I have the Crucial M and ML power dropshot rods, both in 6'8".  They are equally sensitive so I prefer the M power rod.  I don't see much advantage to a 7' rod for dropshoting since you aren't making long casts and the shorter 6'8" rods balance better with a 25 size reel.  The XF tip sections of both rods are very soft action, which is perfect for dropshots.  If you have 5 lb or bigger bass in your environment, the M power Crucial will handle them best.  I've really enjoyed using mine for several years and the action/taper of the Crucial dropshot rods is custom made for this presentation.

I have a fenwick 6'9" medium-Xfast tip. I cant imagine that a couple inches would make that big of a difference.

I've been using a 6'8" M/XF but I'll be using a 6'9" ML/XF this year.

It really depends on if you are casting the drop shot rig or simply just releasing line and fishing vertically over fish marked on your graph. Some will prefer a longer rod for more casting distance and such while actually casting these rigs while others prefer a shorter rod for vertically fishing.

I don't think I would be making too long of casts, but I definitely wouldn't be vertical jigging by any means.

I don't think I would be making too long of casts, but I definitely wouldn't be vertical jigging by any means.

I would get which ever legnth and model of rod you like the best of find the best deal on. I fish a few 6'9 rods and a few 7'2 rods and a 7 footer. All work well for me though I am not vertically fishing all that often.

And i have fished the 6'8 new crucial series dropshot rod that a friend has. I fished it side by side to my 7'2 gen 1 cumara. I prefer the 7'2 rod over it. The crucial is a fine rod line and given the warranty and price it is a solid buy. The 6'9 ML fenwick elite tech smallmouth series rod is another fine option for a little less cash. I would say very comparable performance to the crucial line IMO.

I like the longer ones personally. I've always heard the shorter ones were made for fishing under the transducer for suspended fish.

I have what I consider my "ultralight" dropshot setup which is a 5'6" light bps tourney special with a symetre 750fl. I also have one of the new IMX rods back home which is the xfast mag medium. 6'10" with a revo premier 20.

Hey I'm in the same boat i got the 6' 8" one but I'm thinking of returning it for the longer one but it confuses the crap out of me because on the bass pro website it says the 7' 2" one is a med Lt but the model number matching to the shimano website says its a Medium power i got a memo sent to the bass pro but I'm running out of time on returning it for the longer one, honestly I like the longer one because the rest of my rods are either 7' or 7' 2" 

AC,

 

I noticed that your favorite lake is Erie/St.Clair. Coming from the St. Lawrence/Lake Ontario area I will say that the longer rods 7'2" - 7'6" handle the big water-big fish better than the shorter rods. The longer rods sweep more line and will protect the light line more effectively. Furthermore a longer rod will serve as a bigger "tensioning spring" like a steelhead noodle rod to ensure that a jumping smallie never creates enough slack to escape. I also find that the longer rods provide better control boatside when the lake is dishing out the nasty 6' rollers. Lastly if you fish the Niagara at all, big rods are favorable in the heavier current.

 

Tackle Junkies would suggest that your dilemma is easy, buy both! But if you're one of the responsible ones amongst us my first rod for your area would be at least 7'2".  

AC,

 

I noticed that your favorite lake is Erie/St.Clair. Coming from the St. Lawrence/Lake Ontario area I will say that the longer rods 7'2" - 7'6" handle the big water-big fish better than the shorter rods. The longer rods sweep more line and will protect the light line more effectively. Furthermore a longer rod will serve as a bigger "tensioning spring" like a steelhead noodle rod to ensure that a jumping smallie never creates enough slack to escape. I also find that the longer rods provide better control boatside when the lake is dishing out the nasty 6' rollers. Lastly if you fish the Niagara at all, big rods are favorable in the heavier current.

 

Tackle Junkies would suggest that your dilemma is easy, buy both! But if you're one of the responsible ones amongst us my first rod for your area would be at least 7'2".

Thank you for your reply.

I've decided on the 7'2, now just have to find the time to go pick it up!