I am pretty new to finesse fishing but, not to fishing in general. My Dad and I fish tournaments a lot and, I just can't throw those great search baits and craw baits. I just ordered a custom ML St.Croix Drop Shot rod. Now I need a nice reel with a really smooth drag and, durable. I am going to be putting braid on the reel so I would like the braid ready spool. Thanks in advance tight lines

What's your price range?

Probably about 60-125

I really like the Pflueger Supreme in that price range, might want to check one out.

Pflueger President....................

Skip coffee for a day and consider the Saros 1000 ..

Skip coffee for a day and consider the Saros 1000 ..

X2

Pflueger President....................

I'm loving my president I got for Xmas!

I use a Soron SXT.  I like it but I don't think they make it anymore.  The braid-ready spool is a gimmick.  All you need in some mono on the spool or some electrician's tape. Just something so the braid does not slip. 

I'm loving my president I got for Xmas!

+3 on the President !

I'd say either a President as others have said or a Revo S

Tyler, you need a good reel that can handle light line for drop shotting.

 

Do you know that the pros use seven-pound Super FCSniper line?  Yep, seven pound Sunline Sniper fluorocarbon line.

 

Some pros go down to six-pounds and in Japan it is not unusual to have their top pros use two-pound test for drop shotting.

 

Since drop shotting causes line twist you may want to avoid spinning rigs although a spinning set up is excellent for drop shotting. if you do use a spinning rig be prepared to fight line twist. To do this bring another two or three spinning reels with you or prespooled spinning reel spools so you can change out reels when the line goes bonkers on you.

 

Find any name brand baitcaster that can handle the light line along with a rod that is rated for light line test.  Be sure to balance the rod's line test parameters with the reel's line test limits.

 

Of course, you can always go up to eight-pound test for your rod and reel, but the lighter the line the better the bait's movement in the water.

 

I like the six pound fluorocarbon test line on a spinning rig with a medium or medium heavy fast action tip rod.  I like to have my finger on the line coming off the spinning reel at all times the drop shot is in the water.

 

And remember, all you do to set the drop shot hook is lift up your rod.  No need to set the hook hard over your head. That little hook will nail them right and left.

 

Good luck and watch the BassResource videos on drop shotting. They have some wonderful information in all of their videos and the best thing about their productions is that they do not have a hidden agenda trying to sell you any specific brands or products.

Probably about 60-125

Pflueger President and be done with it.

And remember, Tyler, when you drop shot you drop the line straight down from the boat or pitch it towards your target.

 

Casting the drop shot far from you can work and I do that but 90% of the time I am dropping the drop shot straight down into any structure I can find, especially wood.

Daiwa 1300SS....large spool...light reel...will hold up for years.  Oh...great drag if don't back reel too.  Great for braid.

Its ousidde your range but for the money the shimano stradic Ci4+ is the best spinning real ive ever run. well worth the money IMHO.

Thanks guy I will use use guys tips I just got word my rod is going to be build out of a scIII blank and totally custom. I'm very excited to fish it.

Shimano Symetre is my personal choice.  I like the 3000 or 2500 size.