As the title states - what do you like & suggest as a spinning drop shot specific rod for under $100 ?

(* I hand picked a Shimano Sellus (Shakyhead) technique specific spinning rod that has exceeded expectations - anyone tried the drop shot specific Sellus ?)

I have not tried the rod your asking about, but as to your first question, I have been very pleased and happy with my current drop shot rod. It's the 6'9" ML Abu Vendetta. I have used it for 2 full seasons now, and would replace it in a heartbeat with another if anything happened to it. It also makes a nice "flick shake" rod too. It's just a tad too soft for shaky heads IMHO, I use something else for that.

The 6' 9" ML Vendetta does make a pretty good shakyhead rod as does the 7' 3" ML Ethos from Academy. The Ethos is what I'm currently using for dropshotting. I own both rods and bought both of them for under $40. 

The 6' 9" ML Veritas is pretty good.  Not my favorite dropshot rod as I'm a little spoiled in having a custom built on a St. Croix 6'10" ML SCV blank but I have one for the girlfriend who loves it.

I'm liking my st.Croix Mojo drop shot rod but its a little over your price range, its 110$ I believe...

My current favorite drop shot even though it isn't on the market at the moment it is the cork handled Crucial.  It is a Medium Light XF.  If you searched you may be able to get one for under 100.  I bought mine used 2 years ago for 100.  I do own a Crankbait version of the Sellus line, very impressed with it and has the action I'm looking for.  The Sellus hasn't let me down, unfortunately I can't comment on the DS version..but I think for the price of a Sellus (50 bucks and under) it is a decent rod should work. 

Chris, read what the guys say; copy and past their suggestions onto a Word document; print the Word document; and then wait for the tackle sales at the end of this month and in February.

 

You can use what the guys suggest to upgrade for the same amount of money you want to spend.

I have a 6' 8'' shimano compre medium fast-action rod I use for drop shotting (the worm and jig model and is $99). Absolutely love the rod. I also like a medium for the semi frequent huge drum or catfish and even big bass, just enough power to have control of big fish and light enough to be effective in drop shotting.

Have you thought about having a custom rod made for you?? 

Have you thought about having a custom rod made for you??

I think that would be a little over his $100 limit.

I have a croix eyecon 7 mlf for drop shotting

Lol a walleye rod lol. Works great

Thanks for the replies so far - it appears that 6'8" to 6'10" ML range is going to be in the ball park . As for action , I'm thinking more in the fast (vs. extra fast ) camp but that depends on the rod . This rod will most likely only see  6lb. to 8lb. FC line and as I stated before , I already have a good shakyhead set up so don't need a drop shot rod to pull double duty .

7'1" L ***. Unmatched at $100.

My Dropshot Rod is a St croix ml xfast 6'8 or 6'10 rage. Absolutely love the rod super sensitive I would look up the mojo bass Dropshot rod. St Croix is generally pretty good with the actions of their technique specific lines. Some people may disagree with me. As Sam said wait for a decent sale and look at the suggestions here. Awesome deals do happen. I found a ST Croix LTB brand new with warrenty for 120 bucks. You just have to keep watch and find the right deal on the right Rod for you.

Tight lines

Andrew

7'1" L ***. Unmatched at $100.

I bought this rod last Spring and dropshotted with it on St Clair for smallies (<15 ft deep). Phenomenal rod for DS at that price and wanted to keep it a secret, lol. Hook up with some 10 lb. braid and 6 lb. fluoro leader and have a ball.

Cabela's has a combo deal for a Pflueger President and Tourney Trail rod for like $59 on sale. I got the 7' ML/F and it's been fine. Cabela's also has a dropshot specific Tournament ZX rod that goes on sale for $69 and I think it's 7'1" M/XF.

Personally, I don't understand how you have such a difference in rod styles. Some do a light rod or one with a slower action and others are more medium power and extra fast actions. I let my weight sit on button constantly and impart just enough movement to make the bait dance. So I like the lighter powers.

Sounds like your happy with the equipment you have, why change anything if your happy?

I like two different rod lines for drop shots.

 

1) Mojo bass either the DS specific rod which is I think 6'8" ML/XF or the tube rod which is 7'M/F (fishing in weeds this is my favorite)

2) Shimano Compre I like the longer 7'2" rod, but the shorter one is good too... these have the best reel seat, and has a great blank.

 

Mitch

My situation calls for more of a horizontal : " Cast out ,<15ft. water depth , slowly drag or short hops and use rod tip to subtly twich the bait without lifting the weight (1/8thoz - 3/16th oz) off of the bottom . After reading replies it appears a soft tip / XF is more the norm , my only concern is whether I can control a 7' or 7'1" drop shot rod without it feeling unweildy or imparting too much action to the bait ? ... Seems like the 6'8" ~ 6'10" range is easier to control ?

7'1" L ***. Unmatched at $100

X2 I bought the M and I love it for dropshot and I use it for a lot of other applications as well, super sensitive and very light on the arm.