I posted this on another site but just want to give some helpful feedback to anyone looking for a new (or first) dropshot rod. I recently purchased a Dobyns DX702SF Extreme to upgrade from my first generation cork handle Crucial 6'8" dropshot rod, which is a superb DS stick that Shimano got right the first time. I have caught tons (OK, pounds) of LSC smallies on them but I wanted to find something even better that doesn't cost more than ~$300. I have it paired with a Ci4 2500 and 7lb. Sniper. I've had two outings with the 702 and this rod is nothing short of amazing. I am already considering getting a second one, lol. Went out yesterday and fished St Clair and caught over 20 smallmouth on the DS, with at least half being 17" plus. I've attached a photo of the biggest one, released after a quick picture. 

 

This is my first Dobyns rod. Besides the Crucial, I fish and have fished Falcon Caras and Lowriders, Legend Extreme, GLX and IMX, and Techna AVs. This DX702 has IMO, the perfect action, feel, and build for dropshotting. It has great sensitivity and is light in weight yet the thing that jumped out at me was the "feel" of the rod in hand, especially with a big smallie pegged. The guide sizes, guide spacing, rod length, tip action and power transition through the blank are spot on. No way for me to describe it other than one needs to fish it to know and understand. 

 

The only other rod I considered is the Orochi XX DS rod, which I imagine is also a sweet rod for dropshotting. I would guess the NRX DS rod has more sensitivity in hand and is lighter but, I can buy a Champion Extreme and Ci4 for the cost of one NRX. Besides, I have always thought Loomis could make their factory spinning rods so much better if they used a better guide train, similar to the DX or XX rods. 

 

Bottom line, there will definitely be more Dobyns rods in my arsenal.

 

You should consider possibly a custom if your wanting to drop money on the best! Just a though you know?

You should consider possibly a custom if your wanting to drop money on the best! Just a though you know?

Thanks, I do have a custom 'walleye jigging' rod made with a SJR722 IMX blank and I love it. But in terms of a dropshot-specific rod, it's difficult to know which blank is best for DS without fishing every manufacturer's. Can you recommend which rod blank you think would build the 'best' dropshot rod?

Nice review! I was going through some things the other day and found that I had 6 rods rigged up for a drop shot. Yea, I guess they work and seem to have a place or many in my lineup.

My favorite drop shot rod too, hands down! 

My favorite drop shot rod too, hands down! 

That is one giant of a bass, David. I lived in NorCal in the mid-to-late 80's but never boated one that size!

Another vote for favorite light dropshot rod!

Hell of a rod for fishing a dropshot among other finesse-y things. Good choice.