So I'm looking at picking up a good quality spinning rod for use with drop shots, but I would like to be able to use it for shaky heads and wacky rigs as well. I'm not big on spinning gear, but I do realize that it is a vital part of any bass angler's aresenal. I've been using an old Spro SP501 for drop shotting, but it's pretty darn moderate for my liking. Budget is around $150. Any suggestions?

 

Thanks all!

'My not a hardcore drop shotter, but I do mine on 6'8" MLXF Avid X and it has served me well.  Still, it doesn't have the power I would like for the other techniques.  I'd suggest a Med Fast 6'9-7' rod and at that price point, virtually every good manufacturer has something nice to offer.  I tend to be a pretty big St Croix fan and lots of folks on here have enjoyed the current generation of Mojo rods.  Still, Daiwa, Abu, Dobyns and Fenwick have some great sticks around that price point. 

The rod I would grab is a Dobyns Sierra series SA 693SF.  It calls for lures rated between 3/16 and 5/8. It suggests the following 

PRIMARY TECHNIQUES: Jigs / Senkos / Shaky Heads / Texas Rigs

SECONDARY TECHNIQUES: Heavy Drop Shot / Wacky Rigged Worms

Dobyns run a bit lighter than other manufacturers so I think it will be perfect for your use.  Match it with the right reel and it will be a pleasure to fish.  It runs $160  They are really comfortable in my hands.

I will not comment on brand to buy; you can find a plethora of opinions there. But you need a 6 1/2' - 7' rod with a medium light power rating, in my opinion. Also, I would never think about unrigging my ds rod to switch it to another technique. My ds rod is in the boat for that purpose and that purpose only. JMO!

St Croix Premier 6'6" ML/Fast action or if you are on a tight budget a Shimano Sellus rod. They have technique specific rods in that line and I have the drop shot version. I highly recommend it.

With your price point, I'd check out the St. Croix Mojo Bass 6'10" ML/XF or the 6'8" M/XF for the techniques you're looking at. If you primarily dropshot with it, I'd go with the ML as it's best suited for that technique. 

exactly what WIGuide said.

 

The ML will be great for DS but it doesnt have the best tip for setting a heavier hook.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for all the responses guys. This place really is an awesome wealth of knowledge. The thing is that I have plenty of casting rods. At least one to cover each technique (and then some). But I would like a spinning rod that is a bit more versatile. Would a M/F spinning rod overpower a drop shot hook beyond effective use? Drop shot is a very versatile technique in itself, so getting a rod that's made specifically for it may be the best option.

46 minutes ago, Nor-Cal Basser said:

Thanks for all the responses guys. This place really is an awesome wealth of knowledge. The thing is that I have plenty of casting rods. At least one to cover each technique (and then some). But I would like a spinning rod that is a bit more versatile. Would a M/F spinning rod overpower a drop shot hook beyond effective use? Drop shot is a very versatile technique in itself, so getting a rod that's made specifically for it may be the best option.

 

I can't speak on a m/f being too much, but I can share my experiences with a dropshot rod. I have the 610mlxf St Croix Legend Tournament Bass spinning rod, which is literally the dropshot rod in the series.

It's obviously great for dropshot, despite my limited experience, but it's also super versatile. I fish tubes with it A LOT, wacky rigs, small topwaters, finesse jigs, small worms and other Texas rigs and any other finesse tactics. I've even fished Kalin's grubs in a pinch despite the XF tip.

It's easily my best and favorite rod BECAUSE of its versatility. 

I currently use a fenwick hmg 6'9" ML F. It has a soft tip with a medium backbone. Very comfortable and has worked well for me. They run about $100. Also versatile for other presentations as well but probably not shakey head. 

 

I am considering upgrading to a drop shot specific rod myself and narrowed it down to the fenwick elite tech 6'10 ml xf, or st Croix mojo 6'10" ml xf. 

 

Just not sure about the xf tip as I use braid to fluorocarbon leader. 

 

 

Phenix M1 7'2" (MXS72M) - dropshot, wacky, shaky head, c-rig, t-rig, small crankbaits, I've caught the most fish with this rod more than all my other rods combined.  If I could only have one rod, this would be it.