Looking for a new drop shot setup. Looking to spend around $500 MSRP when it's all said and done. Mostly fish for smallmouth around Lake Michigan and using heavy weights really isn't an issue. Been looking at the Gloomis E6X drop shot series and St. Croix LTB drop shot rod. For the reel I've been looking at a stradic ci4 and a diawa ballistic. Open to any ideas.

Love the LTB line myself and that drop shot rod is no slouch.

But for heavier D/S presentations I'd recommend going up one to the TBS610MXF / SHAKY HEAD rod.

It has a little more low end.

Spin on the new Shimano Stradic Ci4+ Spinning Reel and you're good to go.

I like the 3000 size right there.

A-Jay

My drop shot rig is a stradic fk and a red shimano Cumara(drop shot specific rod).  I don't think they make those anymore so I would probably recommends and IMX with the stradic as that is what I use for shakey heads.  IMx comes in several actions.

My favorite drop shot rod is a Phenix UMBX 7'6" M/F. I've owned an NRX drop shot rod, have a SCV St. Croix now, and still prefer the Phenix. It doesn't feel bogged down when you have to go up in weight and the biggest thing to me is it controls the fish. You have the sensitivity of a finesse rig, but don't feel like you're at the mercy of the fish once it's on. I believe you can get the regular or Classic model for under $300.

 

If you will be casting your drop shot most of the time like I do then you want a longer rod to get your bait up off bottom. The 6-8" makes a big difference in the line angle.

 

For a reel get something light that still picks up a decent amount of line. I like Pflueger Patriarchs myself, but it doesn't matter.

I would find the best deal that you can on a Stradic FK either 2500 or 3000 reel (probably the 3000) since you fish bigger water and the rest is your rod budget.  You should have around $350 left to spend on your rod.  There's some amazing choices in the price range.

I use a loomis IMX 820s and Ci4+, love the reel but the rod feels too light. I can't really gauge how big the fish is until I see it. The rod doubles over on anything over 2 pounds. I thought this rod would be good because I usually don't fish deeper than 20 feet and use a 1/4 ounce ds weight. 

742 dobyns champ extreme hp. Just picked one up this year paired it with a ci4 and fell in love. Don't tell my wife but if I had to choose between holding it or her sheld be sol it ways basically nothing and very sensitive I swear ucan feel a water flea sneeze on the bait 

10 hours ago, Mosster47 said:

My favorite drop shot rod is a Phenix UMBX 7'6" M/F.

 

Same here but I use a 7'. Amazing rod.

27 minutes ago, dsqui said:

742 dobyns champ extreme hp. Just picked one up this year paired it with a ci4 and fell in love. Don't tell my wife but if I had to choose between holding it or her sheld be sol it ways basically nothing and very sensitive I swear ucan feel a water flea sneeze on the bait 

 

Hyperbole alert!  :-)

 

19 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Love the LTB line myself and that drop shot rod is no slouch.

But for heavier D/S presentations I'd recommend going up one to the TBS610MXF / SHAKY HEAD rod.

It has a little more low end.

Spin on the new Shimano Stradic Ci4+ Spinning Reel and you're good to go.

I like the 3000 size right there.

A-Jay

 

This.  

On 2/28/2017 at 11:21 PM, A-Jay said:

Love the LTB line myself and that drop shot rod is no slouch.

But for heavier D/S presentations I'd recommend going up one to the TBS610MXF / SHAKY HEAD rod.

It has a little more low end.

Spin on the new Shimano Stradic Ci4+ Spinning Reel and you're good to go.

I like the 3000 size right there.

A-Jay

Is that drop shot rod really whippy? I''m a fan of their split shot rod.

22 hours ago, Fishin' Fool said:

I would find the best deal that you can on a Stradic FK either 2500 or 3000 reel (probably the 3000) since you fish bigger water and the rest is your rod budget.  You should have around $350 left to spend on your rod.  There's some amazing choices in the price range.

 That's what I was thinking. The FK does seem to be a little bit tougher.

I love my stradic ci4 except for that knob on the handle. they just came out with the new models that has a different knob so it might not be an issue anymore. as far as rods, I really haven't found anything that I am truly ecstatic about. I currently have an okuma helios medium light because I wanted to fish more 1/4 oz weights. I definatley wouldn't recommend that for what you want to do. maybe a heavier action would be ok. I like the light weight of the helios and the sensitivity seems to be good. im just not blown away by it.

3 hours ago, tbone1993 said:

Is that drop shot rod really whippy?

 

Not exactly sure what your definition of 'whippy' is but it's a 6'10" stick built on a High modulus-high-strain SC^IV graphite blank with FRS for unparalleled strength and durability.  

It weight's in at a scant 3.8 ounces.

And when considering the MSRP, that works out to a little more than $68.43 an ounce.

Either way, St Croix designates it as ML and I'd agree with that rating.

A-Jay

Wish you mentioned something to me Tom, we just had a Stradic Ci4 (both 1000 and 2500) for $125, before my discount.

On 2/28/2017 at 11:51 PM, tbone1993 said:

Been looking at the Gloomis E6X drop shot series

 

I have this rod in the mag medium for when I am fishing smallies in Lake Erie, and it has been fantastic.  For the reel I am using a Daiwa Fuego in the 2000 size.  Overall I am extremely happy with this setup.

10 hours ago, Robert Riley said:

Wish you mentioned something to me Tom, we just had a Stradic Ci4 (both 1000 and 2500) for $125, before my discount.

Old model?

8 hours ago, tbone1993 said:

Old model?

yuh buddy

Sorry guys. Ended up getting a Quantum Smoke for $100 through work and plan on ordering a rod still. Maybe a dobyns 703 &702.

i have a phenix M1 7'2 M fast paired with a ci4+ 2500 and it handles like a dream. i use it for shakey heads but it is so sensitive i bet it would work great for DEEP drop shots.

I have been fishing an E6x 822 paired with a penn clash 2500...really like the combo.