Looking to purchase a new dropshot rod and have been eyeing the Phenix M1 series closely. Trying to decide between the 7'2" M or L rod. I usually use 3/16 and 1/4 oz weights with a nose hooked plastic, but will sometimes jump up to 3/8 on windy days. Would like to hear some opinions from people who have or currently own the rod. Thanks

i have the 7'8'' M/XF M1 , very nice rod , i use it for drop shot , weightless plastics , wacky rigs , and spybaits . the rod is custom wrapped with micro guides .

I have not had a chance to use the M1 series but I used a 7'6" medium Recon 2 last year and I can not think of a technique that rod would not excel at. It was probably the most versatile spinning rod I have ever fished, I was very impressed with it and will likely add one to the arsenal this year.

 

Also as a general rule I use the lightest rod I can get away with at any given time.

I have a M1 (MX-S72M) and have probably caught more fish on that rod than all my other rods combined, and for finesse I fish a dropshot 95% of the time.  Great dropshot rod that works for other finesse presentations, and small crankbaits as well.  I'll even chunk small topwaters on it.

21 minutes ago, blckshirt98 said:

I have a M1 (MX-S72M) and have probably caught more fish on that rod than all my other rods combined, and for finesse I fish a dropshot 95% of the time.  Great dropshot rod that works for other finesse presentations, and small crankbaits as well.  I'll even chunk small topwaters on it.

Thanks for the input from everyone. What weight do you normally use for dropshotting? I normally fish open water 20 - 40 ft so I won't be needing too much power in a rod, was leaning toward the 7'2" light rod.

16 minutes ago, NYBasser said:

Thanks for the input from everyone. What weight do you normally use for dropshotting? I normally fish open water 20 - 40 ft so I won't be needing too much power in a rod, was leaning toward the 7'2" light rod.

 

I'm a shore guy so I use the rod as a multi-tasker, but for a dropshot I'll use a 1/8oz in dead calm, 3/16oz if there's a bit of wind or current.  Those rare days when the it's really picking up I'll go heavier as needed, but 1/8 or 3/16 is usually all I need (6, 8, or 10 lb fluoro leader btw).

19 minutes ago, NYBasser said:

Thanks for the input from everyone. What weight do you normally use for dropshotting? I normally fish open water 20 - 40 ft so I won't be needing too much power in a rod, was leaning toward the 7'2" light rod.

 

The M1 rods are a little more parabolic than the Recon line as far as comparing actions and speeds. 

 

If you are vertical drop shotting it doesn't matter what you use. If you are casting a rod that isn't labored at all up to at least 1/4oz is ideal. Most bites you won't even feel so an instant notice in the weight of your line will make things much easier. If it's already loading up and labored from your normal setup there is a lag when more pressure is added.

6 hours ago, Mosster47 said:

 

The M1 rods are a little more parabolic than the Recon line as far as comparing actions and speeds. 

 

If you are vertical drop shotting it doesn't matter what you use. If you are casting a rod that isn't labored at all up to at least 1/4oz is ideal. Most bites you won't even feel so an instant notice in the weight of your line will make things much easier. If it's already loading up and labored from your normal setup there is a lag when more pressure is added.

 

I had always read the Recon had the slower action. I guess this means I might need to fish and M1 and find out!!