at first I hated it.  it flexes much more.  I paired it with a new Vanford 2500.  it was odd casting it.  I wasn't getting the distance I expected.  but I determined it is the (probably) 20lb braid that is loaded on the reel.  with more effort it got it out there.  I drop shot fished like a fool way too long before I figured out, that was only going to hang up in the weeds and nothing was biting on it.

 

I switched it over to a Ned Rig and it was like a light switch turned on.  I got into them.  I rushed to my rookie friend and tied one to his rod as well, and set him on the fish.  he was stoked, and had a blast.

 

I only have a Phenix Maxim rod to compare it to.  its heavier than the phenix.  the Dobyns handle is sweet and comfy.  the rod shines when a bass latches on.  it is a Med Fast.  but it is a slower fast, if that makes any sense.  it pins the bass nicely, and no matter how it shakes the more compliant rod just flexes.   bass were performing air-show acrobatics.  I felt the bottom contours, but I did lose some sensitivity.  it was dulled but not to the point I didn't recognize a bass strike.  one thing that surprised me.  the bait hook is on the reel side of the rod.  on the Maxim it is on the opposite side.  the opposite side makes much more sense.

 

not sure how I feel about the rod.  ill put some more miles on it.  the reel is nice   very crispy.  a very crispy reel.  everything snaps into action on that thing.  and it sounds better when fighting a fish.  my Daiwa Procyon AL is no slouch, compared to it.

Bank fishing drop shots?  I thought that was nearly vertical presentation for fish on sonar.  Have I been missing out?

If you have a good clear bottom, no reason not to bottom-bounce a Ned rig at distance.  

Just the mudballs bottom bouncing creates can produce fish.  

I've seen 5-lb bass on clear flagstone slamming their head sideways into the mudballs trying to eat a bottom-bounced fly. 

When I filmed an episode of KT Diaries with Kevin Townsend (True Texas Bass), they got it on film.  

In Feb, we bottom-bounced 45 redfish in a tide pass.  

 

The only concern would be hanging up in lumber or rock shelves.  

I’m not bank fishing.  Band I send out my drop shot anyways.  Mostly blind casting 
 

 

3 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

Bank fishing drop shots?  I thought that was nearly vertical presentation for fish on sonar.  Have I been missing out?

Oh yea.  A DS is one of the best ways I have found to present a moving plastic just off the

bottom w/o getting gunked up in soft, mucky bottom ponds.  I cast and crank until I hit something, then slow down see what’s up. 

3 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

Bank fishing drop shots?  I thought that was nearly vertical presentation for fish on sonar.  Have I been missing out?

If you have access to deep water from the bank, a drop shot works great! The thing is, I usually don't

17 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

Bank fishing drop shots?  I thought that was nearly vertical presentation for fish on sonar.  Have I been missing out?

I don’t know. I’ve only been fishing the drop shot from the bank for about 16 years now. I think it works, lol. 
Some here will say it’s only for vertical fishing. Good for them. I don’t disagree with them, but it won’t stop me from using it. Drop shot can and does work from the shore but other factors such as cover type can affect its effectiveness. Over my fishing life time, the DS has been my most productive method for catching bass and other species. Bar none, and I’ve fished from the shore all that time. ‘Nuff said, lol. So yes, you’ve been missing out?