I fish light tackle regularly up to 1/4oz and only very rarely 3/8oz. My primary presentations are all lift and drop or shake type presentations: Free Rig and Poop Baits my primary plastic presentations and Dropshot/Flick Shake secondary. I also use small swimbaits up to 1/4oz and up to 3.5" though they seem to throw well on just about anything.

 

Since pretty much Day 1, I've been fishing Shimano Exprides and have gone through the different iterations. Needless to say, my expectations in rods runs high since the Expride is my standard. I think it's tough to beat from the quality/price standpoint and the feel from these is unreal. I'm not kidding when I say I can feel the vegetation squeak as my bait drags over it.

 

I only run 2 rods all year. I generally run between 6'4" and 6'8", as I still love bank fishing. But these will be boat used too. One is generally rigged with Primary the other my Secondary. On occasion I'll have a small Chatterbait Minimax or some light topwater lure rigged on one or the other. But these are primarily for plastic..but versatility is appreciated.

 

Most recently, I stepped up in price vs Expride and have been fishing a Raid Japan Gladiator Anti Spinning Rod. The Defender in 6'3", Light. It fishes beautifully has tons of power and I love it dearly. But I'm not sure it's worth the added expense over the Expride...though it does seem to be more durable. So I've been using that as my Free Rig/Poop Bait rod.

 

I'm looking for a new secondary rod. Of course an Expride ranks very highly for me. Particularly the 7.0" Light. Anyone using this? Comments? 

 

I'm also not opposed to going downrange in price provided the quality is there. And to that end, the Levante Whipsnake has my attention. Comments? 

 

My search has just begun and I'm interested in opinions.

You might look into having a custom rod built.  There are a plethora of super premium blanks to build with.

On 11/13/2024 at 5:50 PM, Alex from GA said:

You might look into having a custom rod built.  There are a plethora of super premium blanks to build with.

I had considered this. But once I priced out similar components to an Expride, the cost was significantly higher.

 

And while I do appreciate the artistry involved and often superior aesthetics, price/performance is more important to me.

Take a look at ALX spinning rods; Zolo Trickster for example. You can call Alex and ask what rod he would recommend based on what you need.

Tom

Just now, WRB said:

Take a look at ALX spinning rods; Zolo Trickster for example. You can call Alex and ask what rod he would recommend based on what you need.

Tom

Thanks!! 

The st. croix 6'10" MLXF spinning rods are what I've been using for drop shots. I started with the last gen mojo then a victory and eventually picked up a used legend xtreme that I really like, but the action on all of them is similar and I personally prefer it over anything else I've tried specifically for a drop shot, which is one of the things I throw the most. I've also tried a few from dobyns and the sierra 692sf comes close...a little different but still might be a good option depending on your hand position. These ones also come with a good warranty on them. If warranty wasn't an issue a shimano zodias or poison adrena are the other ones that I would probably consider...and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't turn away that new 610 poison adrena w/ a new vanford if someone were to offer me one. 

I bought the SC Victory 6’10” MLXF based on stats and BR member hype. Big mistake the rod was a noddle with not enough tip to keep a drop shot bass pinned. Traded the MLXF in for  MXF and satisfied but not welling to recommend it, cost me $35 in lieu of original cost.

Good customer service and really like the handle design….blank is satisfactory.

Tom