Looking for a little advice...

[Buzzbommer]

Hey all...

I'm sure you have all heard it before. "I was going for the net, when I heard a splash behind me..." And it wasn't the measely fish.

I lost my Okuma California Tournament Series drop shot rod while fishing at DVL during a night tournament. I really liked that rod and was lucky enough to break it in at Clear lake and fish on down to my home waters Castaic and Piru. *it's really not funny, it blows*

In position to go ahead and take the plunk of my hard earned green, I am seeking advice from fellow anglers and friends on what they feel is the best in a spinning drop shot rod. I really was happy with what I had, but advice is really important to me and I value all of your opinions.

Thank you all for your time and responses. I really do appreciate it.

ChrisR

[Sinjin Kim]

What is your budget on the combo?

I personally have all the Lamiglas dropshot rod series (XPS 702 X, XPS 702, & EXS 661) and very happy with all but one of them; the SR 743 (very top heavy and completely out of balance).

As for reel, can't go wrong with a Stradic 1000 (new or old versions).

I use the above set ups for 5 & 6# tests.

For 8# test, I use a Dobyns 702C with a super-tuned (Daiwa Liberto Pixy "Yellow"). When I first opened the Pixy and found a piece of wood as the drag assembly, my mind was blown away. Talk about extremely jerky/weak performance. After some research and thanks to the members of Tackle Tour, I was able to super tune the drag assembly. It now performs flawlessly.

If I had to get another reel, I would get the Shimano Core 50MG7 for the Dobyns 702C.

[andrade417]

Depending on your personal budget...

An oustanding well priced drop shot rod is the Dobyns Champion Series 701SF. Great for 5lb line (So Cal). Pick the quality spinning reel of your choice and your will be fine. I would stick to the 2000 series reels.

If your budget allows you, go for the Dobyns DX 702SF Finesse with a Daiwa Steez 2508. This is by far, once of best drop shot combos I have ever used.

Line - I always use 20lb Daiwa Samurai Braid with a 4lb, 5lb, of 6lb top shot depending on where I am fishing.

On a side note, I always find I need more than one Drop Shot, especially on So Cal lakes. So you can always opt for the less expensive set-up and get two..(Tell the wife they were buy one-get one free. )

If you are near Anaheim, Anglers Marine carry's the Dobyns rods line up.

If not, thehookuptackle.com in Arizona just got in the Dobyns rod line up, the rods are not on their website yet but if you call them up they can help you out. No Tax, Free Shipping. Thats a savings right there.

Shoot me a PM if you have anymore questions.

Roland

[Leon Pugh]

+3 on the Dobyns rods. The new Savy series are unbelievable for the price nothing comes close. If their is no dealer near you, call them at (530) 671-1989. They add a new whole meaning to customer service.

[Kelly Ripa]

Loomis 820s

[TomAtkeson]

I have a Phenix UMBX-S700M with a shimano Stradic CL4 and LOVE that combo. Loaded with 12lb Parallelium Flurohybrid PRO.

[Spookin'Em43]

+3 on the Dobyns rods. The new Savy series are unbelievable for the price nothing comes close. If their is no dealer near you, call them at (530) 671-1989. They add a new whole meaning to customer service.

+1000 on everything this guy just said. The Savvy's are very price friendly and I love my Dobyns spinning rod. You will have no issues or complaints about Gary's rods!

[jwick22]

Dobyns 702DX ....This is the rod you want! Don't skimp on the rod!

as far as reels go:

Best: Daiwa Steez 2508

Very good: Shimano Stradic CI4

2 stores to buy from:

Tacklewarehouse.com

Hookeduptackle.com

Thanks

John

[NoCAL]

I have a Dobyns 702 and I like it but I use it more for splitshots and darter heads. For dropshot, I still have not found one better than my Lamiglas DS Special. I've broke it once (my fault) and replaced it with another one.

NoCAL

[jwick22]

I heard the Lamiglas DS special is a nice rod.....BUT, if you want a great split shot rod keep your eyes peeled for the NEW 792 Dobyns rod

[Hollywood]

Depending on your personal budget...

An oustanding well priced drop shot rod is the Dobyns Champion Series 701SF. Great for 5lb line (So Cal). Pick the quality spinning reel of your choice and your will be fine. I would stick to the 2000 series reels.

If your budget allows you, go for the Dobyns DX 702SF Finesse with a Daiwa Steez 2508. This is by far, once of best drop shot combos I have ever used.

Line - I always use 20lb Daiwa Samurai Braid with a 4lb, 5lb, of 6lb top shot depending on where I am fishing.

On a side note, I always find I need more than one Drop Shot, especially on So Cal lakes. So you can always opt for the less expensive set-up and get two..(Tell the wife they were buy one-get one free. )

If you are near Anaheim, Anglers Marine carry's the Dobyns rods line up.

If not, thehookuptackle.com in Arizona just got in the Dobyns rod line up, the rods are not on their website yet but if you call them up they can help you out. No Tax, Free Shipping. Thats a savings right there.

Shoot me a PM if you have anymore questions.

Roland

The 701 is pretty light, i would go with a 702 or the 703 preferable.

[Brian Linehan]

The Dobyns Rods are so sick! The GLX Loomis are collecting dust in the garage. Gary's rods are insane!

[some guy]

The Dobyns Rods are so sick! The GLX Loomis are collecting dust in the garage. Gary's rods are insane!

wanna sell those GLX's?

[Brian Linehan]

I was just thinking of doing that!

[macinckirk]

I was just thinking of doing that!

time for fnn

[Rod Wynn]

I have a Phenix UMBX-S700M with a shimano Stradic CL4 and LOVE that combo. Loaded with 12lb Parallelium Flurohybrid PRO.

+1 Although I use the 700L with a Shimano Fireblood 1000 loaded with 5lb Sunline FC Sniper

[jazzwannabe]

I'm happy with my Powell 701 and Stradic Ci4, and 6 lb. Seguar AbrazX.

[Mike]

Dobyns DX 702SF Finesse

[TYLUREcustombaits]

Not shocking at all to see Dobyns rods dominate this thread, they are the best in my opinion as well. I told Chris this already and I can say it is confirmed, go with Dobyns Rods. Hate to say I told you so, haha.
Tyler

[ASD]

Dobyns !!!!! I have a 701 702 an a 703 for DS I like the 702 the best

[Roger Saraiba]

Pick the Dobyns rod thatfits your budget, they are all great products. I am sponsored by them and I have a savvy series flippin rod that is great.

[tunaman]

Loomis DSR 822S... great rod for drop shotting, shakey heads, tiny flukes, etc...


Roger

[Guy Williams]

Dobyns 742 DX is my choice. 702 DX for 4# also but like the 742 because of more fish control.
Guy Williams

[buddy brown]

same ole story

dsr820s glx paired w/ a daiwa certate 1500 for 4-5 lb nose hook baits... this setup is automatic

daiwa steez compile-x 68mlfa w/ a certate 1500 for 5-6 lb wacky, d-shot wacky... lil bigger worm.. this rod is versitile and sick when it comes to feel

casting mbr 842 glx w/ a calcutta conquest 51.. for 8lb and bigger 8-10 inch worms, t rig style drop shot, big wacky d-shot

that about sums it up for me.. I'd like to check out the dobyns sometime... happy with these though.. spend your dollars on good finesse gear it pays off in the end.

[Buzzbommer]

WoW... I really appreciate all of your responses...!!! They are informative and that's why I posted up. It seems that the Dobyns line received the top in the 'public opinion poll', but that does not mean I am ruling out all of the other quality rigs you guys/gals suggested. Honestly, price really isn't a problem as it is quality that I'm after. That's why I asked you all. If anybody knows, it's real angler's.

Yeah, my brother 'told me so'... but I still value all of your opinions as well. Thanks again, and I am really weighing all of the info from everyone... Decisions like this aren't easy. Not like my divorce. That was easy... ChrisR

[calfisher71]

Chris,

In my opinion it depends on what you are drop shotting.

I actually have several rods for drop shotting and each has its own place.

In nor cal with the Delta and Clear Lake along with Mc Clure and Oroville to mention a few.

You can be drop shotting a 10" Power worm at clear lake and flip shotting a 7" senko on the Delta.

You can be drop shotting a senko at Oroville and a 3" Zipper worm at Mc Clure.


Rather than give you a blanket anser of Brand "X" I would want to know what type of drop shotting you are doing and where you plan on doing it the most.

Currently many brands are building great drop shot rods!

PS ive been dropshotting the PINK EYE Buzzbomber! lol..

[davet.]

Don't forget a much overlooked option. Contact your local scuba diving club. Just google scuba clubs in your area.
These guys are always glad to get a reason to dive. Most are pretty cheap too.
If I lived any closer, I'd do it for a tank rental ($10) and lunch.

[mark poulson]

Does DVL allow scuba diving, even if it is for gear retrieval? MWD is pretty strict about water contact.

[tunaman]

No body contact allowed on DVL... can't scuba on most of the Southern California reserviors, so not a viable option unfortunately.

Roger

[mark poulson]

At least at Castaic, you can ask the lifeguards if they will do it for you.
Since there's sking allowed, it's a little easier.

[N.A.R]

I wouldn't trade my Evola drop shot rod for anything in this world!

[some guy]

I wouldn't trade my Evola drop shot rod for anything in this world!

a world record bass or a bus full of hot swedish massage therapists?

[TomAtkeson]

I think Phenix rods are amongst the lightest rods I've held.

[cib11b]

I use a BPS Extreme Woo Daves for my D-Shot and love it. Not to mention it cost me less than a hundo.