Deeper Water Drop Shot Rod Sub $200

[KoukiMonster]

I was thinking of picking up two spinning rods for deeper water drop shotting for smallies. Roughly 30 to 50fow with 1/2oz weight, maybe a bit bigger. I was hoping to spend $200 or less per rod.

Two of the Daiwa Tatula Elites looked interesting:

TTEL731MXS

Dropshot / Shakey Head / Underspin

Randy Howell

7'3"

Medium

Extra-Fast

1

Split Grip EVA

6-14 (8-20 Braid)

3/16-1/2

TTEL761MLFS

Hair Jig / Neko

Chris Johnston

7'6"

Medium-Light/Medium

Fast

1

Split Grip Cork

5-12 (8-20 Braid)

3/16-1/2

Any other suggestions?

[Mr.Bass]

You will not be happy with the 7'6" model as it will not handle the 1/2 or larger drop shot very well. It will load up way too much.

The medium will not give you enough give in the tip to reel up on the fish when you drop on them.

I can't think of a rod under $200 that can cover what you are looking for

[Meleagris1]

Dobyns has a Kaden series with a 712 and a 713 spinning which are 7’1” 2 and 3 power rods with good sensitivity and balance - I’d pick the 713 for deeper DS. They also have a fury line below that with similar models.

[blzngmarine]

If you could get it on sale (americanlegacyfishing.com) at 20% off I'd nab a dobyns champion 733sf. Made on the old extreme blank (one level up from regular champ)