Which of these 2 rods would be better? (Depth of 20' or less-1/4 oz. or less)
Same brand rods.
1 (6'10 M Extra fast 5-12 lb. 1/16-3/8 oz.)
2 (7' M Fast 6-14 lb. 1/8-3/4 oz.)
Which of these 2 rods would be better? (Depth of 20' or less-1/4 oz. or less)
Same brand rods.
1 (6'10 M Extra fast 5-12 lb. 1/16-3/8 oz.)
2 (7' M Fast 6-14 lb. 1/8-3/4 oz.)
Last edited by basfish; 08-31-2018 at 02:47 PM.
Always Think Like A Fish.....No Matter How Weird it Is!!
For me, second. First one could be too light, plus I like a longer rod. Only advantage of the first over the second to me is the extra fast rating, and even then it's tough to make a comparison unless they're from the same rod manufacturer. Even then, comparing across lines within a brand can be risky.
But if you're really always fishing 1/4 or less and don't like a longer rod, maybe the first. The lower end of the weight rating wouldn't worry me on the second as even fishing with a lighter-than-1/8 oz weight, the weight of your bait will add to the total weight of the lure. It seems that a shorter rod is better for dropping on them, while a longer rod is better for casting them. I also like a longer rod for controlling a hooked fish on light line. Even a couple extra inches in length can add a significant amount of control.
FWIW, my drop shot rod is rated 1/8-1/2, has an extra fast action, and is 7'3"
2011 Skeeter ZX225
225 Yamaha HPDI Series 2
Minn Kota Ultrex 112 52"
Console: HDS 16 Carbon
Bow: HDS 12 Carbon, Solix 12 G2, Mega 360
Other than the slightly lighter max lure weight, Rod 1 has the same "specs" as the dropshot rod every other one tries to be - the NRX 822S DSR
2013 Ranger Z520c, 2013 Yamaha 250 SHO
2018 Ranger RT198p, 2013 Mercury 150 Optimax
First one for sure. The ratings of the second one at 3/4 oz max is more in line with a normal MH rod. Example Loomis MBR 843 maxes out at 3/4 and is a MH.
Telling us what brand and model the rods are would help tremendously.
Always Think Like A Fish.....No Matter How Weird it Is!!
The way I see it is ..... the first one is a drop shot rod ....... the second one is a shaky head rod
Dobyns champion 702 is a great drop shot rod. Just throwing that out there.
Megabass Addermine.....
First one all day long. Dropshot is the only technique where I think XF really shines. Casting distance on 2" longer or shorter is minimal. There's a reason the majority of DS rods are XF and 6'9" or 6'10". Just better for that technique day in day out. There are times when a longer rod might have some advantage but I can't think of a DS scenario where F is better than XF.
One of the best DS blanks that I know of is the old Shikari P7000. To hold one you might think that it was a more moderate blank but when you really flex it and feel it the tip was "hinged" is the best way to describe it. Basically an XF tip on a Moderate Fast 3/4. That tip loads up in a way that you can tell but the fish can't.
Of those 2, the 6' 10" is probably the best bet. I really like a mod/fast rod for dropshot though. My current favorite is 6'10" Medium Mod/fast. A really light hook and a moderate/fast rod is a match made in smallmouth heaven. I use to use a faster rod, but lost too many fish. Moving to something more parabolic has increased my landing percentage. I don't fish around much cover at all, so once it's hooked I just play them out with some light drag. If I were fishing for largies in cover, it may be a different story. Like Sly and the Family Stone say, different strokes for different folks.
Thanks guys....I went with the 6'10 M Extra fast 5-12 lb. 1/16-3/8 oz. and am happy with it.
Always Think Like A Fish.....No Matter How Weird it Is!!