Rod for senkos, jigworms, and drop-shot

[Mons]

So I want a new rod for finesse fishing... preferably a Shimano Crucial. While I know what rod I want I'm having trouble picking a model. Should I get one of their drop-shot specific rods like the 7'2" M XF or just get a basic 7' M F? What would be best for all of those finesse fishing techniques?

[mww24]

last year I bought a 6'8" medium xtra fast baitcasting rod.I put a citica 200e on it. That thing has become my senko/dropshot/topwater/shakyhead and a few other presentations. I have been a 7 foot plus guy for a while except for a spinnerbait rod i use to cast around docks.But the 6'8" has just been in my hands a lot. its versatile and the xtra fast tip makes it great for the little flick of the wrist sidearm cast. I'm most accurate with it and it loads into a stiff backbone quick. Its caught some high 20" low 30" pike on it and handled them fine. Like you say you know what brand you like so thats not important but I do love the action.

[chuckwagon]

May i ask what line choice you would use on that set up?

[mww24]

if your asking me. I have it spooled with 30 pound braid. And depending on the water I'll tie on a 10 pound fluorocarbon leader.

[Mons]

I prefer to go a little lighter and have it spooled with 12 pound braid and a 8 pound flourocarbon leader.

[Bigguyone]

spinning I presume?

[mww24]

i use a baitcaster. any reel will work spinning or baitcasting. I just prefer baitcaster for everything. I'm weird like that. I lindy rig and jig walleye with baitcasters.

[Bigguyone]

With him saying 12# test I am assuming spinning. I am starting to use spinning for more than I use to with light texas rigging even a little now on my MH rods.

[mww24]

i figured the same thing bigguy. i just never got into spinning reels.

[bASS_BLASTER]

I would never use any braid less than 30#. It cuts into itself, no abrasion resistant, no stretch so it breaks off to easily--Just my preference and .02. I have 2 rods, both 7'1" med ex-fast with 8lb # fluorofor dropshot and the senko is 30# PP. I use a 6'3", 6# for shakeyhead.

[chuckwagon]

how long do you guys make your leaders when using the floro to braid set up?

[Mons]

Yes I have the 12 pound braid on a spinning rod. I don't think I have ever broke off braid on a spinning rod on a hook set or while fighting fish. It is true that braid doesn't have the best abrasion resistance but the flourocarbon leader solves that.

Chuckwagon, I prefer 4 or 5 foot leaders but I know guys who like them as long as 10 feet.