One rod for drop-shot & shakey-heads

[DomW]

What rod model/length/action would you choose for a rod to be used for drop-shotting and shakey-heads? I use 8 lb fluorocarbon and use these techniques in waters from 5 to 20 feet deep.

I'm looking real hard at the Shimano Crucial 6'8" medium power, extra fast action with the split-cork handle. The 7'2" also feels great, but I really hate to buy nice rods that won't fit in a 7 foot rod locker.

[Pherris]

Well the easy solution is just buy a boat with bigger rod lockers.

I use the 7'2" and have been very satisfied. It works well for both drop shot and shaky head. I use fluorocarbon line and the sensitivity is awesome. I am sure the 6'8" would be good too. Good luck in your choice. Good Fishing!!

[Deitz Dittrich]

I have both rods you are talking about, and they both work great. Get the 6'8" so it fits in the locker... OR, check your locker... My boat says the max that will fit is a 7' and I can put my 7'6" in it... and the 7'2" dropshot.

[DinkADunk]

The one I'm building I've been talking to a few custom builders and the blank that has been recommended the most is a G. Loomis SB811. G. Loomis builds one of their spinner bait rods (SBR811C) on this blank but it's suppose to be a fantastic blank for shakey head. It has an fast/x-fast action and decent backbone. It's actualy very similar to a Salmon/HotShot blank I used to build a couple of Walleye bottom bouncer, bottom walker, lindy rig rods last year.

Another frequently mentioned blank for Shakey Head is the St Croix 3C68MXF which is used in the St. Croix Avid AC68MXF casting and AS68MXF spinning rods. There is a 3C69MLXF which is a bit lighter and would be good, if you want to go lighter. Of course there is the new G Loomis SHR822 shakey head rod (blank is not available yet) but at $220 sounds like it's out of your price range.

[Sproguy]

Dom, check out the Falcon Cara CS-4-169. It has a nice action for both situations. I mainly drop shot with it but have thrown a ton of small finesse style baits on it and it works great. Just my two cents.

[DomW]

Thanks, fellas. I bought the Shimano Crucial 6'8" today. It feels great with my Symetre on it. I've been doing a lot of drop-shotting & jig-worming for the past few years and I'm pretty confident with the techniques, but I'm pumped to try it with a better-suited rod!

A big thanks to Chris K at Cabela's in Rogers. He worked hard to find me the rod in the back warehouse. It's nice to find someone at the big stores who can talk bass fishing, too.

Now I need to start looking for a 6'6" heavy casting rod for pitching/skipping docks!

[zepman]

You'll absolutely love that set-up. I have both the 6'8" and 7'2" and they are my favorite rods to fish with hands down. Also great for rigging live bait.

[EBass]

Shimano - nuff said

[redrocketangler]

I bought the lamiglass "1 power 6'8" CS 681" last year and its a great rod, if you havet already purchased the shimano.

to late didnt read the whole post