Thoughts on Shimano Crucial Drop Shot rod?

[Kylersk]

I just picked it up..

It's a 7'2" Medium, extra fast action. I also bought a Shimano Sahara 2500 reel. All this was based on what the salesman directed me, at least within my range.

The rod is extremely light but the reel makes it feel pretty tip heavy?

This is my main, and most expensive, walleye rod. Primarily for lindy rigging and maybe jigging here and there

What are your thoughts on this setup? Is it a good overall rod? Or is it more specialized?

[PerchJerker]

Most important thing is how it feels to you - if it feels good, feels right at home in your hand - then it's the one you want.

[Kylersk]

That's all good and stuff.. But I dont know what to feel for! After reading some info on balancing rods, I realized that I was probably holding the rod wrong. If I hold it with thre fingers in front of the rod, and one behind it feels much better.

Guess I'll have to try it out on the water.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Kyler- you and I now have the exact same rod for lindy rigs.. I have a shimano stradic as a reel, but the rod is the same.. I love it.

[zepman]

Dietz,

I also have the exact same set-up as you and couldn't be happier with it. Out of 30 or so rod and reel combos I own this is my favorite by far.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Great to hear Zep, got to love that soft tip and the backbone!!!

[Hotspotter]

Kyler:

Deitz talked me into it......now I'll have the same rod as both of you guys. I've picked up Deitz's and I really like the thing. Looking forward to using it!

Joel

[Kylersk]

Dietz, Not sure how to describe it.. but with the reel on, and my finger in the carved out 'finger slot', the rod will lean tip down, towards ground at about a 45 degree angle. Is this normal? I have no clue how rods are supposed to be balanced.

[Norco]

I picked a Crucial 7'6 for my lindy rod and absolutly love it (took the advice from board members here). I prefer it over the St. Croix I Avid I have used and is a reasonable price compared to a high end G. Loomis.

Like other members have mentioned it all what feels right for you, test them out as best as you can in the shop or use a buddies and make your choice.

Cheers!!

[Deitz Dittrich]

Not sure what you mean kyler.. the rod is lighter because of the the section where the cork is gone, which may make the tip feel a tad heavier. Yet the overall weight of the rod is lighter. I have never noticed this while out fishing however.

[Ufatz]

Kyler,you may be over-analyzing the situation. When you hear the term "balanced outfit" it refers to making certain the reel and line weight are proper for the rod i.e. you don't want 50lb. line on a light tip rod, because the rod will break before the line does. Same with having too heavy a reel on a light line rod. Put some line on your new reel-check the specs and capacities. Use the rod. Quit worrying about whether it will lay level in your hand. Catch more fish. Analyze less. HA!

[Kylersk]

Thanks.. I was just going by what some said after holding on to the rod/reel combo. He liked the rod, but thought the reel and rod combo felt 'heavy' to him. Thus my questioning here.

I'll shut up now and try to catch some fish with it.

[Hotspotter]

Kyler:

I understand what you're saying from gripping these Crucial's myself; you mean that the combo, when placed on a single finger near the front of the reel-seat, leans towards the ground instead of being perfectly horizontal. At least that's what I'm taking it to mean?

Esp. with a 7'0" rod or greater, I guess I've always attributed this to length. Like Ufatz mentioned, the two are still well-balanced components, when paired.

Joel

[Kylersk]

Well, I got to use the rod this past week. First night out, while on vacation, I trolled a lindy rig for a bit. I really expected to feel a huge difference between that rod and my cheap Gander rods, but I didnt. Then, I got a snag.. But I was able to pull up a small branch. Once I got it to the surface, I reached over to grab it and my rod broke, followed by the line. After our vacation ended, I brought it back to Gander and they gave me my money back, no questions asked (I had reciept).

I've never broke a rod, at least while fishing anyways...

I guess I'll stick to the cheaper rods for now....