The 9 Best Drop Shot Rods of 2020
Photo: Cadence
As the name suggests, a drop shot rod is used for drop shot fishing. This type of fishing provides finesse presentation of lure/bait that fish can’t resist and is ideal for catching the ones in the middle of the water column.
That said, most of the rods used for drop shot fishing are spinning rods and these come in various sizes, power, and action. This means that there is a wide variety of them to choose from.
To help you in the selection process, we have reviewed 10 of the best drop shot rods to consider buying in the market so that you can quickly get down to fishing.
9 Best Drop Shot Rods – Review
|
IMAGE |
PRODUCT |
FEATURES |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Abu Garcia 1430476 (Best Overall) |
|
|
|
2. Berkley CWD701MLC (Most Affordable) |
|
|
|
3. Okuma TCS-S-701M+ (Best for Large Fish) |
|
|
|
4. Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rod (Best from Fenwicks) |
|
|
|
5. St Croix Triumph (Best from St Croix) |
|
|
|
6. St. Croix Mojo Inshore (Best for Saltwater) |
|
|
|
7. Cadence CR5-701S-MLF (Has Sensitive Blank) |
|
|
|
8. Ugly Stik GX2 (2-Piece Dresign) |
|
|
|
9. Dobyns Rods FR 702SF (Has Kevlar Wrapping) |
|
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
|
1. Abu Garcia 1430476 (Best Overall)
|
|
2. Berkley CWD701MLC (Most Affordable)
|
|
3. Okuma TCS-S-701M+ (Best for Large Fish)
|
|
4. Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rod (Best from Fenwicks)
|
|
5. St Croix Triumph (Best from St Croix)
|
|
6. St. Croix Mojo Inshore (Best for Saltwater)
|
|
7. Cadence CR5-701S-MLF (Has Sensitive Blank)
|
|
8. Ugly Stik GX2 (2-Piece Design)
|
|
9. Dobyns Rods FR 702SF (Has Kevlar Wrapping)
|
1. Abu Garcia 1430476 – Best Overall Drop Shot Rod
Photo: Abu Garcia
- Power: M
- Length: 7’
- Test LB: 6-12 lbs.
- Lure Weight: 3/16-5/8 oz.
- Weight: 5.3 oz.
Abu Garcia’s 1430476 takes the top spot because it is a fast action drop shot rod. This means it has a very sensitive tip that lets you move the lure/bait easily. It also allows you to easily feel the fish’s bite.
This is made possible by its 30-ton graphite blank, which is very stiff and passes on movement/vibrations with ease. The blank is also very lightweight and gives a balanced design that is easy to hold.
You also get an armor sublayer that contains high strength fibers for enhanced durability and hoop strength.
Other features include a length of 7’, which is ideal for drop shot fishing, a UP locking ratcheting reel seat that gives a secure, comfortable fit, a high-density EVA handle, a robotically optimized casting system for maximizing the casting distance and durable titanium alloy guides.
The only problem is that the rod is relatively heavy, weighing in at 5.3 oz.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Berkley CWD701MLC – Most Affordable Drop Shot Rod
Photo: Berkley
- Power: ML
- Length: 7’
- Test LB: 6-14 lbs.
- Lure Weight: 1/8-5/8 oz.
- Weight: 4.8 oz.
If you are on a tight budget, Berkley’s CWD701MLC is the best drop shot rod to buy because it is very affordable.
Despite this, the unit has a hybrid design blank that is made using graphite and fiberglass. This makes it very sensitive with medium-light power and fast action for quick transmission of vibrations to the handle. However, it is not as sensitive as the full graphite blank.
SS304 guides are built into the rod and these are 55% lighter than the conventional aluminum oxide eyes. They are also 20 times stronger and factory tested for maximum durability and dependability.
Other features include a comfortable cork handle that is very grippy and a 7’ length. There are multiple options though that include 5’6”, 6’ and 6’6” length sizes with medium and medium-heavy power.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Okuma TCS-S-701M+ – Best Drop Shot Rod for Large Fish
Photo: Okuma
- Power: M
- Length: 7’
- Test LB: 8-15 lbs.
- Lure Weight: 3/8-3/4 oz.
- Weight: 4.6 oz.
Okuma’s TCS-S-701M+ was built to catch the largest fish under thick and heavy cover. It was designed by Scott Martin, who is one of the best professional bass anglers, for concept tournament applications where large fish are winners.
This can be seen in its test lb. rating, which is quite high (8-15 lbs.). This means the unit is capable of pulling out very large fish from the water.
The rod also has an ultra-sensitive blank that is made of 30-ton carbon. This blank is very stiff and passes on vibrations quickly to the handle so that you can feel the fish’s bite. It also allows you to move the bait/lure with finesse, which makes drop shot fishing easier.
Other features include customized C-40X carbon reel seats that can hold casting or spinning reels , hard and durable aluminum oxide guides, and an EVA split grip plus foregrip, which reduces the weight and feel of the rod.
On the downside, this unit is quite expensive.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rod – Best Fenwicks Drop Shot Rod
Photo: Fenwicks
- Power: ML
- Length: 6’, 6.6’, 7’
- Test LB: 4-10 lbs.
- Lure Weight: 1/8-5/8 oz.
- Weight: 4.13 oz.
Fenwicks has been making fishing rods from the early ‘50s and has gained a reputation for making high-quality fishing equipment for over 50 years.
Their Eagle spinning rod model stands out because it has a traditional B2 burled cork handle that is chip-resistant for maximum durability and very comfortable to hold.
It is not split and therefore, you get a full-length cork handle for comfortable holding at the point where the rod feels balanced.
The rod is available in multiple sizes and each one has stainless steel guides with stainless inserts for corrosion-resistant performance, sturdiness, and a lightweight feel.
You also get a sensitive single piece graphite blank with a line rating of 4-10 lbs. However, with its medium-light power, the rod has a moderate fast action that is not as effective as the fast action units at drop shot fishing.
Pros:
Cons:
5. St Croix Triumph – Best St Croix Drop Shot Rod
Photo: St Croix
- Power: ML
- Length: 6’, 6.6’, 7’, 7.6’
- Test LB: 4-10 lbs.
- Lure Weight: 1/8-1/2 oz.
- Weight: 3.4, 4, 4.2, 4.5 oz.
St Croix has carved a niche for itself in the fishing rod market and the company prides itself on making some of the best rods on earth. Looking at the Triumph model, it is easy to see why.
For starters, it has a premium SCII graphite blank that is lightweight, durable and very sensitive. This blank has high strain fibers that are more resistant to breaking under heavy loads.
You also get durable hard aluminum-oxide guides, two flex-coat coats for enhanced durability and a high-quality full-length cork handle that is comfortable to hold and gives a grippy non-slip performance.
More features include multiple power and size options, the option of Fuji ECS or TCS reel seats with frosted silver hoods on casting rods for maximum compatibility and DPS reel seats with frosted silver hoods on spinning rods.
However, the rod is quite costly, especially for its largest size.
Pros:
Cons:
6. St. Croix Mojo Inshore – Best Drop Shot Rod for Saltwater Fishing
Photo: St Croix
- Power: ML
- Length: 7’
- Test LB: 6-14 lbs.
- Lure Weight: 1/8-1/2 oz.
- Weight: 4.5 oz.
St Croix’s Mojo Inshore is specifically built for fishing on saltwater because it has hard aluminum-oxide guides with corrosion-resistant frames. The entire rod is also corrosion resistant and it has 2 coats of flex-coat layers for maximum durability.
Apart from that, the unit has a premium SCII graphite blank that is highly sensitive and lightweight. This blank is also very durable because it has high strain rate fibers, which means it is more resistant to breaking as compared to other drop shot rods.
Other features include a medium-light power with fast action and a Fuji DPS reel seat with a black hood.
On the downside, this rod has a split grip cork handle, which is not as comfortable and grippy to use as compared to the full-length handle. It is also quite expensive.
Pros:
Cons:
7. Cadence CR5-701S-MLF – Sensitive Drop Shot Rod
Photo: Cadence
- Power: ML
- Length: 7’
- Test LB: 6-12 lbs.
- Lure Weight: 1/8-5/8 oz.
Just like Abu Garcia’s 1430476 , Cadence’s CR5-701S-MLF has a 30-ton carbon matric graphite blank that is very stiff and sensitive. This makes it very effective at drop-shot fishing because you can move the bait/lure with finesse and feel the bite easily.
Additionally, you get a carbon veil wrapping on the blank for enhanced durability while a precision-built Fuji reel seat gives high sensitivity and perfect fitting.
Durable SiC guides are built-in and they have stainless steel frames that ensure smooth line movement to avoid sticking.
Other features include a 2-piece design that can be easily dismantled to fit in the trunk of your car, multiple power, size and action options, and a handle that is built using cork and EVA to enhance performance.
However, this handle is split, which means it has a smaller grip surface area for comfortable holding.
Pros:
Cons:
8. Ugly Stik GX2 – 2-Piece Drop Shot Rod
Photo: Ugly Stik
- Power: M
- Length: 7’
- Test LB: 6-15 lbs.
- Lure Weight: 1/8-5/8 oz.
Ugly Stik’s GX2 also has a 2-piece design that can be easily dismantled to fit in your trunk. This makes it very travel friendly.
Aside from that, the rod has a strong yet balanced fiberglass/graphite blank that makes it easy to hold it out when fishing. However, this design is not as sensitive as the full graphite blank construction.
On the bright side, the rod has a strong clear tip design that enhances sensitivity and it can hold up to 15 lbs. in weight, making it ideal for catching large, heavy fish.
Other features include a full-length EVA handle that is easier and more comfortable to use, medium power and a 7’ length that is ideal for drop shot fishing.
More Detailed : UglyStik GX2 Review
Pros:
Cons:
9. Dobyns Rods FR 702SF – Drop Shot Rod with Kevlar Wrapping
Photo: Dobyns Rods
- Power: ML
- Length: 7’
- Test LB: 6-12 lbs.
- Lure Weight: 1/8-1/2 oz.
- Weight: 4.8 oz.
With its Kevlar wrapping, Dobyns Rods’ FR 702SF has a durable design that ensures its sensitive high modulus graphite blank is strong enough to hold up to 12 lbs.
That said, you get a 7’ medium-light spinning rod with fast action, which is ideal for drop shot fishing.
Other features include a precision fitting Fuji reel seat and a lure weight of 1/8-1/2 oz. Also included are a comfortable hi-density Hypalon butt and an AA-grade hi-density cork handle for enhanced grip.
However, this handle is split, with the back-split side being made of EVA. As compared to a full-length handle, this design limits the grip surface area.
Pros:
Cons:
How to Buy the Best Drop Shot Rods
1. Power and Action
A rod’s power is a measure of how much force is required to bend it. This works hand in hand with the rod’s action to determine the unit’s performance.
That said, there are different power options, which include ultra-light, light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy and extra heavy. Extra-heavy rods are the stiffest of them all while ultra-light pieces bend the most.
Hypothetically, you can drop shot using a rod with any of these power options but medium and medium-light rods are considered the best. This is because they have the right mix of balance and flexibility.
On the other hand, action shows where the rod flexes on the blank. It is usually given as extra fast, fast, moderate fast, moderate and slow.
The faster the action rod, the stiffer it is and thus, it bends closer to the tip. Moderate action rods bend halfway while the slow action type bends back to the handle.
Being a finesse fishing technique, drop shotting requires a fast action rod. With a sensitive tip, you will be able to move the lure/bait easily by whipping the rod up and down. You will also be able to easily feel the fish’s bite so that you can hook it then pull it up.
Buying Guide: With all that in mind, Abu Garcia’s 1430476 , Okuma’s TCS-S-701M+ and Cadence’s CR5-701S-MLF stand out from the rest because they have medium/medium-light power with ultra-sensitive, fast action 30-ton graphite blanks.
2. Length
Generally, a 7’ long rod is recommended for drop shot fishing. This will give you enough casting power to master this finesse technique. However, this is not standard as it depends on if you are strong enough to handle such a long rod.
For some, a shorter or longer rod would be ideal. It all comes down to which length you are comfortable handling.
3. Weight
There are several factors to consider about weight. First is the weight of the rod itself and the lighter it is, the easier it will be to handle when fishing for long hours.
The other factor is the test lb., in which 4-10 lb. is recommended. Even though this means it is not ideal for catching large game fish, the line that will be used will be thinner and lighter, resulting in a lightweight rod to carry.
Therefore, Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rod is ideal because it is lightweight and has a light 4-10 lb. rating.
However, if you intend to catch large fish, make sure you go for Okuma’s TCS-S-701M+ because it has an 8-15 test lb. This means it can carry a heavy load.
As for the lure weight, the name says it all. Since the difference between the different rod models is very small, there is no major performance improvement from a small to large lure weight. All are ideal to use.
4. Bait
For finesse fishing, you need a bait/lure that mimics the natural movement of prey in water. They should be buoyant and have a very similar resemblance to worms, small fish and other foods that the fish you are targeting preys on.
5. Hook
If you are using live bait, the hook should suspend it in a horizontal position in the water (right angle to the line). The goal is to make the bait move as naturally as possible to easily attract the fish.
Conclusion
In summary, power and action play a big role in determining the best drop shot rod. That said, we recommend Abu Garcia’s 1430476 as the overall best unit because of its medium power, fast action 30-ton graphite blank. It also has an optimized casting system and an armor sub-layer.
However, if you are interested in catching large, heavy fish, Okuma’s TCS-S-701M+ is your best bet due to its high 8-15 test lb. If you are on a tight budget though, be sure to check out Berkley’s CWD701MLC because it is very affordable.
-
9 Best Drop Shot Rods – Review
- 1. Abu Garcia 1430476 – Best Overall Drop Shot Rod
- 2. Berkley CWD701MLC – Most Affordable Drop Shot Rod
- 3. Okuma TCS-S-701M+ – Best Drop Shot Rod for Large Fish
- 4. Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rod – Best Fenwicks Drop Shot Rod
- 5. St Croix Triumph – Best St Croix Drop Shot Rod
- 6. St. Croix Mojo Inshore – Best Drop Shot Rod for Saltwater Fishing
- 7. Cadence CR5-701S-MLF – Sensitive Drop Shot Rod
- 8. Ugly Stik GX2 – 2-Piece Drop Shot Rod
- 9. Dobyns Rods FR 702SF – Drop Shot Rod with Kevlar Wrapping
- How to Buy the Best Drop Shot Rods
- Conclusion
