TackleTour

Exploring a high-end extra long drop shot rod that I can use for bomber casts from shore to reach some winter fish. (I targeted those fish last year and had good luck, trying to make my life a bit easier this year and stay in the strike zone longer.) Will throw 1/4 to 3/8oz weights and fish up to 75 feet deep. Looking at the market, the only two options I’m aware of are the NRX 902 JWR and the Conquest 902 SJR.

Am I missing any other options? Any opinions on both of the listed rods? The NRX maxes out at 3/8oz while the Conquest is specced up to 1/2oz and slightly heavier line, which makes it more attractive in my mind for what I’m planning to do. Both have a fast taper. The NRX costs and arm and a leg while the Conquest costs an arm, a leg and an additional ear...

I’ve read quite a lot of of sensitivity comparisons and I think I’m not worried about the Conquest even if it is a hair worse for reading bottom (especially if the bite detection itself is as good or better) but if you have good/strong opinions, I’m happy to hear them. I have the NRX 822 DSR and love it, btw, so that’s one of my reference points.

Any thoughts on the Xtasy 752? I have a 754 I like, but based on that i’m worried that the 752 will be too light for the task, and not as sensitive as the Loomis offerings.

Drakestar wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 11, 2020 12:20 pm

Am I missing any other options?

If you don’t mind EVA grips the Daiwa Steez AGS 761MML spinning rod is an incredible alternative to the above mentioned rods and would excel for deep/long range DS applications. This particular rod is a stand out among the AGS spinning lineup and among the best of the best from other brands as well.

For sensitivity, the two rods chosen are the best. On the plus side also, they are great distance rods. The get even more sensitivity, use tungsten drop shot weights. And don't be afraid to go to 1/2 oz. That's what I use with my drop shot rod. The weight is on the bottom most of the time so no great impact on rod rating.

jpmoney wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 11, 2020 10:03 pm

Drakestar wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 11, 2020 12:20 pm

Am I missing any other options?

If you don’t mind EVA grips the Daiwa Steez AGS 761MML spinning rod is an incredible alternative to the above mentioned rods and would excel for deep/long range DS applications. This particular rod is a stand out among the AGS spinning lineup and among the best of the best from other brands as well.

This rod is amazing indeed and ideal for this application. I've owned the other two mentioned and this would still be my pick by a long shot.

The Steez 761MML is what you want, no doubt.

I've been using the NRX 901s and its been absolutely amazing at drop shot, I originally purchased it
for ned rigs and hair jigs, it quickly became my go to for all three plus long bombing 1/4oz dark sleeper.

Its my favorite spinning rod.

Also take a look at the Megabass Flyssa, its also incredible and probably more in the line of 902 power range.

Thanks everybody! Keep the suggestions coming, very much appreciated

Currently trending towards the Steez, but it sounds like I can't go wrong with any of these rods. (And I'd forgotten that the Flyssa is a 7'6"! Big Destroyer fan here, hmm...)

Drakestar wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 12, 2020 5:02 pm

Currently trending towards the Steez

There's nothing more to think about - that 76MML is THE rod for exactly what you want to do!

I really like my Megabass Flyssa for DS’ing.

reason162 wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 12, 2020 6:29 pm

Drakestar wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 12, 2020 5:02 pm

Currently trending towards the Steez

There's nothing more to think about - that 76MML is THE rod for exactly what you want to do!

Yep, I’ll indeed get this one. Just waiting to hear back from Gary on some order details

Megabass Destroyer Brigand is another option here, one I've been using this summer for various applications.

I have the Xtasy 721s and 752s can compare them to my Conquest 902s. The Xtasys are a true fast action taper either one can handle 3/8. I actually prefer both over my CQ 902 as the handle on it is tad long for my liking but I can see why they designed it that way the rod would be very tip heavy without it. I been targeting smallmouth 55-70ft mostly vertical but using my 752 chucking 1/4oz swimbaits for those active suspended ones with great hookup success. The 721 is my vertical DS setup but also great with a mopping or Damiki setup 3/8oz VMC moon eye jig paired with SK baby Z. Whats real nice on the Xtasy is Gary uses full size Torzite guides casting distance is awesome, my CQ doesn't compare in that department.

Go after a 7'-6" Daiwa if you need the length. Steez AGS or if you want a really nice stick on a budget the tatula cork model is one of my favorites. The AGS will knock your socks off.

I received my 761 AGS from TTT a couple days ago. Haven't been able to take it out yet because of work deadlines, but hopefully soon!

Drakestar wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 22, 2020 7:00 am

I received my 761 AGS from TTT a couple days ago. Haven't been able to take it out yet because of work deadlines, but hopefully soon!

Excellent, thank you! Please let us know what you think once you have some time on the water with it, enjoy!