Extra Long Dropshot Rod

A specialized forum to discuss anything and everything about your favorite or not so favorite fishing rods.
Drakestar
Platinum Angler
Platinum Angler
Posts: 889
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2020 11:54 am

Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by Drakestar » Sun Oct 11, 2020 12:20 pm

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.

jpmoney
Elite Angler
Elite Angler
Posts: 410
Joined: Tue Jan 14, 2014 11:38 pm

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by jpmoney » 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.

Real
Senior Angler
Senior Angler
Posts: 68
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2016 8:32 pm

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by Real » Mon Oct 12, 2020 4:13 am

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.

User avatar
bronzefly
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 5028
Joined: Wed May 16, 2007 5:21 pm
Location: www.tackletrap.com
Contact:

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by bronzefly » Mon Oct 12, 2020 6:12 am

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.
www.tackletrap.com
facebook.com/tackletrap

smallies
Senior Angler
Senior Angler
Posts: 153
Joined: Fri Jan 10, 2014 1:18 pm

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by smallies » Mon Oct 12, 2020 11:02 am

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

User avatar
BRONZEBACK32
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 2234
Joined: Sun Dec 18, 2011 8:44 pm
Location: Utah

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by BRONZEBACK32 » Mon Oct 12, 2020 4:08 pm

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.

Drakestar
Platinum Angler
Platinum Angler
Posts: 889
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2020 11:54 am

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by Drakestar » Mon Oct 12, 2020 5:02 pm

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...)

reason162
Elite Angler
Elite Angler
Posts: 752
Joined: Mon Mar 23, 2015 6:39 pm

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by reason162 » 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!

Winstondry
Elite Angler
Elite Angler
Posts: 692
Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2006 7:38 pm
Location: San Diego, CA

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by Winstondry » Mon Oct 12, 2020 6:36 pm

I really like my Megabass Flyssa for DS’ing.

Drakestar
Platinum Angler
Platinum Angler
Posts: 889
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2020 11:54 am

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by Drakestar » Tue Oct 13, 2020 7:01 pm

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 :)

User avatar
Teal101
TT Moderator
TT Moderator
Posts: 4884
Joined: Thu Jul 14, 2011 5:59 am
Location: Central Washington
Contact:

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by Teal101 » Tue Oct 13, 2020 8:06 pm

Megabass Destroyer Brigand is another option here, one I've been using this summer for various applications.
I like TD-Z's
Instagram: teal_101_jdm

Phippy
Platinum Angler
Platinum Angler
Posts: 1163
Joined: Fri Jul 04, 2003 9:15 am
Location: MA

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by Phippy » Fri Oct 16, 2020 5:36 am

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.

User avatar
Thunderblack1984
Elite Angler
Elite Angler
Posts: 665
Joined: Fri Oct 11, 2019 6:41 am

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by Thunderblack1984 » Thu Oct 22, 2020 5:33 am

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. :big grin:
Philippians 4:6

Drakestar
Platinum Angler
Platinum Angler
Posts: 889
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2020 11:54 am

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by Drakestar » 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!

User avatar
bronzefly
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 5028
Joined: Wed May 16, 2007 5:21 pm
Location: www.tackletrap.com
Contact:

Re: Extra Long Dropshot Rod

Post by bronzefly » Fri Oct 23, 2020 9:31 am

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!
www.tackletrap.com
facebook.com/tackletrap

Post Reply