If you’re wondering what drop shot fishing is, want to try it, or you’re ready to buy the best drop shot rod then you’re in the right place. Our FAQs give you all the information you need on what drop shooting is, some techniques, and the required equipment. Combined with the Buyer’s Guide, you’ll get a good understanding of what you need to look for if you plan on buying a drop shot rod. Length, action and power are all important considerations and our reviews of the ten best drop shotting rods include details of these features along with weight and construction material. You can jump straight into the reviews or scroll down if you have any questions.

Popular Choice

Tatula Elite Signature DAIWA

★★★★★

DAIWA Tatula Elite Signature 7'1

Top PickMost Popular

Walleye Fishing Rod G.LOOMIS

★★★★★

1 piece G. LOOMIS Walleye Fishing Rod Best for both saltwater and freshwater

Best Value

Custom Lite LEW'S

★★★★★

Lightweight LEW'S Custom Lite Speed Stick Spinning Rod best for drop shot

ALL THE DROP SHOT RODS THAT WE TESTED

G. LOOMIS Walleye Fishing Rod

OUR TOP PICK

1 piece G. LOOMIS Walleye Fishing Rod Best for both saltwater and freshwater

General Impression

The G. Loomis drop shot rods are packed with techy details, and such is the Walleye fishing rod – fashioned out of carbon fiber with cutting-edge technology, this particular model will perform well in both saltwater and freshwater environments.
As for the drop shot rod blank, a multi-taper technology is used, one that includes low resin with a high strain-rate carbon fiber, known to offer lightness of feel without overlooking power.
The full cork handle vouches for a solid grip, letting any angler make the best out of the trip without worrying the rod will slip off. Featuring Fuji aluminum oxides guides, this particular model will ensure minimal friction when using a braided line.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 piece
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Carbon
LENGTH: 7′
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Light
ROD WEIGHT: N/A

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Well-balanced
  • Life-long warranty included
  • Made in the USA
  • Powerful

CONS

  • A bit on the pricier side

LEW'S Custom Lite Spinning Rod

BEST VALUE

Lightweight LEW'S Custom Lite Speed Stick Spinning Rod best for drop shot

General Impression

This company prides itself on the Custom Lite drop shot rod model mainly because of the use of cutting-edge technology for design and production. Choosing to use 85M modulus graphite proved to be a great choice that offers a superb mix of sensitivity and strength in a delicately designed lightweight construction.
The durability of this spinning rod is ensured with multiple layers on the blank, while the titanium oxide guide inserts make sure the line stays in place and allows for a smooth, tangle-free flow. Due to the fact that the handles are made of advanced polymer – the Winn Dri-Tac split grip handle ensures fitness and reliability in all weather conditions.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 piece
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Graphite
LENGTH: 6’10”
ACTION: Extra-fast
POWER: Medium
ROD WEIGHT: N/A

PROS

  • Sensitive
  • Lightweight
  • Well-made
  • Comfortable grip
  • Limited lifetime warranty included

CONS

  • Not for very large fish

DAIWA Tatula Elite Signature

General Impression

A combination of length, action, and power is what makes this signature drop shot rod model a sought-after piece of fishing gear, by both professionals and regulars.
Featuring a rod blank that’s designed using a superb Nanoplus, Super Volume Fiber technology, resulted in the drop shot rod being lighter and with a greater level of sensitivity, without cutting back on quality and performance.
Also, a custom Daiwa drop shot rod seat makes this particular signature model a one-of-a-kind. Thanks to the special X45 Bias graphite construction, bending the blanks is a thing of the past, while the casting accuracy is enhanced – a trait many anglers appreciate. Also, with Fuji alconite ring guides, the Elite Signature model ensures the line stays put, delivering a smooth, knot-free fishing session.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 piece
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Synthetic
LENGTH: 7’1”
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Medium
ROD WEIGHT: N/A

PROS

  • Professional-made
  • Powerful
  • Accurate
  • Comfortable
  • Nice sensitivity

CONS

  • Might not be the best fit for women

DENALI Lithium Pro Spinning Rod

General Impression

With the removal of the silver graphics and replacing them with the IM8+ graphite blanks, Denali managed to fashion out the Lithium Pro spinning rods to be even 20% lighter than the previous version, while sporting a nice, black finish.
Presented as a medium-heavy-powered drop shot rod, the Lithium Pro spinning rod can cast quite the distance. Thanks to the handle being split with hybrid cork and EVA grips, anglers can be sure to have a firm hold and enjoy a smooth fishing session.
Boasting stainless, semi-micro Royal Duraloc guides, the line will stay in place and offer a wholesome, knot-free fishing experience. Plus, with a limited lifetime warranty included in the purchase, both professionals and regulars can get the most of Denali’s Lithium Pro spinning rod.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 piece
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Graphite
LENGTH: 7′
ACTION: Moderate
POWER: Medium
ROD WEIGHT: N/A

PROS

  • Accurate
  • Sturdy
  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Lifetime warranty included

CONS

  • A bit heavier
  • Pricy

UGLY STIK GX2 Spinning Dropshot Rod

General Impression

Due to the fact that the GX2 drop shot rod models are made of graphite and fiberglass composite, endurance and stability are highlighted as the major traits. On the other hand, such blank composition makes the rod rather stiff and not as sensitive as other types of composition rods. However, the brand’s flagship – the clear tip, delivers strength and sensitivity, so you’ll be in full control of your whisk, with a line weight of ‎6-15 lb.
Plus, coming with a 7-year warranty, choosing this spinning drop shot rod means you won’t have to deal with the headache of replacing parts on your own.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 piece
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Graphite/Fiberglass
LENGTH: 7′
ACTION: Light to Medium
POWER: Medium
ROD WEIGHT: N/A

PROS

  • Strong
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Quality-made
  • Easily transportable 
  • Long-lasting warranty
  • Affordable

CONS

  • For light to medium action only

UGLY STIK Elite Spinning

General Impression

Ugly Stiks drop shot rod may as well be compared to tanks, as the rods can take blow after blow without showing any signs of damage.

The Ugly Stik Elite contains many of the same elements as other drop shot rods in the family. The variant is crafted with a combination of graphite and fiberglass – creating a blank tougher than those on any of the best drop shotting rods. Yet, this level of toughness would be useless without other quality components, so consequently, the rod is fitted with stainless steel line guides and a genuine cork handle.

Anglers using the drop shot rod can sense the moment a fish inhales the bait, thanks to the clear tip end on the rod. It absorbs motion more than the rest of the pole, and does a great job indicating when a fish is on the other end. However, like many other rods these days, the Ugly Stik Elite has a less than convenient hook keeper.

Specifications

PIECES: 2 piece
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Composite
LENGTH: 7′
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Medium
ROD WEIGHT: N/A

PROS

  • Clear tip handle for increased responsiveness
  • Compound blank offers impressive strength
  • Stainless steel eye guides
  • Seven-year warranty

CONS

  • Lacks an end-butt on the handle
  • Poor quality hook keeper

ST CROIX Mojo Bass

General Impression

St Croix Mojo drop shot rods have won over anglers from all walks of life, so it’s no surprise that the Mojo Bass is a great option for drop shot rod fishing.

The Mojo Bass drop shot rods are fashioned of SCIII graphite, which is incredibly lightweight and durable. The shortest of the rods weigh a mere 3.5 ounces, whereas the longest of the rods weigh just 4.8 ounces. Thus, the amount of control that an angler has is simply outstanding.

While the lightness and responsiveness of the rod are appealing, so too is the Fuji DPS reel seat, that snugly fits nearly any drop shot reel. The final touch to the rod, which is a double coat of slow cure finish, guarantees that the blank doesn’t chip, crack, or fracture from minor bumps or drops.

The only general complaint from anglers is the small foregrip, which doesn’t offer as much hand space as competitive models. Nevertheless, the Mojo Bass is still a top-notch piece that deserves a spot on any drop shotting rod review.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 and 2 piece
PRIMARY MATERIAL: SCIII graphite
LENGTH: 6’8″ to 9’6″
ACTION: Moderate to extra-fast
POWER: Medium-light to medium-heavy
ROD WEIGHT: 3.6 to 4.8 oz

PROS

  • SCIII graphite
  • Fuji DPS reel seat
  • Double coat of slow cure finish for durability
  • Aluminum oxide guide rings
  • Great for distance casting

CONS

  • Rather small foregrip handle

FENWICK HMG Spinning Fishing Rod

General Impression

Detailed with a sea-guide soft-touch alien reel seat with a lock design, this fishing drop shot rod is sturdy and secure, line-wise. The carbon-spiraled blanks make way for a sturdy rod offering a powerful cast, fast action, and ultimate sensitivity, so even the tiniest of nibbles can be felt.
Being a 2-piece drop shot rod makes it easy to travel with, and easy to store. Its length offers a nice casting power and pull strength. Although it performs well overall, still, if you’re after catching larger fish, then you might consider another option, since this one will bend right at the tip, which will render it broken when larger fish are caught. Thanks to it being designed with a AAA cork handle, anglers can enjoy a nice, firm grip.

Specifications

PIECES: 2 piece
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Carbon
LENGTH: 7′
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Ultra-light
ROD WEIGHT: 2.88 oz

PROS

  • Compact
  • Easy to travel with
  • Nice sensitivity level
  • Perfect for small fish
  • Comfortable handle
  • Sturdy

CONS

  • Not for larger fish

PISCIFUN Traveller Spinning Rod

General Impression

The Traveler model is a unique, 4-piece spinning drop shot rod that actually feels like a 1-piece drop shot rod. Fashioned out of highly-powerful 30-ton carbon, not only will it deliver awesome overall strength, but it will also yield enough sensitivity and accuracy.
Its 4-piece construction makes the Traveler pretty compact and easy to store and travel with. Thanks to the graphite construction, this fishing rod feels light and easy to maneuver, offering great sensitivity. Also, the Traveler model won’t burden the wrist and provide a nice casting motion. Superb casting distance is made possible thanks to this drop shot rod’s fast action.
With its high-power graphite reel seat and a pretty dense EVA handle, the Traveler model will fit nicely in your hand, letting you latch on firmly, no matter how long you fish for.

Specifications

PIECES: 4 piece
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Carbon
LENGTH: 6′
ACTION: Medium to Fast
POWER: Medium to Fast
ROD WEIGHT: N/A

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Very flexible
  • Multipurpose hook holder
  • Compact and easy to store

CONS

  • The rod might break when reeling-in bigger fish

ABU GARCIA Veritas 2.0 Spinning Rod

General Impression

A fan-favorite for many professional fishermen and fishing enthusiasts, the Veritas 2.0 model hit the right spot when it comes to comfort, flexibility, and strength. Its level of sensitivity is just about right for you to feel even the tiniest bite. Due to it being Texas-rigged, the Veritas 2.0 is compatible with all bait, and it will perform well while saltwater fishing.
Graphite-made for excellent balance and power, with a type-A handle, and uniquely designed with a spiral-core construction method, this drop shot rod largely elevates the power and endurance of the rod itself, while the tip of the drop shot rod remains strong, without disregard to lightness.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 piece
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Graphite
LENGTH: 6’6”
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Light to Medium
ROD WEIGHT: 5.6 oz

PROS

  • Light
  • Stable
  • Comfortable

CONS

  • Somewhat pricey

BEST DROP SHOT RODS
Buyer's Guide

Action

The action component of drop-shotting rods is a critical aspect that simply can’t be ignored.

Drop shotting may be a slow technique that takes time and patience, but there is no doubt that when fish bite, anglers must be quick to set the hook. And of course, the best way to ensure a quick hook set is to have a fast action rod.

Fast action rods are those which bend in the top third of the blank. The rest of the rod is somewhat stiff, which is what makes it ideal to set the hook – as almost none of the motion of a hook set is absorbed.

Slow action isn’t a preferred option for drop shot fishing rods as it takes too much time to set the hook. This is largely because slow action rods bend as far down as the handle. So, when an angler sets the hook with a slow action rod, a great deal of the kinetic energy is absorbed into the rod, rather than the hook. While slow action certainly is still useful in many situations, it just isn’t the best drop shot rod option.

Power

The idea of drop shot fishing is to simply wiggle a worm around in front of hungry fish that are scouring the depths for minnows. However, many of the fish found in deep water are larger than the typical cove dwellers, and can pull a fair bit harder. That’s not to say that EVERY fish caught with a drop shot rod is going to be a monster – but a handful can be.

Nonetheless, it’s important to have quality drop shot rod and reel combos before simply taking off and trying out the method. And the best power rating for a drop shot rod is medium, with a bit of sway to either medium-heavy or medium-light.

The power of a rod is nothing more than the measurement used to indicate how much weight a blank can vertically lift. So naturally, the weight scale is measured in terms of light, medium, and heavy. Medium power rods are ideal for catching largemouth, smallmouth, catfish, walleye, and pike – which are all the species that drop fishing typically targets.

Similarly, drop shot fishing can also be a great way to catch smaller species such as crappie, bluegill, and sunfish. In such situations, a light power is sufficient, as even a cheap drop shot rod can be used to land a fish under five pounds.

Length

The length of a rod isn’t a super important factor when drop shot fishing, but it can certainly make things a little easier when using an appropriate size.

Most of the pro anglers reach for a rod around seven feet in length, as such size is ideal for long casting and motion transfer.

However – the catch behind having a rod as long as seven feet is that it can transmit too much of the handler’s motion to the drop shot itself. Notably, some of the greatest success from drop shotting comes from deadsticking the bait, which is allowing the bait to be motionless underwater. For this very reason, many anglers often opt for a shorter rod around five to six feet, to minimize their motion transfer.

All in all, there is no right or wrong with length, as the size all comes down to personal preference. Those who want greater casting distance and control can reach for a longer blank, while those desiring minimal motion can opt for a shorter blank.

Material

There are three main types of materials used to construct the blanks of drop shot rods. Those materials are graphite, fiberglass, and composite.

Graphite goes into far more than just pencil lead, as the material is notorious for being more sensitive than any other type of blank. Handlers can feel almost everything with graphite blanks, which are often designed with a fast action to ensure quick hook setting. Due to the material’s responsiveness, many of the best drop shot spinning rods are crafted with graphite.

The second material that often finds its way into the hands of drop shot anglers is fiberglass. Fiberglass may as well be the Mohammed Ali of fishing materials, as blanks made from it can take an absolute beating without cracking or breaking. While that great strength comes in handy for surf rods or saltwater rods, it is not as necessary for drop shotting rods.

The final material that makes its way into the drop shot market is composite. Rods labeled with a composite tag are often made from a combination of graphite, fiberglass, keratin, and other materials. Once finished, composite rods offer the benefits of both graphite and fiberglass, as they are typically very sensitive, yet durable. For this reason, a handful of manufacturers are slowly rolling out more composite products, as the technology continues to evolve and offer better benefits.

BEST DROP SHOT RODS
FAQs

1. What is drop shot fishing?

Many anglers hesitate at the idea of drop shot fishing. Tying a worm onto a line suspended above a sinker? What a crazy idea. But the reality is – drop shot fishing is a wildly efficient way to catch dozens of fish.

The process is pretty simple. Anglers tie a Palomar knot with roughly a foot and a half of extra line hanging below a hook. That spare line is then equipped with a sinker, either a 3/16 oz or 3/8 oz, that weighs down the line once it is cast. The hook is then equipped with a bait such as plastic worms, salamanders, or crawdads. Once equipped, handlers simply need to toss the bait and sinker out where the fish reside. And of course, the whole process is made much easier with a high-quality drop shot pole.

After a few moments spiraling towards the bottom of the water, the sinker hits, while the bait stays suspended with the hook nearly a foot and a half above the bottom. As a result, curious fish roaming the depths get an eye-level view of the bait. Anglers simply need to wiggle, pop, or drag the bait a bit to get the attention of fish, and wait for the hungry beasts to tear into the appealing meal.

Needless to say, drop shotting works wonders in the right environments, and can net anglers copious amounts of feisty fish hunting for prey in the depths.

2. How to rig a drop shot

Rigging drop-shotting rods is far less complicated than novice anglers seem to believe. In just a few simple steps, an angler can have a near-perfect drop shot setup that entices all of the fish perusing the lake bed for an easy meal.

The first step is to fold the end of the fishing line in half, with the open end containing roughly 18 to 24” of spare length. From there, the folded line needs to be put through the eyehole of a drop shot hook, and tied above the hook with an overhand knot. However, it is important to not tie the knot entirely, as the spare space is tightened later.
After the knot is secured, take the loop end and wrap it around the bottom of the hook until it meets the eye. Once this is done, the knot can then be tightened. The spare line which was folded earlier will then hang a foot and a half below the hook. The bottom of that spare line is where a sinker can be attached, in order to complete a drop shot setup.

Once finished, anglers can simply choose which sort of neutrally buoyant bait they wish to attract fish with, and skewer it directly in the middle over the hook. Anglers need to continue to readjust the bait after each cast, to keep the bait in the best position possible.

3. What is the best action for a drop shot rod?

The best drop shot rods are those crafted with a fast action.

A fast action is a great way to maneuver bait through water for sport fish such as bass, pike, and musky. Just a quick flick of the wrist is often enough to make a lure wiggle underwater, mimicking a live creature to attract the attention of fish.

However, having a fast action is extra important for drop shotting, as the style of fishing simply demands quick movements and frantic activity after a fish bite. Due to fast action rods bending closer to the tip, they are more efficient at transmitting the quick wrist flicks and pops that anglers do to move a drop shot rig. Furthermore, fast action drop shot rods are better for quick hook setting, which is simply a requirement when fishing with a drop shot setup.

Finally, the best drop shot rod and reel combo usually consist of fast action and medium power rods, but medium-light and fast action can also be preferred.

4. What fishing line is best for a drop shot rod setup?

Fluorocarbon line is the go-to option for the majority of pros who fish drop shot setups during tournaments and casual fishing.

Braided-line seems like a great option, as it is ultra-thin and sensitive, but it unfortunately doesn’t work quite as well as fluorocarbon for one very specific reason – motion.

An angler that has equipped their drop shot spinning rod can easily overwork their bait with braided line. This is mainly because braid just doesn’t have any stretch to it, and every motion from an angler is transmitted directly down the line to the lure. So naturally, that can occasionally make the bait appear too erratic underwater, deterring fish.

The second issue with braid is the motion being transmitted from the lure to the rod. While its great to have sensitivity, too much can lead an angler to rip the bait away from a fish before they have time to swallow it.

Flurocarbon on the other hand, is far softer than braid, and stretches just enough to absorb action from both the fish and the angler. As a result, the issue of overworking bait is far less of a concern, as not every motion is transmitted from the hand of an angler to the bait. Premature hook sets also become less likely too, as fluorocarbon gives fish enough time to suck up bait before an angler sets the hook.

However, other drop shot rod reviews may even include monofilament, which is a good option as well.

5. How long should a drop shot leader be?

A drop shot leader should be roughly a foot and a half long, to effectively suspend the bait above a lake bottom.

Drop shotting is all based on placing bait in front of a fish’s nose while they peruse through the depths. But if the leader is too long or too short, then the whole process fails. Many types of fish often comb through the depths, after spawning season, to hunt for the small minnows that emerge by the millions. As a result, nearly anything that even slightly resembles live bait is often enough to get their attention.

Hence why it is so important to keep at least a foot and a half of leader line. Anglers just need to tie a Palomar knot with the suggested spare line, and attach the sinker and hook appropriately. If the setup is done right and partnered with a good drop shot rod, then handlers can surely catch countless fish with minimal effort.

6. What is the best drop shot rod?

The best drop shot rod currently available is the KastKing Crixus spinning rod.
KastKing’s lineup of rods is quite impressive, as they are all built with precision manufacturing that pays great attention to detail. And the Crixus is yet another piece that illustrates how beneficial that attention to detail is.

The Crixus combines an IM6 graphite blank with a SuperPolymer moisture-wicking handle and a set of zirconium oxide line guides. But the features alone aren’t enough to win the Crixus the title of the best rod for drop shotting, the performance is really what does the trick.

Anglers can sense the balance and sheer maneuverability of the product with nothing more than a few casts and retrieves. It just works exactly how a spinning rod should, and flawlessly performs in nearly every situation. Whether angling for bass, catfish, walleye, or trout, the Crixus is a reliable choice that surely won’t let a handler down.

7. What is the best drop shot rod under 100?

The best drop shot rod under 100 dollars is the KastKing Crixus.

The Crixus is an all-around performer that can be used for numerous different styles of sport fishing. It comes in a variety of sizes as short as 5’6”, to as long as 7’6”. However, it is the quality components and features that differentiate the Crixus from many other competitors.

Every length of the rod is manufactured with a lightweight IM6 graphite blank that is accompanied by zirconium oxide line guides and a SuperPolymer split-grip handle. The combination of the three aspects makes for a rod that can be taken into any environment while maintaining excellent control and performance when casting, retrieving, and fighting fish. Overall, its an affordable drop shot rod that can outcompete almost any other product currently on the market.

8. What is the best drop shotting rod and reel setup?

The best drop shot rod and reel setup is a KastKing Crixus partnered with a Shimano Sedona FL.

While some anglers reach for a drop shot casting rod, the majority look to spinning variants. Such variants are far easier to control than casting reels, as casting reels release line a bit too quick for drop shotting. Hence why so many anglers choose a Shimano Sedona FL spinning variant for their drop shot rods and reels.

The Sedona FL is a well-rounded reel that can be mounted to almost any spinning blank. It consists of a Hagane gear system that smoothly and efficiently casts and retrieves, from the very first cast to the thousandth.

Additionally, the metal components of the piece are manufactured with a cold forging process, to keep them resistant to saltwater erosion and regular use. Overall, the joining of the best drop shot rod with the best reel makes for a combination that is second to none.

REACH OUT

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!

David Stefanoski

David Stefanoski is an avid outdoorsman who loves to explore the deepest, most exciting crevices of nature and then write about them. From the maximum depth that a scuba suit can go, to the maximum heights that his legs will take him, David enjoys the outdoors in its warmest, sunniest days on the prairie, to the iciest, dampest little spots in Eastern Europe. After 15 years of trudging, his favorite outdoorsman activity is still chopping wood due to his large body size. He says it's like splitting toothpicks!

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