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Best Dropshot Rods & Reels

The dropshot is one of best finesse bass fishing technique. Below you will find our recommendations for dropshot rods & reels for any budget based on our independent testing.

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Best Dropshot Rods for Every Budget

06/06/2023 05:21 pm GMT Lasso Brag

Best Dropshot Reels for Every Budget

06/06/2023 05:33 pm GMT Lasso Brag

Best Overall Dropshot Combo

The G Loomis NRX+ 822 DSR is the best dropshot rod on the market. It is a 6’10” rod with a super crisp tip but soft enough to see what your bait is doing and when you get a bite. It is super light at only 3.6oz which makes it enjoyable to fish all day long.

The NRX+ is an expensive rod but it is the most sensitive rod on the market. When finesse fishing you need a super-sensitive rod and when sensitivity is key you want to go high-end. This rod is ideal when fishing a dropshot out in open water.

G. Loomis GLX 822S DSR Dropshot Spinning Rod
  • Length - 6'10"
  • Power - Mag Med
  • Action - Extra Fast
  • Line Weight - 6-12lb
  • Lure Weight - 3/16 - 1/2oz
  • Guides - 9 + Tip
  • Handle Length - 14 1/2"
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Pair your NRX+ with a Shimano Exsence 3000 spinning reel for the perfect dropshot combo.

Shimano Exsence 3000
  • Gear Ratio - 6.0:1
  • Weight - 6.3 oz
  • Bearings - 11BB + 1RB
  • Line Capacity - 8/110
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Best Value Dropshot Combo

The best bang for your buck dropshot rod is the Shimano Zodias 6’9″ Medium Light. It comes in at about half of the price as the NRX+ while still being a great rod. While it isn’t quite as sensitive as the NRX+ it is still very sensitive. The Zodias outperforms it’s price point and is the perfect rod for an angler serious about fishing a dropshot.

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Pair your Zodias with a Shimano Vanford 2500 spinning reel for the great value dropshot combo.

Shimano Vanford 2500
  • Gear Ratio - 6.0:1
  • Weight - 6.3 oz
  • Bearings - 7BB + 1RB
  • Line Capacity - 6/200, 8/140
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Best Budget Dropshot Combo

The St. Croix Bass X 6’10 ML Xfast is the best budget dropshot rod. It has a strong backbone while still having enough sensitivity for a dropshot. At close to $100 you get an excellent rod for finesse techniques.

St. Croix Bass X 6'10" Spinning
  • Length - 6'10"
  • Power - Medium-Light
  • Action - Extra-Fast
  • Line Weight - 6-10lb
  • Lure Weight - 1/8 - 1/2oz
  • Weight - 3.5oz
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Pair your Bass X with a Shimano NASCI 2500 spinning reel for the good budget dropshot combo.

Shimano NASCI 2500
  • Gear Ratio - 6.2:1
  • Weight - 8.5 oz
  • Bearings - 5BB + 1RB
  • Line Capacity - 6/200, 8/140
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