Light Dropshot Rod

[Stefan Engelbrecht]

Hi Guys

I'm in the market for a light dropshot rod. I will be fishing for hotnotsvis and stumpnose etc. from the rocks around Blouberg, Melkbos etc., also from a boat in between the kelp and also for grunter at estauries like swartvlei. 

What length would you advise? I read Neilg's articles on light tackle fishing and he does mention a 7ft rod to be adequate. I think that a 9ft rod would work better from the rocks because it gives you more distance from the rocks when lifting up your lure. But a 7ft will be better for estauries and from the boat.

So a 7ft and 9ft?

 

[Simen]

Stefan Engelbrecht wrote:

Hi Guys

I'm in the market for a light dropshot rod. I will be fishing for hotnotsvis and stumpnose etc. from the rocks around Blouberg, Melkbos etc., also from a boat in between the kelp and also for grunter at estauries like swartvlei. 

What length would you advise? I read Neilg's articles on light tackle fishing and he does mention a 7ft rod to be adequate. I think that a 9ft rod would work better from the rocks because it gives you more distance from the rocks when lifting up your lure. But a 7ft will be better for estauries and from the boat.

So a 7ft and 9ft?

Stephan, for the sake of not having to buy 2 rods, one for the boat and one for rocks etc, I would go for the 9ft.

It's going to be more versatile, and the big thing to keep in mind is distance casting, on the boat you dont need that but from terra firma you will wish you had that bit extra when you cant reach where you want.

And 9 ft is by no means to long for a boat, you will quickly adapt yourself so that the rod is easily handled in the confined space.

 

[Stefan Engelbrecht]

Thanks Simen!

I already have 2 x 6"6 Medium action Daiwa Megaforce rods and 2 x 7" Heavy action Blue Marlin Boss rods. Brilliant rods and really cheap actually! Paid R 230 - R 250 per rod.
The Megaforce works great for grunter when fishing with bait and the Boss works great for garrick with bait and bass.

I'm going to buy 2 x 8" 2oz Shimano Vengance rods for throwing spoons, plugs and bigger lures and then 2 x 9ft rods for light dropshot rods for fishing from the side.

I want to replace the 2 x 6"6 rods with 7" rods at a later stage because I like the 7" rods more, but still want to fish with them for at least another year.

8 rods isn't a bad number...

 

[neilg]

Use a rod that suits the environment and the conditions !

The shorter the rod the easier it handles in lure fishing terms

U have a good selection so just add another rod LOL

 

[Simen]

Stefan Engelbrecht wrote:

Thanks Simen!

I already have 2 x 6"6 Medium action Daiwa Megaforce rods and 2 x 7" Heavy action Blue Marlin Boss rods. Brilliant rods and really cheap actually! Paid R 230 - R 250 per rod.
The Megaforce works great for grunter when fishing with bait and the Boss works great for garrick with bait and bass.

I'm going to buy 2 x 8" 2oz Shimano Vengance rods for throwing spoons, plugs and bigger lures and then 2 x 9ft rods for light dropshot rods for fishing from the side.

I want to replace the 2 x 6"6 rods with 7" rods at a later stage because I like the 7" rods more, but still want to fish with them for at least another year.

8 rods isn't a bad number...

Stefan looking at your armoury I think you are just about sorted.

While looking at the 9ft rods  take a minute or two and look at the Daiwa Exceler EXF 1062 XXXHFS_KF. I know its 10ft but maybe you will like the feel of it.

 

[neilg]

Agree with looking at the Daiwa, remember its 10ft6

For dropshot I would say 9ft max
For lures, well it all depends on the action of the rod and the lures you're using

 

[Stefan Engelbrecht]

Thanks guys!