Bassmaster Elite pro John Crews is so exacting with his dropshot tackle that he helped Cashion Rods design one to his specifications.
Noting that he’s not hesitant to use a longer, stouter rod for dropshotting, Crews wanted a 7-foot, 4-inch medium-heavy spinning outfit that would quickly subdue big fish and minimize their chances of coming unbuttoned.
“I like a longer dropshot rod because it gives you more control, especially when you’re fighting those big fish,” he said.
The rod’s well-designed dropshot weight holder is positioned near the rod butt, so terminal tackle stays out of the way.
Also important is the 3 ounces of counterbalancing weight built into the rod butt.
“When you hold the handle, the tip wants to stay up, and that makes the rod very light, so you’ll detect every bite,” Crews said.
Recent years have seen dropshot aficionados spooling their spinning reels with braided line and capping the spool with 20 to 30 feet of 6- to 8-pound fluorocarbon. The braid benefits delivery, as well as the bite response.
“Your casting is better with the braid-to-fluorocarbon leader,” pro Aaron Martens said. “And, if you get bit on the end of your cast, it’s like getting bit beside the boat because there’s no stretch.”
