Dropshot/small crankbait rod poll

[nemorino]

Trying to choose the right rod. Any info appreciated.

[AustinBass]

Between those two, I'd have to say the MC. However, these are two techniques where I'd recommend looking in to the graphite plus line. The Helium ML would work for drop shot, but the tip is too soft for small crankbaits in my opinion. I'm using an older model Kistler saltwater popping rod for small crankbaits and love it. The newer models of the popping rod are a bit lighter, so I'd recommend a Composite Crankbait special for small cranks (I have one, and use it for that as a backup, when someone else is using my popping rod). The Helium ML is one rod you really need to see, I can't think of another ML rod like it. Most people aren't expecting the tip to be as light as it is. Think of it as a ML rod with a light or extra light tip...

[Lightninrod]

Never used a ML Helium but I have three 7' MC so that tell's you I'm very satified with them. I think they are the best all-around, most verstile rod/action. I use them for topwater plugs, hard and soft jerk baits, and crankin'.

If I were drop-shotting(I haven/t used that technique for a long time.), I would use one of my MCs as I find their tip sensitive enough for hooking very 'soft' cr/bait/Rogue bites so d/shotting should be no probelm.

Dan

[TTCal]

The ML has the classic drop shot rod action. I have this rod along with the Loomis drop shot specific rod DSR820C and the two rods have virtually identical actions. I also use the ML for small crankbaits but I'm not a big crank guy, so I'd keep in mind, AB's comments. If those are the only two applications you're looking to fill, I'd recommend the He70MLC.

However, if you're thinking of trying the latest trend where people are using the drop shot rig, but with heavier line and weights (aka Bubba Shotting), the He70MC would be a better choice for that specific technique.

You can't really go wrong with either choice, but the He70MC will be a more versatile rod for other applications beyond drop shotting and small cranks (as LR suggested).

How's that for a wishy washy answer?

[Keith Amerson]

I would have to suggest that you go with the MC as you will be able to use it in more than the two mentioned applications. It's a great rod that will give you great service with either the drop shot or crankbait. I also have to say that I have a ML which I use exclusively for small to medium crankbaits like a Strike King Series 3 and 5. I really like it for those baits. You can't go wrong with either rod but I think the MC will give you more options.

[chavez]

I have both the70MLC and 70MC and both do well on small crankbaits (3/16oz, 1/4oz and 3/8oz) though I give the edge to the ML for loading up easier on the small crankbaits. I like the MC better for 1/4oz Rat-L-Traps. I throw a lot of small cranks in clear, open water and I usually take both but the more versatile one is the MC but for specializing in small cranks and drop shotting I'ld have to chose the MLC. My MLC also doubles as my Speckled Trout (tails and tops) rod for the Texas coast for casting soft plastic jerkbaits (tails) and noisy topwaters (tops).

[Hinsdale]

I agree with Chavez, in an earlier post I mentioned I used my MLC baitcaster for live bait rigs, small cranks. I absolutely love it.

We are all tied up!