Powel 681L Dropshot Rod

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Powel 681L – Powel has been known as a maker of high quality fly fishing equipment but in the last couple of years they have introduced a line of casting and spinning rods for the bass fisherman. The one rod I’ve tried in their lineup is the 681L. This is a 6’8”, extra fast action, light powered spinning rod. It has a 4-10lb test line rating and a 1/8-3/8oz lure weight rating. According to Powel, the intended uses of the rod are “drop shotting, light darter heads and split shotting.

The light tip on the rod allows you to fish small baits and impart subtle action. Past the light tip, you have a lot of backbone to set the hook and control the bass. Since the rod itself is light, you can fish these baits all day without
tiring your wrists out.

Most people will use this as a rod to drop shot for largemouth bass but it works really well in the saltwater too. Lots of times I fish 1/8, 1/4 and 3/8 ounce darter heads with gulp or 1/4oz swimbaits. The rod is great for the darter heads and gulp since it can easily cause the bait to dart side to side with the light tip, and keep most of the fish out of rocks and pilings. Fishing the 3” swimbaits is possible too but the thicker gauge on the hook require stronger hooksets that you can’t really deliver with 6# test. However, due to the light line used with this rod, bigger spotties will take you right into the pilings.

Overall, I’m very pleased with this rod. It’s a great drop shotting rod that doubles as a light harbor fishing rod that allows me to fish different finesse plastic baits. The rod costs a very reasonable $169.

I’d give this rod a 8.5 out of 10

Great action
Light weight
Sensitivity
Spinning rod