I also gave DSing its first real chance this year and let met tell you I am a convert!

The rod that I have been using for DSing has neen a medium action Shimano that I bought from Lazy Fish (forgot the model) but Shimano makes some quality rods in the $60-$80 price range. My rod is 6'6" but I think I would like a seven footer next time. I like a medium action with a soft tip since the dropshots exposed hook does not nessitate a big time hook set but the mediunm action gives me enough power to stear the fish out of cover. On the Delta or other lakes that have more cover like Clear lake I used my Kistler medium casting rod with 12-15 pound floro, untill I donated it to the river gods a few weeks ago. It was a 6'8" rod with a soft tip and it worked great. When I get around to replacing it I will do all my dropshotting with it as the casting rod eliminates much of the line twist problums that DSing can produce. When I have to use lighter than 8# line I will use a spinning rod but rarely use any line that light.

The other suggestion I would have on a spinning real is to use one with an oversized spool. Someone made that suggetion to me and it made a big difference with the line twisting. The real I use for my DSing now is actually my wifes reel which is one of the new Mitchells. It performs quite well for an inexpensive reel, it has instant anti-reverse, smooth drag and a HUGE oversized spool.

I am also sold on P-line Floro-Clear for DSing, it has great sensitivity, small dimater, little strech and tends not twist as much on my spinning rod.

Lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what have-yous