For my usage here is my line up:
Falcon CARA CS-4-169 Dropshot rod
Okuma Epixor 30 reel
6lb Sunline Fluorocarbon (sub any line just my two cents is Fluoro is a must because of feel and stretch not clarity. That helps but the lack of stretch is the biggest thing.)
Size 1 or 2 Gamakatsu Drop shot hook
ALWAYS A 3/16OZ drop shot weight
Plastics:
4.5″ Robo Worms
4″ Drop Shot Worm from Chompers
4″ and 5″ Gander Mountian Trick Sticks (Wacky Style)
Any other small plastics rigged either nose style or wacky depending on my mood.
Lakes have been best, only a few select times have I got it to work very well in the river. Any where you would fish a carolina rig fish a drop shot, you don’t have to fish it vertical, feel free to cast!
Biggest thing: learn exactly what that 3/16oz weight feels like, because very rarely do you feel them eat the bait they are just dead weight on the end of the line.
MY TWO CENTS!