I drop shot alot. Pretty much this entire fishing season I've only thrown a drop shot. My suggestions are switch over to 12 or 15 pound braid (I use 12) with a 7-8' fluorocarbon leader. I use 7 pound Sunline Sniper but 8 pound fluorocarbon is okay too. I'd switch your hook to a #1 Gamakatsu split shot/drop shot hook.