Best Way To Work A Drop Shot For Smallmouth?

[B@ssCrzy]

I know there are different ways to work/reel in a dropshot. I am assuming the most common being to shake it in place, but I have also heard of guys casting it out and dragging it in slowly. Just wondering what is your most effective technique, and what bait you are using when you use this technique?

[Crestliner2008]

There is no "wrong" way to fish a drop shot rig.

If I'm drop shotting smallies, I'm usually fishing deep water structures, in warm weather. That being said, I'll most likely be fishing vertical, over 25' - 40' of water. I use a slightly heavier weight during summer to get it down fast, once I spot some bait on structure. Once on the bottom, I move my bait very little. Just let a small amount of slack between worm & sinker and hold still. Down deep, there is usually water moving fairly well, which makes your bait come alive. No need to impart much action yourself. I really believe that some folks who "jiggle" their baits all the time, make them appear less appealing to the fish. But I could be wrong.

I have cast the DS and slow reeled it back to the boat at times. I try everything on any given spot before leaving it. No real need to impart much action to your worm when retrieving it either. The way they make DS baits these days, it doesn't take much to bring out the action of your worm down there.

Finally, don't discount just lowering your DS to mid-depths either, when you see fish suspended. When I'm faced with this situation, I'll lower it and drift. Can be very productive at times. Just try different things and give 'em what they want.

[mod479]

Alot of the pros claim that doing nothing is the best way to work a DS for smallies.

As Crestliner said, the natural movement of water will generate the action of your bait. This is true especially in rivers, but in some lakes, you may want to add some action of your own.

I say experiment, I've caught them shaking the hell out of the bait, hopping it up and down, and also just letting it sit still as well.

As for baits, I'm a believer in:

4-5" finesse worms. (Roboworms/trickworms)

Tiny flukes (3")

Senkos/dingers 3",4",5" (nose hook them, or wacky rig them)

and of course, the tried and true 3 or 4" curly tail grub.

[Crestliner2008]

I agree with mod479. Experiment. The drop shot was made for that. By the way, for those times when they want a more aggressive approach, try the "Wiggle Rig". It will save your wrist by giving you PLENTY of bait action, with minimal human intervention! I always have it ready to go!

[J Francho]

Less is more with a drop shot, especially if you are using a buoyant plastic. Let the water do the work for you; it'll appear more natural. For salted, heavier baits, a subtle drop is usually enough to trigger a bite.