Dropshot Hook Set ?

[Rangerphil]

I have been practicing drop shot lately and I am using the new vmc spinshot hooks with a 4.5 robo worm. I am also using 6# mono. I am really starting to put some fish in the boat and I am getting use to the new technique. The only problem is I am missing some fish and was wondering if it is my hookset. When I do catch them the hook is always in the top of the mouth so maybe it is something I am doing? Any help would be appreciated!

[Crestliner2008]

They will usually always be hooked in the top of the mouth. Nothing unusual there. You do not really have to really "set" the hook per say though; drop shot hooks are small and very sharp, so just a lifting retrieve is about all you have to do. Smallies will usually hook themselves.

The one thing you may be doing wrong is using monofilament. You really need less stretch than mono supplies. I would recommend switching to a quality fluorocarbon line - your 6# test rating is just fine. Some folks like to use a light braid instead of straight fluoro, but most schools of thought do recommend the fluoro leader.

Regardless of whether you stay with mono or switch to a more sensitive line, I do hope you are using a fluoro leader, as this has the dual advantages of reduced visibility and maintaining a high degree of abrasion resistance. A smallies teeth can devastate a leader in no time. If you catch more than 2 or 3 bass on the same leader, change it or at least check it for nicks near the hook.

[Rangerphil]

Thanks, I just ordered some yo-zuri hybrid 8# ultra soft line. I am thinking that the mono is giving a little too much. Also when I feel the bite I am dropping my rod then reeling up and setting the hook. I need to learn to just lift and wind.

[iceintheveins]

Fluoro will do a better job in water deeper than 20 feet, which is most of the time you are drop shotting. I get a lot of bluegills and sunfish nipping my robo worm though too.

[Phish]

Are you losing fish, or just not hooking them at all? Big difference, as they definitely could be smaller fish that nibble but don't get the entire lure.

I've caught most of my fish the last two years on the drop shot. I went through an interesting learning curve. I've now been through 3 spinning rods (and tried it on a few baitcasters) and I've settled on a great spinning combo. I've been through 5-6 different lines, Fluoro, Mono and braid. I've settled on a 10# braid with a long 8# fluoro leader, using crazy Alberto / modified Albright knot connection. So far, I really dig it.

Regarding hook sets - I lost a much higher percentage of fish the first year, trying to use the common reel set on really light fluro - no real hook set, with the tiny size 2 and 1 gamakatsu d-shot hooks. I lost my 3 biggest fish on Erie, all likely over 5#. I had a few break off too (need to retie so often on light fluoro). Pretty discouraging. So I experimented.

Important to note - I mostly fish d-shot in non-traditional situations - shallow to mid depth around cover, so I skin hook or burry the hook. I've since changed from the tiny gamakatsus to larger Owners - 1/O, 2/O. I've also started setting my drag lighter to allow for real hook sets (not home run swings, but a good half power set). I've seen great improvement in the percentages landed vs. lost. Not one break so far.

I'm still not settled on hooks. These Owners seem to have the hook point roll on the slightest snag, or after just a few fish they seem to dull a bit. I miss the Gamie's sharpness and durability. I'll probably try larger Gamakatsus next, perhaps circle hooks. If I were fishing deep water, traditional exposed hook on ultralight line, then I'd probably need to go to a much light hook set.