Drop Shot Question

[lynyrdsky1]

Hey when ure using a drop shot can u just tie a split shot weight to the bottom instead of using drop shot spacific weights?

[Lucky Craft Man]

You don't need a specific drop shot weight, but I would use a snap swivel or something that can rotate with the weight so all the rotation your weight goes through when being dragged on the bottom isn't transferred to your line (line twist can get ugly).

[Josh Bassman]

You can use whatever you like. I prefer the lightest weight possible.

Also, I use 10lbs braid with a 10 foot 6lbs flouro leader. The braid handles the line twist very well.

[Mobydick]

I agree with using the lightest weight possible that will still let you stay on and feel the bottom. As far as what that weight is, thats up to you. Im sure the split shot would work.

[NorcalBassin]

That should work just fine. Also easy to switch right from a drop shot rig to a split shot rig that way.

[LazyBASS1301600404]

What does line twists mean?

[Five-Alive]

LazyBASS - a typical dropshot weight will swivel around helping to eliminate the line from twisting around when working it back to the boat. You can use a split shot, a bullet weight or any other kind of weight but the fishing line will twist up some without a swivel or swiveling weight.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

What does line twists mean?

:-? It's when the line twists

[airborne_angler]

I have some steel bullet weights I dont really care for and am slowly "losing" them in my lake by using a dropshot.   Below the bullet weight I pinch on a tiny splitshot. The "cupped" portion of the bullet weight sits right on top of the splitshot very nicely. If I get hung up,it pulls off,and im down one less steel bullet weight.Works out ok,and I even catch fish at times on this setup.

[LazyBASS1301600404]

LazyBASS - a typical dropshot weight will swivel around helping to eliminate the line from twisting around when working it back to the boat. You can use a split shot, a bullet weight or any other kind of weight but the fishing line will twist up some without a swivel or swiveling weight.

How does this affect this rig?  Trying to picture what you guys mean by line twisting.   :-[

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Line twist frequently happens with mono and fluoro. Basically it causes the line to literally twist up. Picture an electrical cord that has twisted up and becomes difficult to coil back up properly. Basically it's the same thing. The line wont coil onto the spool properly.  You'll get loops, and sometimes the line will just spring off of the spool.  This is why a lot of people have started going to braid with a fluoro leader for drop shotting.

As far as the weight goes, you can use anything you want. The drop shot specific sinkers were made in case the sinker needed to free from a snag easily. With enough pressure, the line will come through the little clip at the top of the weights. I mean, you can use a rock if you really wanted.

[LazyBASS1301600404]

Line twist frequently happens with mono and fluoro. Basically it causes the line to literally twist up. Picture an electrical cord that has twisted up and becomes difficult to coil back up properly. Basically it's the same thing. The line wont coil onto the spool properly. You'll get loops, and sometimes the line will just spring off of the spool. This is why a lot of people have started going to braid with a fluoro leader for drop shotting.

As far as the weight goes, you can use anything you want. The drop shot specific sinkers were made in case the sinker needed to free from a snag easily. With enough pressure, the line will come through the little clip at the top of the weights. I mean, you can use a rock if you really wanted.

Ah thanks I understand now..  Thank you!

[Fishes in trees]

I like the dropshot weights with clips , because when you get seriously snagged, one firm tug, the line breaks and you're ready to retie and get back to fishing. I've tried different sinkers tied on and worm weights slid onto the line and secured with split shot, etc, but I've ended up using the dropshot weights with clips because they seem to work the best.  For me, the window sash style weights seem to work better than the round ones.

Sometimes you're drop shotting and the hook gets hung. I've wasted quite a bit of time, tugging on a line trying to get the weight to release only to find out the hook was hung.

My current getting unstuck protocol is after it doesn't release after a few firm tugs, I figure 8 the line 5 or 6 times around the boat cleat and back it off with the trolling motor.

Works every time. It also works every time with braid and you are much less likely to cut your fingers.

I'm changing my thinking about how heavy to go as well. I used to try to go as light as possible, thinking I was gaining an edge in finesse. The more I thought about it, I realized I wasn't fishing the whole water column, and a bait drifting slowly down through the water column wasn't doing much except wasting time.

My current thinking is that fishing a dropshot, I'm fishing a basically weightless bait x many inches above the bottom. I want my weight to get to the bottom ASAP so I can start fishing. So I mostly use 1/2 oz weights, 3/8 ounce if I'm using spinning gear and 8 lb line and if 3/4 or 1 oz weights were available in my neighborhood, I'd be using them - probably. I understand my current thinking is subject to change, but that's my current thoughts on the subject.

[kLuo]

This is why a lot of people have started going to braid with a fluoro leader for drop shotting.

How important is the fluoro leader when dropshotting? I've always tied everything directly to 30 pound powerpro, but then again, I have not had much success with the dropshot rig at all.

[flippin and pitchin]

For really snaggy situations, try hollow core pencil lead and crimp it on after you cut a piece to match the weight you need. Use a swivel to prevent the dreaded line twist. Steelheaders have used this for years.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

This is why a lot of people have started going to braid with a fluoro leader for drop shotting.

How important is the fluoro leader when dropshotting? I've always tied everything directly to 30 pound powerpro, but then again, I have not had much success with the dropshot rig at all.

Two things:  One is if you subscribe to theory of line visibility.  On a drop shot, I try to make it look as natural as possible.  I don't see any harm with a fluoro leader.  The other is if you fish in an area with lots of rocks.  Fluoro holds up to rocks much better than braid.  I fish in a lake that is primarily made of limestone.  That stuff can be terrible on braid.

[Red Bear]

i use a 1oz bass casting weight for drop shotting. even though it swivels i also attach a split ring to the eye of the weight and attach a swivel to that. where i fish i dont typically get snagged on the bottom a lot, i may have lost 4 weights all year drop shotting.