Getting Started In Drop Shotting.

[BassAssassin726]

One of the techniques I'm going to work on this year is drop shotting, I've literally never done it. So can anyone recommend what I need to get started? What's some good size and style weights and hooks you guys use? Also any recommendations on baits would be appreciated. 

[Fish'N Impossible]

weights and hooks are situaltional, I use mainly an 1/8th or 1/4 oz wieght and VMC drop shot hooks. I would recomend PTL (Power Team Lures) JP Hammer shad or any of their line as they have amazing boyancy. and the Venom Lures Drop shot minnow is also a top notch drop shot bait.

[wnybassman]

Just remember when working the bait, less is more.

[MarksHooked]

Definitely watch bassresource's videos about dropshotting on youtube, multiple views seemed to work for me.  Remember that even holding the rod still will allow the bait to have a very natural subtle presentation; less is more!

[eyedabassman]

I would start with the VMC spin shot hooks and  drop shot weight for how deep you want to fish.You don't need every weight size,start out with 1/8 oz. and 1/4, 1/2 that should cover you in the weight dept.! What I like to do is fish a double drop shot rig= you have one hook about 10 to 12 in. from the weight and then have another hook 12 to 14 in. above the bottom hook. You now can cover more of the water column with two baits and you can try two colors to see what they want. And from time to time you will get doubles! it works great. And don't over work the rig,less is more!

[WRB]

Spinning tackle?

[RipSomeLips]

I use a 6.6 spinning rod with braid and a fluoro 6lb leader. I use a 2 size ewg hook and work a very thin senko style worm wacky style. The hottest tip I can give u is from kvd himself. He ties a palomar knot for the hook and starts the knot by running the line from the point tip side of the eye. Then when u are done with the standard palomar knot run the tag end of the Line thru the eye of the hook again. This will allow your hook to stick straight out from the line. You can find his video example on youtube.

[mjseverson24]

I love to dropshot it is one of my favorite techniques, for hooks i like 1/0 and 2/0 gamakatsu finesse wide gap hooks or a 1/0-3/0 ewg. for weight I like the pencil weights best from 1/16 to 3/8 depending on water depth. for lures I like a 4-5 inch senko type wacky rigged (the o-rings are nice for this), a gulp alive leech is also a great bait, as well as a 4-6 inch finesse worm. the yamamoto shad tail worm is another great bait, or the KVD dreamshot. for a starter set up i would recommend a 7' ML/F or M/F spinning set up. personally I use a 7' ML/F st. croix triumph and a 7'M/F mojo for dropshots, both are paired with pflueger presidents, spooled with 10 lb braid and a 20' floro leader usually about 6-12 lbs. 

 

Mitch

[Salamander12]

I just started to drop shot a few weeks ago and it's the only way I want to fish now. I've tried quite a few different baits but the most effective for me is a zoom trick worm in Greek pumpkin.

[tomustang]

MLXF rod

1000 or 2500 reel

6lb line

VMC spin shot hooks

Teardrop/drop shot/pencil weight

Finesse worms like roboworm or zoom trick worm for starters

[ww2farmer]

To get started.....#2 VMC spinshot hooks for nose hooking and a 3/8 oz pencil style weight. A 6'6" to 7'  ML power, F or XF action spinning rod. 2000/2500 size spinning reel. 10lb braid mainline, 6 or 8lb flourocarbon leader.

[Felix77]

I focused on drop shotting a lot last year.  As a co-angler in my club there were a ton of times I ended up around weeds which made the nose hook technique somewhat ineffective.  I did however began using a T-rigged drop shot setup and fell in love with it ... It turned out to mimic JVD's setup with one exception.  I use a uni-2-uni knot instead of the swivel ... Here's a video that might help you.  

 

IMO - One critical tip is feeling the weight on the bottom.  If you don't feel it then upsize.  Period.

 

Good luck.

 

[boostr]

Geez, you would think JVD can clean his screen off ones in a while..... Slob.   

[boostr]

I focused on drop shotting a lot last year.  As a co-angler in my club there were a ton of times I ended up around weeds which made the nose hook technique somewhat ineffective.  I did however began using a T-rigged drop shot setup and fell in love with it ... It turned out to mimic JVD's setup with one exception.  I use a uni-2-uni knot instead of the swivel

 

 

Actually its funny you said that, there is actually a Facts of Fishing episode where JVD is the guest angler and they are dropshotting for smallies in the St. Claire, and he talks about why he uses ewg hook and T-rigs the plastic istead of using a Octopus hook and nose rigging it.

[WIGuide]

You're going to want to get yourself either a medium or medium/light spinning rod with either a fast or extra fast action. I'd recommend you give the VMC spin shot hooks a shot right off the bat. I use mostly the 1/0 circle hooks but that depends a lot on how you're going to rig you bait and what you're throwing it around. Weight wise your best bet is probably the cylindrical weights because they don't seem to get hung up as much especially in a rocker area. I'd suggest 1/8, 1/4, and 3/8. If you're looking for a good bait to start out with I'd go with the Berkley Havoc Bottom Hopper Jr.'s they're cheap yet effective.

[Mike L]

Ok I got a question....

Keeping in mind I've never fished this rig before, why a M/L rod?

Is it a depth issue? (Can't see why)

Sensitivity reason? (Can't see that either)

Majotity of the fish caught are small so no need for heavier gear? (That makes sense)

Educate me please.

Mike

[Felix77]

Actually its funny you said that, there is actually a Facts of Fishing episode where JVD is the guest angler and they are dropshotting for smallies in the St. Claire, and he talks about why he uses ewg hook and T-rigs the plastic istead of using a Octopus hook and nose rigging it.

 

Saw that too but I couldn't post the episode online.  This was the closest I could get.  He basically shows the same stuff.

[Crestliner2008]

You need a rod with a tip that is very sensitive and light....to establish action on your bait, should you need it. It must also have a decent backbone to bring up a tough smallie from 25'+.  There are many choices out there. ML action seems to fit the bill perfectly in most instances.

[Mike L]

You need a rod with a tip that is very sensitive and light....to establish action on your bait, should you need it. It must also have a decent backbone to bring up a tough smallie from 25'+.  There are many choices out there. ML action seems to fit the bill perfectly in most instances.

After I posted I thought about the action part.

Thanks

Mike

[John G]

Why spinning and not casting?

[BassAssassin726]

Thanks for all the replies! I have a ML rod with 8lb Im gonna use. My main question though is, is this a technique that can be effective from the bank? Which is mostly where I fish from.

[BassAssassin726]

Why spinning and not casting?

Cause it's a finesse technique. Casting rods aren't really conducive to 6-8lb test and tiny weights. Lol

[John G]

Cause it's a finesse technique. Casting rods aren't really conducive to 6-8lb test and tiny weights. Lol

Then why does Loomis make Drop Shot casting rods? I also read where some guys use a 3/8oz weight. That is not very finesse IMHO! LOL

[BuckMaxx]

Takihero omaera (sp) often fishes a ds on baitcasting gear so it ia not essential but spinning gear is the norm. One of the biggest mistakes i made when i first picked up a ds rod was i felt like I needed to shake it alot. In reality you dont have too. I now try to hold my rod perfectly still. Youd be amazed at what just the shakes of youe hand transmits to the bait

[Bass Menace]

Spinning reel cause its way easier to drop the bait down... Lift the bail arm and off it goes.