Getting Started In Drop Shotting.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

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

Says who?

Finesse is a mindset. You can finesse an ounce and a half jig in a mat just as much as you can power fish a tiny shakey head or drop shot...

Besides, limiting a drop shot to light line and spinning gear can potentially make you miss out on some great fishing. I've used the drop shot on big braid and a flipping stick in very heavy vegetation.

[michang5]

Other than once or twice from a kayak, my drop shotting is usually from the bank. This week I pulled in a 3# and two 2#. One fish was from deeper water (10-15') and two were in shallow water (1-3').

Unlike the "video-game fishing" I see the pros do from a boat in deep water, my bank drop shot technique is more like a slow Carolina rig. I cast it out and wait for the weight to hit bottom. Reel up slack. Starting with the rod tip at 10:00, I lift it to 11:00, drop tip back down to 10:00 and reel in the slack. I usually just pause 3-10 seconds after dragging the bait -- no twitching or shaking.

It seemed so odd that it worked that I had to double check with my two fishing buddies awhile back. They confirmed that they essentially the same when fishing the drop shot from the bank.

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.

[Fishes in trees]

Just to your research and make your decisions.  Are you gonna Bubba Shot or go more toward finesse?

 

My current favorite Bubba Shot set up is a 7'4" MH pitching stick and a Curado 50E reel.  20 lb  Abrazx line.  I change my opinion on my finesse set up quite a bit.  Currently I'm using a spinning rod that is Labeled Medium, but it is on the heavy side of medium and a Shimano Spirex 200 size reel.

 

I like the Spirex because of the one hand bail.  For line, I'm currently using 14 lb Fireline Crystal and a 6' or so fluorocarbon leader.  I'm a big fan of nose hooking the baits, rather than tx rigging them.  My current favorite hooks are the Gamakatsu Wicked Wacky hooks - they come in a variety of sizes that work for both finesse and bubba style.

 

Everyone has their own ideas about weights.  Lots of folks say to use the lightest weight that you can get away with.  My opinion is that the point of the drop shot is to fish right off the bottom, or a given distance off the bottom, therefore, I want a weight that gets me to the bottom asap.

 

I use 1/4 or 3/8 on my finesse set up and 1/2 or 3/4 on the bubba rig, mostly 1/2.

The preference for the heavier weight than most guys use on the finesse set up explains the use of the stouter spinning rod.  A 3/8 oz weight would overpower lots of rods labeled drop shot rods.

 

My recommendation would be to start with what you got, whatever that is, fish it for a while and then make corrections based on your experiences and conditions.  That's what I did.

[FrogFreak]

Interesting stuff. I agree with some others here and say go with the VMC spin shot hooks (no. 2 for nose hooking). They are super strong and line twist isn't an issue. I caught a 39 inch Northern with a no. 2 VMC last summer. As far as weight goes, I use just the amount I need to feel the bottom. Personally, I don't agree that you need to impart any action on the bait. I find it best to leave it alone. It quivers plenty without your help. I use Strike King bitsy tubes, lake fork baby magic shad, Berkley's shad in 4 inch or trick worms. Just let the fish tell you what they want. I use a M or MH rod with a fast tip. Sensitivity is key. I like the Pfleuger President in the 30 size. Just remember on the hook set when you nose hook the bait, just lift up while reeling to set the hook. No crazy lip ripping sets are needed.

 

This is a great technique just about anywhere you think the fish are holding.