Drop Shot Rig

[bassnbornboy]

Wassup. Just wondering is a drop shot only fishable in a vertical presentation. Can they be worked from shore? Also can you use a weight with a tie-on thing sticking out instead of the clinch weight?

[stk]

You can fish it from shore.  It'll help keep your bait off the bottom as you drag/jig it back to you.  As for the weight sinkers that you tie on, yes you can do it that way however the purpose of the drop shot clinch weight is that if you get hung up, the drop shot weight pops off and you get the rest of or your rig back.

[MikeinFresno]

I agree with fool, its a go to for me from the shore. I too like the weights with the slotted clip at the top.

[mayer74]

Drop shot from the shore is quite fun. My favorite right now. I agree that the clinch on the drop shot weights are good to use. If you snag hard, you still keep the lure. I also use the tall cylinder kind rather than the round as they slide over rocks a little better and don't get caught in them as easily.

[Sam]

Just wondering is a drop shot only fishable in a vertical presentation. - No, you can cast it out as you wish.

 

Can they be worked from shore? - Yes.

 

Also can you use a weight with a tie-on thing sticking out instead of the clinch weight? - Yes. You can even use a second bait like a jig.

 

Here are some more tips regarding you drop shot.

1.  Have the distance between the hook and weight 8 to 10 inches.

2.  Keep line tight or semi-tight so the plastic can act naturally in the water.

3.  Use simple baits. Roboworms or 4" finesse worms are great.

4.  Use Gammy #1 or #2 octopus hooks and nose hook the plastic from the bottom up. You can go up to a 2/0 but remember this is a simple presentation. If you use a larger hook go with a Texas rig setup and bury the hook's point under your plastic's skin.

5.  When you get the bite raise your rod tip. You do not have to cross their eyes when setting the hook.

6.  Always keep finger on spinning rig line as it comes off the reel when fishing the drop shot and watch for line movement all the time the bait is in the water.

7.  Don't forget your needle nose pliers to help remove the hook if necessary.

8.  Use 6 or 8 pound fluorocarbon line. 6 pound is the best so the bait has a natural action.

9.  Forget those new "spin hook setups."  Use the Palamore knot direct to the line.

10. Your line will get line twist on the retrieve so be ready and watchful for your line curling up.  Run line through your fingers when reeling in the rig to keep line tight to the spinning spool to help avoid line twist. But you will get line twist. It is part of the drop shot game.

11. Goal is to have your weight on the bottom at all times. Bring a number of different weight drop shot weights to make sure the weight is always on the bottom.

12. Just let the plastic sit there, swimming in any current or water movement.  You can bounce it back to you but the goal is to let the plastic's natural action be the trick to get the bass to hit the bait.

 

Hope some of these suggestions are new to you and you will now go out and have some drop shot fun.

Remember, if there is wood or other structure you will get hung up.  It comes with the territory so don't get upset. Cut your line if necessary and retie.

 

And speaking of line, check it constantly for knicks, scrapes, kinks, abrasions, etc. and cut it out and retie.

[gulfcaptain]

I agree with all the above except well I like the VMC spinshot hooks.  My own preference and it makes changing lengths from the hook to the weight as well since I use braid with a topshot of FC. I would def use the longer cylider weights for your shore fishing and would also include Kietech's Swing and Live Impacts into your arsenal of dropshot baits.  Dropshotting from shore is a staple in S.Cal and very productive.

[michang5]

The drop shot is my second favorite rig -- next to a wacky senko. I fish it from the bank quite a bit, and my PB 7.25# was caught on a DS GYCB shad-shaped worm.

My recommendation is to find the cheapest high quality hooks and weights you can find. From the banks, you will snag and lose a bunch. Comes with the territory.

I've been using Gamakatsu drop shot/split shot hooks #1 or 1/0. I also buy Mustad #1 DS hooks. Academy and DSG will frequently carry one or the other on sale for $2.50-2.99 for a pack of six.

As for the weights, Academy has stainless steel Water Gremlin drop shot weights (tear drop shape) with slide-on attachment for ~$1.50 for pack of 4.

Good luck!

[MikeinFresno]

I too use the long, slender style...I bend them in a curve and this helps keep them from hanging up in the rocks.