Keeping Dropshot Rig Ready

[lecisnith]

I've read and heard that some guys tie a dropshot rig and then just store it. Is that a lot easier than just tying every time you want to use one? I've personally only used a dropshot once for approximately 45 seconds before I said screw it but I've made that one of my learning points this season.

[ColdSVT]

I always have my dropshot rig on deck...always

It spends a good bit of time in my hand too lol

I made myself learn it last year and it paid off well...saved the day more than a few times and helped me weigh a limit several times as well

[A-Jay]

Avid users of the drop shot almost always have a designated rig. If you plan on doing it, having a rod & reel pre-rigged saves time.   Rigging one every time you want / need one is a bit time consuming but if you're not in a tournament, what's the hurry ?  

 

I have a designated D/S rig that's pre-rigged with my "standard" set up.  However often times I'll need to change the hook type out to meet the conditions or a different bait.    The VMC spin shot hooks with the swivel design will save you some time.

 

Give this technique some time - it's very effective.

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

[curtis9]

I keep the spin shot hooks with a leader tied on ready to go. If I decide to drop shot that day I just tie the hook on and slip on a weigh.

[lecisnith]

How do the specialized drop shot weights work? I've got just regular tie-on drop shot sinkers. Does the line really hold in the little pinch? I suppose it doesn't really have to hold up to that much stress, just it's own weight against the angler reeling. Are they worth it just as a time saver?

[J Francho]

I have four DS rigs. Two each of exactly the same combos. I hate tying when I'm catching, lol.

[MichiganBass80]

I always have a dropshot rig out on the deck of the boat.

How do the specialized drop shot weights work? I've got just regular tie-on drop shot sinkers. Does the line really hold in the little pinch? I suppose it doesn't really have to hold up to that much stress, just it's own weight against the angler reeling. Are they worth it just as a time saver?

Yup, the line holds in the little pinch just fine. They do save some time if you are changing the leader length from hook to weight. I use hooks with the line clip on the bottom of them also.

[ww2farmer]

One rod (usually a spinning rod) is rigged with a drop shot every day, all season long. Most day's it's on the deck too. There are also times when multiple rods have drop shot's rigged up for bubba/power shotting as well as the spinning/light line rig.

[5fishlimit]

I also have a dedicated drop shot rod ready at all times.  The dropshot weights in my opinion are a no brainer as they make for very quick and easy adjustments to the leader length, and also to change the size of the weight - if conditions require it.

 

Also, should your weight get snagged in some rock - or something - then it is a lot easier to have the line break off at the weight then to do so much farther up.  I use 10# braid with a 6# FC line as the leader.

[Alpha Male]

Mine is not dedicated but it is also used for weightless plastics as well. But when I think will use it i tie it before I leave the house. I try and avoid wasting time on the water.

[MickD]

I finally licked the drop shot effectiveness gap last fall; now I keep a dedicated rod fully rigged. I had had trouble catching anything on a drop shot for long time, but found it very effective on fall smallies in about 3 feet of water. It kept the plastic just off the trashy bottom and was very effective. Another time same story in about 12 feet.

When I settle on the rig dimensions I tie the sinker on, or tie a knot to prevent it from getting thrown off by a jumping fish.

Keep trying the drop shot and you too will probably finally "get it."

[S Hovanec]

I have a minimum of 3 dropshot rods rigged at all times with various hook sizes for different baits.

[MickD]

A testimony to how effective and versatile the drop shot can be, right, Goby King?

[S Hovanec]

A testimony to how effective and versatile the drop shot can be, right, Goby King?

 

I even sold my tube rod 2 years ago because I never used it anymore. Sometimes I rely on the DS too much though!  That's why there will be a spybait rod, a light jerkbait rod and 2 new tube rods added this season (hopefully), along with another new DS rod.  Giving one of the old ones to the wife!

[MickD]

I even sold my tube rod 2 years ago because I never used it anymore. Sometimes I rely on the DS too much though!  That's why there will be a spybait rod, a light jerkbait rod and 2 new tube rods added this season (hopefully), along with another new DS rod.  Giving one of the old ones to the wife!

What is a spybait rod?  I've heard it and haven't figured it out yet.

[BasshunterJGH]

I always have a spinning rod rigged up with a dropshot. Definitely my go-to finesse technique. It's a good idea to keep one rigged because they're kind of a pain to tie.

[S Hovanec]

What is a spybait rod? I've heard it and haven't figured it out yet.

pretty much same as a DS rod! that way if I don't like spybaiting, it's not a wasted build! You can never have too many DS rods!!

[MickD]

Ok, a very fast tipped rod, good butt strength, but I don't know what the technique of spybaiting is. 

[S Hovanec]

Ok, a very fast tipped rod, good butt strength, but I don't know what the technique of spybaiting is.

ahh.....slowly sinking prop bait cast long distances and retrieved slow and steady.

[MickD]

ahh.....slowly sinking prop bait cast long distances and retrieved slow and steady.

Thanks.  I found it by searching, and see the Duo Reallis lures on Ebay.  

Got to give it a try.

[S Hovanec]

I'm waiting for some Duos to come in.

[Dwight Hottle]

I'm waiting for some Duos to come in.

 

 

They work on lake trout too.