Tag Line Length On Dropshot Rig

[BONZ]

When I tie my Dropshot rig, should if leave my tag length long? In other words is it OK to have excessivel line coming out of my Dropshot weight in order to lengthen or shorten my height off the bottom. I don't want to keep having to retie my rig in order to adjust the length off the bottom.

[Glenn]

Yes, I suppose you could do it that.  But check out the way I rig it.  With the spinshot rig, it's easier to adjust the length without retying the entire rig.

 

Oh, and hey!  I'm not sponsored or affiliated in any way with spinshot hooks.  In fact, I think there's several hook companies that make this now.  Pick your favorite and knock yourself out.

[*Hank]

It depends on the time of year but I usually tie a 8-10" leader.

[papajoe222]

If I'm using a drop shot weight, I always do just what your asking.  It gives me the ability to lengthen or shorten the tag length without retying. I never have one longer than 18in.  The majority of my drop shotting is done with a jig rather than a weight, but there are times when a cylindrical weight works better.

[SirSnookalot]

Have not used a spinshot hook, the concept looks interesting.  When it comes to fishing about the only thing I'm anal about is a neat, trim, clean looking setting up.  No swivels, no snaps and tag ends are cut on the short side.  I don't think I catch any more fish I just like the way it looks.  Taking the time to retie or change leaders is part of fishing for me, I'm not racing.

[Crestliner2008]

Not sure where you are located, but here, in the Northeast (with 4 seasons), I usually start out the season (right after ice out) with a rather short dropper - maybe 4" - 10" in length. As the water warms and fish become more active, I have a tendency to increase the length - to as much as 4' in some cases (depending on water clarity). This process has worked well for me over many years of drop shotting.

 

I have to disagree with Glenn on the Spin-Shot hooks however. Tried them for one full season. Lost way too many smallmouths on the first jump. Switched back to my tried & true - Gamakatsu Slip Shot/Drop Shot hooks, #2 - and never looked back. They've served me quite well. Not sure why the Spin shots don't perform well for me - thinking it may be an added leverage point with the swivel, enabling the bass to throw it. But I'm probably wrong.

[BONZ]

So it's ok to have a foot of line hanging off the ds weight to alllow adjustment to my length of my hook height off the bottom?