Revamping My Dropshot.

[lecisnith]

I am picking up a new rod and reel pretty much exclusively for dropshotting. My question is: what baits are the best for use with the technique? Can I use plastic jerks, worms, craws, toads? I've only ever caught them on worms and only ever used worms and tubes.

[FinCulture]

There's a lot of good dropshot plastics out there. You could wacky rig or nose hook a senko, use a tube, or use a dropshot-specific bait. Perhaps I can point you in the direction of a guy I'm friendly with who pours his own plastics and owns a small bait company called Samatis Bait. He's made a new dropshot bait that has some killer action. Just hit this link for a picture: http://www.mafishfinder.com/view_photo_details.php?id=49667&pid=1

Email him if you want and he can get them to you cheap and in almost any color you want. Tell him "BayStateAngler" from the MA Fishfinder forum sent you and he should give you some of the best online service you've ever had.

[Fisher-O-men]

4.5 inch worms are the most common DS baits, but you can DS almost anything.  I have heard of guys dropshotting jerk baits and cranks.

[FinCulture]

4.5 inch worms are the most common DS baits, but you can DS almost anything.  I have heard of guys dropshotting jerk baits and cranks.

Cranks? I'm yet to see that one!

[lou304]

Jackall Crosstail Shad

[JeziHogg]

I like Twitchtail Minnows, Crosstail Shads, Fat Roboworms.

[RoLo]

Jackall 4" Crosstail Shad  (nose-hook; flat-side on top)

Roboworm 4.5" Straight Tail Worm  (wacky rig)

 

Roger

[*Hank]

2 words ``Robo-Worm``.

[Turkey sandwich]

Roboworms are pretty sweet. Depending upon size, nose hooked or "light wire" worm hook.

[Tiller]

The Gambler shaky shad good minnow imitator that I've caught some nice smallmouth on.

Joe

[Dypsis]

I, like others am a fan of the Crosstail shad and Roboworms.  Also liking Reins bubble shaker and JP hammer shad.

[A-Jay]

Do yourself & your Smallmouth bass fishing a Huge Favor -

 

Drop shot a SK Rage Craw - just one time.

 

You'll be very glad you did.

 

A-Jay

[buzzed bait]

i like the jackall crosstail shads as well

BUT nothing has worked on the DS for me like the roboworm.  Not too specific on the size, they all work.  Best color for me has been morning dawn.

[gulfcaptain]

Do yourself & your Smallmouth bass fishing a Huge Favor -

 

Drop shot a SK Rage Craw - just one time.

 

You'll be very glad you did.

 

A-Jay

I'm gonna have to try that around where I fish.  You rig it with a regular EWG?

[lecisnith]

Do yourself & your Smallmouth bass fishing a Huge Favor -

Drop shot a SK Rage Craw - just one time.

You'll be very glad you did.

A-Jay

When using a craw imitation do you use a shorter leader for the sinker? Or is that irrelevant?

[A-Jay]

I'm gonna have to try that around where I fish.  You rig it with a regular EWG?

 

Yes a Gamakatsu standard 3/0 EWG.

 

When using a craw imitation do you use a shorter leader for the sinker? Or is that irrelevant?

 

The rig excels when there is a some cover on the bottom.  Adjust the bottom leader length to position the bait just above it. 

 

A-Jay

[lecisnith]

Do yourself & your Smallmouth bass fishing a Huge Favor -

Drop shot a SK Rage Craw - just one time.

You'll be very glad you did.

A-Jay

Advice taken

[lecisnith]

Also went and got a Gander Mountain Elite 6'9" M/L and put a Pflueger President on it. That's one big part of revamping my dropshot. Not using a $20 Daiwa 6'0 M/L anymore. Always looks like the rod is going to bend completely in half whenever there's anything bigger than two pounds on it.

[A-Jay]

Advice taken14405508504400.jpg

 

 

Cool ~ Don't forget the net, scale & a camera.

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

[EvanT123]

Try a jackal I shad and 1/0 offset hook. The big girls like this one.

[lecisnith]

Cool ~ Don't forget the net, scale & a camera.

Good Luck

A-Jay

All present and accounted for, sir.

[fishgasm]

Drop shot combo? The best I can think of is a 2014 Shimano Stella 2500HGS and the newest St. Croix Legend Elite (shown at iCast).

[lecisnith]

Drop shot combo? The best I can think of is a 2014 Shimano Stella 2500HGS and the newest St. Croix Legend Elite (shown at iCast).

Boy, I'm sure glad I don't ever worry about having "the best"...

[lecisnith]

Do yourself & your Smallmouth bass fishing a Huge Favor -

Drop shot a SK Rage Craw - just one time.

You'll be very glad you did.

A-Jay

I finally had the chance to do as I was told. Caught two with the Rage Craw but lost two as well. Two really nice smallies that decided to play cat's cradle in the laydowns covered with zebra mussels.

[A-Jay]

I finally had the chance to do as I was told. Caught two with the Rage Craw but lost two as well. Two really nice smallies that decided to play cat's cradle in the laydowns covered with zebra mussels.

 

Glad you got a couple. 

I've played that "lost'em in the lay down game" myself ~ it's not all it's cracked up to be.

  If the water's clear enough sometimes I can present the drop shot "in the vicinity" and they'll come & get it. 

When that's not making it happen, I start making casts just a little closer and then a little closer and then even closer still, until they'll eat it. 

I have learned, same way you did, that too close is a sure way to broke off. 

Now I keep a jig & craw rigged up with a little heavier line, pitch that right in the mess and take my chances that way. 

I do not have the zebra mussels to deal with - just Pike !

 

A-Jay