i just cant use a drop shot rig?

[burrows]

I hate drop shottin?

[ww2farmer]

Hold on while I see if I can get my 6 and 11 year old daughters to explain it............it took them a whole 10 mins. to learn how to do it, I'm sure they will have words of wisdom for you....................kidding aside............what exactly seems to be giving you fits? It really is a very simple and effective way to fish. 

[J._Bricker]

Crankzilla, maybe go with the Roboworm Rebarb hooks.  I use 2/0 or 3/0 on both casting and spinning rods, not that I can remember the last time I use a spinning rod dropshoting.  

[Zippyduck Krimm]

I use 1/0 and have never had a problem. Unless you are using circle hooks and setting the hook. If they are circle hooks just wind into the fish, never set the hook.

[MDBowHunter]

What setup are you using? I've found that using the right rod is a night and day difference. When I first started dropshotting I just used a 7' Med 2 piece rod with a 3000 size reel, and I did ok. Once I went and bought a dedicated dropshot setup, I realized I was missing a ton of bites. I now use a St Croix Mojo (2016 model) 6'8" MLXF with a 2500 size shimano sahara, so I have about $180 in the whole setup.  

[burrows]

14 hours ago, MDBowHunter said:

What setup are you using? I've found that using the right rod is a night and day difference. When I first started dropshotting I just used a 7' Med 2 piece rod with a 3000 size reel, and I did ok. Once I went and bought a dedicated dropshot setup, I realized I was missing a ton of bites. I now use a St Croix Mojo (2016 model) 6'8" MLXF with a 2500 size shimano sahara, so I have about $180 in the whole setup.  

My spinning set up is a 7 medium fast #8 rod with a new model shimano Sedona c3000fe

[burrows]

maybe its a confidence thing? I'm used to big hooks 3/0 4/0 or even 5/0 when I throw soft plastics or swim baits I catch plenty of fish like that but when I'm not producing nothing is working,I just can't get myself to tie a tiny little hook on and nose hook a worm wile I slowly wiggle it around,and I have done it maybe not long enuf but I have with no success.

56 minutes ago, Zippyduck Krimm said:

I use 1/0 and have never had a problem. Unless you are using circle hooks and setting the hook. If they are circle hooks just wind into the fish, never set the hook.

I like using a 2/0 circle hook when I wacky rig not many ppl use them for bass fishing but they are great just let the fish run and it hooks itself. Have you used a circle hook for drop shot?

[MDBowHunter]

I think I'd down size that setup some and you'd see remarkable differences.I use it a ton in the summer, and really if you find the right spots it usually don't take too long to get bit. When I'm dropshotting it's generally when the waters real warm and the fish are deeper. I roll up on the back edge of the grass on grassy points, the fish will sit in the edge of the grass watching for an easy meal to swim by. I will just flip the bait right up to the edge and if fish are there a lot of times the sinker won't even hit bottom before the line goes off to the side. 

Edited March 31, 2016 by MDBowHunter

[Master Bait'r]

I am still learning...  I must say though, upping the weight in the beginning really helped me gain a greater competency.  

[brgbassmaster]

The ol fairy wand. Not a fan either! Lol. Everytime i fish it. Maybe 5 casts say screw this and start powerfishing again and catching fish 

[Dye99]

Im the same way... Ive caught fish on it, but no where near what I do with plastics, or lures... It just bores the living hell out of me sitting in a kayak, watching my fish finder while I basically ice fish...

[Zippyduck Krimm]

5 hours ago, crankzilla said:

maybe its a confidence thing? I'm used to big hooks 3/0 4/0 or even 5/0 when I throw soft plastics or swim baits I catch plenty of fish like that but when I'm not producing nothing is working,I just can't get myself to tie a tiny little hook on and nose hook a worm wile I slowly wiggle it around,and I have done it maybe not long enuf but I have with no success.

I like using a 2/0 circle hook when I wacky rig not many ppl use them for bass fishing but they are great just let the fish run and it hooks itself. Have you used a circle hook for drop shot?

I use them for deep fish and switch to a wider gap hook for shallow.

[gobig]

That hook in the picture looks way to big. I dont think your getting good hook penetration on that light set up. The rebarbs are good hooks for Texas rigging. I prefer the Trokar light finesse which are basically the same thing as a rebarb in a Trokar. 2/0 is a good size. I would also try a roboworm or something like it. 

[juicebass]

Same. I've never done enough drop shotting to really like it.

if you're not tournament fishing then keep it as the last go to technique if the you are getting hit on others options.

Whoever, I'm guessing caching some good numbers or sizes on a drop shot vs catching no fish is more fun than pitching or frogging all day with no bites!

[Gundog]

It takes time and patience to make it affective. A friend of mine won't even try it. I call him KVD cause all he does is power fish. But on days when the water temp is high I outfish him easy. It is simple once you get use to it. 

[WRB]

Your spinning outfit is well suited for several finesse presentations including drop shot.

The photo indicates you may be a shore angler? Drop shot can be cast and bumped or slow dragged along the bottom but not it's best use, split shot is better for this IMO.

Drop shot is more of a verticle or short cast presentation better suited from a boat or shore bed fishing. You really need to be patient and have a good idea bass are at the depth you are fishing. Like a Senko, drop shot can't be fished too slow....boring but effective.

[gobig]

I dont agree with you Tom. A dropshot is not just a vertical short cast presentation and it works just fine from shore.

[WRB]

Dragging a drop shot weight uphill is possible however it creates a tight line condition that can be counter productive with a drop shot rig until you stop moving the weight. During the spring bass tend to be moving uphill (spring up-fall down) when presentations like a slip or split shot allows the soft plastic to swim freely as the weight moves. Does this matter? Only if catching bass while cover water with a moving lure matters. Both work, split or slip shot allows more coverage quicker.

My favorite weedless hook for drop shot or splurge-slip shot is Owners #5301 light wire style hook.

Tom 

[burrows]

On ‎3‎/‎31‎/‎2016 at 8:56 PM, gobig said:

That hook in the picture looks way to big. I dont think your getting good hook penetration on that light set up. The rebarbs are good hooks for Texas rigging. I prefer the Trokar light finesse which are basically the same thing as a rebarb in a Trokar. 2/0 is a good size. I would also try a roboworm or something like it. 

deleted

[GoCougs14]

12 hours ago, Master Bait'r said:

I am still learning...  I must say though, upping the weight in the beginning really helped me gain a greater competency.  

How much did you up it?

 

Drop shotting has been 95% of my finesse fishing, and most of the time its pretty shallow, but anything over 1/8th ounce feel like Its just plunking to the bottom. 

[Master Bait'r]

52 minutes ago, GoCougs14 said:

How much did you up it?

 

Drop shotting has been 95% of my finesse fishing, and most of the time its pretty shallow, but anything over 1/8th ounce feel like Its just plunking to the bottom. 

 

I started off with 1/4oz.  Once I developed a feel for how it worked I kept dialing it back incrementally.  

 

I still am not a very big fan, as I don't use electronics so unless I know of a drop off, structure or deep hole it's not going to do a lot for me.  

[Airman4754]

17 hours ago, crankzilla said:

I hate drop shottin I just can't get it. The small hook ? I don't understand and I can't get any hook ups. How in the heck do you successfully use a drop shot rig ?

I used to have the same problem. I hated fishing with the finesse hooks. 

I switched to light wire straight shank worm hooks in and my hookup percentage is great. I actually enjoy drop shotting now. 

[buzzed bait]

questions for you:

1. what kind of bait are you using?  a nose hooked roboworm is my go-to

2. are you using a "normal" drop shot hook or the spinning type with swivels (i prefer the "normal hooks myself)

3. how long of a tag end do you have from the hook to the weight?  < may be especially important if fishing from the bank

[WIGuide]

The DS is a pretty versatile rig that definitely puts fish in the boat. To gain confidence in it try target casting with it. Hit some docks, stumps, or fallen trees with it. Cast to them, let it drop, shake it a little without moving the weight. Give it a few seconds, drag it a few feet and do it all over again. Do that 2 or 3 times and wind it back in and try to find another high percentage spot. It will allow you to fish it faster catch a few to gain some confidence in it before you start branching out. 

[Fishes in trees]

There is a learning curve to a drop shot rig, just like there is for any other fishing style.  There is a time & place where the drop shot works best, just like any other style.    There are different ways to approach drop shot fishing, just like many other styles.

Start with your rig.   Many guys use spinning gear and consider the drop shot a " finesse" fishing method.   Net necessarily so.  I always carry a "bubba shot" rig  (a 7.5' flipping stick with a 50 E filled with 20 lb Abrazx)  This is an alternative to jig fishing, both deep and shallow - also an alternative to flipping.  You can flip/pitch next to an object, allow a moment for the half ounce weight to hit bottom and then all of a  sudden you have a  bait - suspended 6" to a foot off the bottom, right next to the object you think holds fish.  You can wiggle it if you want, most of the time just trying to hold it steady and let the rocking action of the boat most it slightly works..

I use this approach a lot on objects from 2' to around 10' deep.  As the water gets dingier, use a soft plastic that moves a little more water.  I generally start with a crazy legs chigger craw.  The power bait jerk shad works ok for me in clearer water.  Start with the Arkansas Shiner color and with your scented colored markers, you can imitate nearly any color bait fish you want.   Nose hook the bait with a Shimano Wicked Wacky hook.   I carry all the different sizes, but 2/0 or 3/0 works best for me.   A GULP sinking minnow on a 1/0 wicked wacky hook works good for me as well.

In addition to the bubba rig, I carry a finesse rig, very similar to many of the ones described here and elsewhere.  I tend to use that rig in slightly deeper/clearer water when I feel line visibility is an issue.   I could fish it shallow but most of the time I grab the bubba rig.

The main thing I think about the drop shot is slow down and don't get in a hurry.  Once you've decided on an object to place the bait next to, give it time - at least a minute or two and more is better.  I try to figure out where the  "shade pocket" is on any given object,  and try to place the bait within inches  - in the sun but very near to the shade pocket.

Another thing - if you're trying to drop shot out of the back of the boat and your boater isn't drop shot fishing, that's a challenge.   To compensate, use a spinning rod that can handle a half ounce weight. that will get your bait down ASAP next to the object and give you more rising time until the boater forces you to move the bait or lose it.  Do a good job of anticipating and you can stick a number of fish that your boater just blows on by.   There you go, my thoughts on drop shot fishing for now.

If you can't catch fish drop shooting, either you haven't done it enough to get on the learning curve - or you are fishing it in the wrong time & place or it is possible that you are genetically/emotionally unsuited for fishing a drop shot, in which case try something different.

Part of the charm of bass fishing is that there are many paths to the same goal.