Drop shot line

[Bluebasser86]

I'm trying to learn the drop shot better this year. Currently using 5lb Maxima main line but haven't been a fan. I'm thinking I might go brain main line with a leader. Wanted to see what others are using for a main line before I make a switchange though.

A new reel should help this learning experience also if anyone wants to chime in there. I like Pfluger or Shimano, looking to keep it under 150.

[Darren.]

4 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I'm trying to learn the drop shot better this year. Currently using 5lb Maxima main line but haven't been a fan. I'm thinking I might go brain main line with a leader. Wanted to see what others are using for a main line before I make a switchange though.

A new reel should help this learning experience also if anyone wants to chime in there. I like Pfluger or Shimano, looking to keep it under 150.

Blue, I've been using braid + leader for a very long time
and I've been using it for drop shotting, too. Got a buddy
of mine hooked, as well, and he's caught some great bass
of late with a 10lb leader using a Trick worm...

FWIW....

As far as reels, I will only say that I prefer Shimano...Pfloogs
are fine as well, just didn't fit my hands as well as Shimano's
when I compared....My DSG special $99 2500 Stradic FJ has
been absolutely awesome.

[Kevin22]

I don't like braid for drop shot. Don't really have a set reason, I just don't like it. I use 8# seaguar fluoro (6lb dia). 

[detroit1]

10# braid to spro power swivel and floro 8# leader for me...

[kickerfish1]

Bluebasser86 - I really like a Shimano Stradic if you can catch one on sale. The FJ series was a great reel (now discontinued) and is super solid. You may be able to find some used for well under $140 in nearly new condition.

For line I really like 8# Sunline sniper. Not a big braid fan for anything other than frog fishing. Drop shotting is one of my favorite and most productive techniques and over the years I haven't had an issue with using the above equipment.

[Bluebasser86]

2 hours ago, kickerfish1 said:

Bluebasser86 - I really like a Shimano Stradic if you can catch one on sale. The FJ series was a great reel (now discontinued) and is super solid. You may be able to find some used for well under $140 in nearly new condition.

For line I really like 8# Sunline sniper. Not a big braid fan for anything other than frog fishing. Drop shotting is one of my favorite and most productive techniques and over the years I haven't had an issue with using the above equipment.

 

3 hours ago, Kevin22 said:

I don't like braid for drop shot. Don't really have a set reason, I just don't like it. I use 8# seaguar fluoro (6lb dia). 

For those of you that like fluoro, is line memory an issue? The Maxima I've been using has the slightest bit of memory and it's making it impossible to feel anything unless I'm actually moving the bait. It's possible I need to go to a heavier weight I think but the zebra mussels make it almost impossible. I've been using 1/8oz most of the time because I'm fishing fairly shallow water (less than 20'), but I'm thinking I might need to bump up to 1/4oz so I'm not moving my bait too much and over working it.

[smallies24/7]

Line twist and memory are the main reasons I have ventured away from straight fluoro or copoly. For the last two years, all I have used is 10lb braid with a swivel connected to 6-7lb fluoro and it is perfect for me. Maximum sensitivity, manageability, and value. I live in the PNW so I spend most of my year drop shotting for smallmouth in water from 5-50ft, and I havent found anything that is even a close second. I do keep one DS rod always rigged with straight fluoro just to play with, but rarely use it now. 

[MainelyBASS]

Im a braid to fluoro guy all the way. 90% of the fish I catch come from the dropshot. My reasons for braid are: Better hook up ratio when fishing 30+ feet because there is no stretch in the line. Less twists in the line because of the leader. Better casting distance with small baits/weights. My biggest reason for using braid is for bite detection. I prefer to use a very bright color braid yellow or neon green, color doesnt matter because the fish only see the leader. For bites that I don't feel right away, seeing the line jump is a helpful tool in catching more fish.

[MDBowHunter]

I'm a braid guy also, I use 20# braid and a 6# leader. The reason I use the 20# is its the same diameter as the 6# mono that I use as as leader and it makes tying the two together much easier. Also if you get hung by the hook you'll only break off a leader instead of a bunch of line. There is no twist involved when using braid and sensitivity goes way up with the braid. I don't use swivels at all and I use a normal dropshot hook, I tried the spinshots and I found that they're more of a pain then they're worth and as with swivels I feel it takes away from the sensitivity.

[ww2farmer]

14 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I'm trying to learn the drop shot better this year. Currently using 5lb Maxima main line but haven't been a fan. I'm thinking I might go brain main line with a leader. Wanted to see what others are using for a main line before I make a switchange though.

A new reel should help this learning experience also if anyone wants to chime in there. I like Pfluger or Shimano, looking to keep it under 150.

I like braid with a leader. I will NOT drop shot with straight braid. It's too limp. I also will NOT put fluoro on a spinning reel (or any reel for that matter) as a main line. The line management issues drive me nuts, and I have 100% confidence in my braid to fluoro. leader knot (alberto)

[kickerfish1]

There is a video on YouTube with A-Mart speaking of drop shot rigs and the line. I know he likes 7# Sniper but mentions he will drop down to a lighter like on occasion. I have used 6 and 8# with no issues regarding line management or casting. But then again I use flouro and mono for my casting setups. Some folks like Yoxuri Hybrid in 6# due it's breaking strength for spinning.

[buzzed bait]

10# braid to fluoro leader for me as well.  i tried straight fluoro and didn't like the way the line handled and much prefer the braid with my lighter rod for a better hook penetration.

I don't use the drop shot a ton, but when i do i use my pflueger supreme mgx.  works for me!

[IndianaFinesse]

I use braid to floro for the same reasons of the above posts, sensitivity, hook sets, and no memory.  I tried floro but didn't like it since it has so much memory and stretch.  if you do decide to get floro, although I would advise against it, bite the bullet and get tatsu.

[Turkey sandwich]

The other big benefit to braid as a main line is that you can get high vis colors for finesse fishing.  If you're dead-sticking, bright yellow Power Pro is hard to miss.  

[Fisher-O-men]

I use braid and 10# FC leader.  I have a theory that because the braid floats it may cause the bait to stay off the bottom on a slightly slack line.  Would like to test my theory in a pool.

[Kevin22]

16 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

 

For those of you that like fluoro, is line memory an issue? The Maxima I've been using has the slightest bit of memory and it's making it impossible to feel anything unless I'm actually moving the bait. It's possible I need to go to a heavier weight I think but the zebra mussels make it almost impossible. I've been using 1/8oz most of the time because I'm fishing fairly shallow water (less than 20'), but I'm thinking I might need to bump up to 1/4oz so I'm not moving my bait too much and over working it.

 

I am using seaguar red label (walmart has it for the best price). Maybe just the slightest bit of memory, but not bad at all. I have NO problem feeling my bait move while keeping the 1/8 weight on bottom in 20' of water. Best cheap fluoro out there IMO. I don't use any conditioner on it, but I suppose if you pick up a bottle of line and lure it would be even better. 

[Drew K]

17 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

 

For those of you that like fluoro, is line memory an issue? The Maxima I've been using has the slightest bit of memory and it's making it impossible to feel anything unless I'm actually moving the bait. It's possible I need to go to a heavier weight I think but the zebra mussels make it almost impossible. I've been using 1/8oz most of the time because I'm fishing fairly shallow water (less than 20'), but I'm thinking I might need to bump up to 1/4oz so I'm not moving my bait too much and over working it.

Good bit of KVD line condition and I have no problems.

[ChrisD46]

#7 lb. Sunline Sniper FC main line tied to VMC Spinshot hook - then a short #6 lb. inexpensive FC leader of your choice down to the weight . It handles well and doesn't twist ...

[wnspain]

I've always used braid to 6lb Yo-Zuri. This year have tried some Gliss to Yo-Zuri. 

I use a Pflueger President that I'm pretty happy with. Saw them at WM about a month ago for $45 on clearance.

Other than that, I have a Shimano Stradic CI4+ and a Shimano Saros that I wouldn't hesitate to use for DS but the 
President is my go to rig (Shimano Crucial Drop Shot CRS-DX68MA).

[WIGuide]

I'm still torn on this subject. When I started out, I was using 6# fluoro, but after so many rave reviews for the braid with fluoro leader I gave it a shot last year and wasn't blown away by it. I think if you're fishing them deep it might be worth it to go braid, but you could still get the job done with fluoro. This year I'm going to try both side by side since I have multiple spools for my spinning reels. 

[MDBowHunter]

16 hours ago, Fisher-O-men said:

I use braid and 10# FC leader.  I have a theory that because the braid floats it may cause the bait to stay off the bottom on a slightly slack line.  Would like to test my theory in a pool.

I use braid with a mono leader both of which will float and I don't have any trouble hitting the bottom even in 35-40' FOW, it's all about picking the right weight sinker. I also feel that using this setup will let the bait fall a little slower which is a good thing in my eyes while finesse fishing, and if your in deeper water just up the weight a tad. In the dog days of summer this is my go to setup once the sun gets up and the bass head to deeper water. My success with a dropshot is the main reason I have yet to try a ned rig. Why fix what isn't broke 

[MainelyBASS]

18 hours ago, Turkey sandwich said:

The other big benefit to braid as a main line is that you can get high vis colors for finesse fishing.  If you're dead-sticking, bright yellow Power Pro is hard to miss.  

I should have said that 

[lmbfisherman]

I use 15 lb braid for drop shot and use flouro as a leader.  I find it versatile because I can change the leader line to any rating I feel would be effective that day.

[dam0007]

On April 4, 2016 at 1:42 AM, Bluebasser86 said:

 

For those of you that like fluoro, is line memory an issue? The Maxima I've been using has the slightest bit of memory and it's making it impossible to feel anything unless I'm actually moving the bait. It's possible I need to go to a heavier weight I think but the zebra mussels make it almost impossible. I've been using 1/8oz most of the time because I'm fishing fairly shallow water (less than 20'), but I'm thinking I might need to bump up to 1/4oz so I'm not moving my bait too much and over working it.

Went from 6# InvizX to 7# sniper, both very similar. Memory wasn't as much of an issue as line twist. I don't use swivels, probably should try but that's another topic. A little LnL the night before and maybe mid day helps with the management. One key too is do not put too much line on the reel. Keep a good gap between the line and edge of the spool lip. Also I pretty much use 3/16th unless it's really windy or heavy current I bump up just by adding a 2nd or 3rd weight. 

[Logan S]

Hey Blue, this is my setup...It's caught tons of fish for me from Florida to Ontario and almost everywhere in between .  I fish with a braid mainline probably 90% of the time.  For me, dropshot is a technique where you almost always have tension on the line so the 'slack-line' advantage to flouro is negated somewhat.  Plus you don't have to deal with the line-twist headaches.  I do keep a spare spool of 6 or 8 lb flouro in case I want to make the switch, for some reason it seems to make a difference every now and then...A quick spool change is an easy way to be prepared.  

I fish it vertically over open/deep water, cast it, make short pitches to docks/cover, and almost any other way you can think of...There's no wrong way to fish it IMO.   One really effective area for it (and one of my favorite ways to fish it) is steep rip-rap like you normally find around bridges, 'walking' it down the drop.  If you want to build some confidence, start at a place like this.  

• ML/XF Spinning rod
• 2000 size spinning reel - main spool with 10 lb braid, back up spool with 6 or 8 lb flouro
• 6-10 lb Flouro leader for braid, depending on conditions - Alberto knot
• #2 Owner Mosquito hook - palomar knot, oriented with hook point up (after a few tries, you'll figure out how to tie it like this)
• 3/16 drop shot weight nearly all the time...Except on Erie where I use 3/8 to 3/4 depending on depth/current/wind/waves
• Nose hooked plastic of your choice - I use a Zoom Finesse most of the time

It's not something I try to cover a ton water with, although I'm sure some will/can...Go throw it next to bridge pilings or rip-rap, docks, or some other target you know fish will hang around...You'll catch 'em, then expand it from there .