Drop Shot Retrieve?

[tkunk]

When I get bit on a drop shot, 90% of the time it's [1] when the rig is sinking after the cast; [2] within a few seconds of the weight hitting the bottom after the cast; or [3] when I pop the sinker free of a snag.

Because I seldom get bit on a retrieve where I don't get snagged, I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong.  Typically, I'll pull the weight until I hit a sticky area, give it some slack, wait 5-10 seconds, then start pulling the weight again.  Am I doing something wrong?

[Fish4bigfish]

I work the drop shot in place for a bit. Then I might pop it or drag it a few feet then work it in place again. I rarely get bit when the rig is moving. Most bites are when I am working the bait in place.

There are better options in my opinion for dragging a bait on the bottom

[tkunk]

30 minutes ago, Fish4bigfish said:

I work the drop shot in place for a bit. Then I might pop it or drag it a few feet then work it in place again. I rarely get bit when the rig is moving. Most bites are when I am working the bait in place.

There are better options in my opinion for dragging a bait on the bottom

I pretty much only drop shot in rocky areas.  After the cast, I let it sit for awhile.  Then, I drag it to a rock, let it sit for awhile, drag it quickly to another rock, let it sit for awhile, etc.

I'm not expecting to get bit while it's moving--I'm expecting to get bit when I'm letting it sit on slack line near a rock.  Maybe I should add some stops between rocks.

[WRB]

Try a split or slip rig they both work very good being dragged slowly.

After the drop shot weight is on the bottom hold the rod upright about 2 o'clock position and don't move it or just move the rod tip with tiny shakes against the slack line for about 30 seconds, then drag it about 2 feet and repeat. If that is too slow for you, go to the split shot or slip shot rig.

Drop shot I use 5 to 7 lb FC with 3/16 to 1/4 oz weight, about 8" to 14" distance between the hook and weight, spinning tackle. Split shot or slip shot rigs I use 6 lb mono becuase it snags less often dragging the 1/8 oz mono/Pro jo weight, about 24" to 30" between weight and hook. Owner size 1/0 #5133 down shot hook for split shot or weedless hooked 5" to 6" finesse worms, size 1 mosquito hook for nose hooked or wacky hook drop shot rig. 

You might want to consider wacky hooking worm as the standard method for drop shot.

Tom

 

[Airman4754]

I run a 7'6" rod with at least a two foot leader. I keep my rod tip way up to keep my line angle high so the worm is off the bottom. I cast it out as far as I can or to cover of there is some, which is rare. 

For the retrieve I'm always reeling slowly while gently shaking my rod. With the way I rig my worm on a straight shank it gives it an incredibly natural swim motion. 

For me this at least quadrupled my production for this technique, but everyone has a different style they like to fish. I'm a power fisherman and this allowed me to utilize a great technique without going crazy. 

[blckshirt98]

For a dropshot I'll cast it and oftentimes let it sit there and let any current/wind do the work.  I'll give the rod a light tap or shake to try and get any nearby fish to pick up the vibration, but I'll never "reel" the dropshot bait in like a swimbait.

[primetime]

I find I was not meant to be a drop shot guy unless we are literally drifting and not moving the rod. I always want to reel and move the bait but it seems less movement is best and often times you want to put it in a spot where a Bass would be and then just leave it as a Fish will pass. I am still trying to figure out the Power Shot, Just can't have success on it consistently but I like the idea, but I always have felt a split shot rig with a floating worm is really the same thing?

I also hate line twist, and the drop shot is not easy in shallow water, I find the Mojo or Split shot more fun, Drop shot is like using a Carolina rig to me only lighter and smaller fish but I know guys who are really good with it, it is not all that easy to get good with unless you practice I guess. I am not condident enough to use a drop shot unless fishing with someone who is catching fish on one. 

Way too many rigs today....I just take a bullet weight and put stops on both ends so I can peg it or slide it up 2 feet as I fish.

[You_Only_Live_Once_Fishing]

If you aren't getting snagged ye aint fishin'

same with me, except when i get snagged i living trees. 

reel ant twitch mod pace

reel slow, twitch, reel, no slack

pitch to cover

[Molay1292]

Watch a  couple of Aaron Martens video's on dropshot fishing.  He is the master.

 

[Montanaro]

Cast out and let sit
 For 10 seconds or so.

 

Slow drag until you feel an object and experiment with letting it sit and shaking it.

 

Thats really about it.  Somedays you can drag quickly.