Action and angle of drop shot bait when casting

[ww3869]

I want to try using the drop shot from the bank(which is how I fish %99 of the time), but I'm having trouble having any confidence in fishing it due to the way I'm picturing its action when the line is at such a horizontal angle when casted out a good ways. I'm picturing the line almost horizontal and the hook hanging down with the worm hanging straight down below the line due to gravity. Now I'm not doubting that people use it effectively but it just doesn't sound like a very realistic looking presentation. Like when you shake it does it just shake the tail of the vertical hanging worm? Has anyone ever gotten an underwater video of the drop shot fished this way? More vertically fishing a drop shot makes perfect sense cause it seems like the worm and hook would stick out horizontally and have a much more natural action. As much as I want to try fishing a drop shot this way(and I'm still gonna try it) I keep feeling that a split shot or some other finesse presentation gives a much more natural looking presentation. Can anyone explain this to me or is that just why a drop shot works so good casting it out because the vertical hanging worm is just something the bass don't see. It's just hard for me to fish a new technique without being able to picture what action I'm imparting on the lure or what it's supposed to be doing. 

[JustJames]

I dont have underwater video nor expert on dropshot but let me tell you the way I look at my drop shot rig.

When I fish dropshot I will try to choose the plastic that float at the tail so it would stay up under water by the tail. Also when dropshot I dont   fish tight line, but let the line slack (semi slock line technique) a little bit so plastic can drop down or move after shake rod tip. The distance between the hook and the weight will determine how much plastic can move without moving your weight. I always leave about 6" up to a feet which should be enough for my most bank fishing (not too deep). 

 

 

 

[J Francho]

The main thing you are doing, is keeping the bait in place, and off the bottom.  It's that simple.  It gets bit, have confidence, be patient.

[Hogsticker]

Personally, I concur you will likely have greater success with a split shot, finesse jig, weightless or wacky rigged plastic from shore - unless you're fish fishing an area that gets rather deep very quick. Where you don't have to make a long cast. This is the only time I'll use a drop shot from the bank. 

[SWVABass]

I have my son fish a drop shot from the bank and he has tons of success.  We use soft plastics not loaded with salt so they a neutral I the water. I set it up any where from 12-18 in above the weight and then play with the set up from there. I like to fish it on a windy bank where hopefully fish are positioned looking towards deep water and ambushing prey as it is blow to them. Below is his best fish on a drop shot.