Dropshot Hookset Technique

[garroyo130]

Just got back home from what should have been a great fishing trip. I was throwing a drop shot on an owner mosquito hook size #1 and getting lots of bites but I only managed to land 1 fish out of about 10 strikes. 

 

This is worse than how I was doing previously (not that I was doing great), but I partly blame it on following the advice of looping the tag end back through the hook eye after cinching up the palomar knot. 

 

Anyhow any advice on dropshot hooksets would be appreciated. 

[A-Jay]

Although I use a uni-knot to rig the drop shot, I always loop the tag end.

My drop shot hook set is always just a light snap up and a reel set at the same time. 

As for missing hook ups, IME that's hard to do.

But there could be a few reasonable explanations as to why.

Here's my version . . 

Fish biting are very small and just tail biting your bait.

Hook point is bad.

Bait used is too big for the hook choice and is inhibiting hook penetration.

You're not holding your mouth right.

A-Jay

 

[BassinCNY]

I have the same problem. I decided to rig everything weedless on a light wire worm hook with a keeper. I might get less hook ups but I get a higher percentage to the boat. I'm still deciding on what  hook works best for me.

[garroyo130]

21 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Although I use a uni-knot to rig the drop shot, I always loop the tag end.

My drop shot hook set is always just a light snap up and a reel set at the same time. 

As for missing hook ups, IME that's hard to do.

But there could be a few reasonable explanations as to why.

Here's my version . . 

Fish biting are very small and just tail biting your bait.

Hook point is bad.

Bait used is too big for the hook choice and is inhibiting hook penetration.

You're not holding your mouth right.

A-Jay

 

Do you drop the rod tip to get a better hookset like you would on say a texas rig or do you just hookset from wherever the rod is at? 

[Bird]

Drop-shot is a staple on my boat and hook ratio has been very good.

 

What line and rod are you using  ?

 

 

[Bluebasser86]

I had some difficulties with hookups and keeping fish pinned with open style hooks on a DS for some reason. Have not had the same issue since I switched to the straight shank, weedless style DS hooks.

[A-Jay]

3 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

Do you drop the rod tip to get a better hookset like you would on say a texas rig or do you just hookset from wherever the rod is at? 

No, never.

When using a typical drop shot hook, they are very small and have a tiny needle point.

IME it take very little pressure to sink that small steel.

If I were to rear back and do a Bassmaster hookset, I'd surely part my line; which is always 8lb test or lighter.

Just reel set it.

A-Jay

[garroyo130]

Rod is medium light fast. Power should be enough since I use it for weightless trick worms on a 2/0 hook with no problems. 

 

Line is 6lb yo zuri hybrid. Same line I use for weightless trick worms. 

 

I am seeing your hook gap is considerably larger than mine. 

[Bird]

Gamakatsu finesse wide gap 1.0

All I've used for years.

[scaleface]

I have more bass come off with a drop-shot than I have landed . I must be holding my mouth wrong too .

[garroyo130]

I might downsize bait. If nothing else that will rule out bluegills nipping at the tail. 

[Bird]

I wouldn't give up on DS, fun way to fish.

 

Try a 4 1/2" Robo.

[deadadrift89]

1 hour ago, garroyo130 said:

 I was throwing a drop shot on an owner mosquito hook size #1 

You may want to try using a Gamakatsu Drop/Split Shot Hook #1 instead and rigging as @Bird showed. We do alot of it this way and hookups usually aren't a problem. I also just do a reel set to put hook in fish and never lower rod tip. 

[garroyo130]

Are yall hooksetting up, across the body, sweeping? 

[A-Jay]

18 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

Are yall hooksetting up, across the body, sweeping? 

OK guess it's time to discuss your drop shot set up and presentation style. 

What rod, reel, and line do you typically use (type & size) ?

And are you fishing vertically mostly (under the boat)

or are you casting the drop shot to present it away from the boat ? 

A-Jay

[MN Fisher]

15 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

Are yall hooksetting up, across the body, sweeping? 

Gods no - at the most it's a short, quick pull. Most of the time it's just reeling into it - which is why you want needle-sharp hooks.

 

Currently, I use VMC Spin-Shot hooks - though I am thinking of upgrading to Gammy Swivel Shots.

[Choporoz]

When I switched from Gammy to Owner SSW hoks, my dropshot hookup ratio increased dramatically 

[Way north bass guy]

It’s funny how some have problems with hookups with the drop shot, for me it’s one of the best bite to hookup ratio baits I use. I pretty much do the same thing A-Jay does, you don’t need to reel down and hammer on the thing like it’s a punch rig on 60lb braid in thick slop. Most times for me, the bass almost hook themselves if they’re aggressive, it’s mostly just a reel faster and lift up a bit set and your off to the races. I’ll bet it’s either the wrong size hook ( too small) or the way you have it in the plastic. I just nose hook my baits and it works fine for me. 

[garroyo130]

Not sure if it makes a difference but i am usually casting the rig. 

 

For those of you with excellent hookup ratios, do you find vertical vs casting makes a difference?

[Way north bass guy]

2 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

Not sure if it makes a difference but i am usually casting the rig. 

 

For those of you with excellent hookup ratios, do you find vertical vs casting makes a difference?

Not really, although I don’t usually cast the drop shot too far, maybe 20 yds from the boat at most. 

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

Not sure if it makes a difference but i am usually casting the rig. 

 

For those of you with excellent hookup ratios, do you find vertical vs casting makes a difference?

Casting...vertical - makes no difference. You have to watch the line closely when you cast, which is why I use a hi-vis line on my DS rig. I can see when the bass takes the bait as the line moves. Then it's just reel down the slack.

1 minute ago, Way north bass guy said:

Not really, although I don’t usually cast the drop shot too far, maybe 20 yds from the boat at most. 

15-20 yds is my furthest cast with DS as well.

[garroyo130]

Sorry about the million questions here but do you guys mostly use straight fluoro? braid w/leader? 

[MN Fisher]

6 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

Sorry about the million questions here but do you guys mostly use straight fluoro? braid w/leader? 

Mono - Suffix Elite Hi-Vis Yellow in 8# test. Really lets me see the line when it's out.

[garroyo130]

Thanks to all for your responses. I actually had some Gamakatsu finesse wide gap laying around so ill give those a shot along with your advice on hookset. 

 

I'll try to report back after Monday morning's fishing!

[MickD]

I use braid with FC leader, ML power or M power rods, drop the rod slightly then quick but "light" snap up.  I don't catch every fish, but don't miss enough that i consider it a problem.  I cast out from the boat short casts and fish right under the boat.