Drop shot rig and poor distance

[Capriceragtop]

Hey folks,

 

I'm shorebound, and enjoying drop shotting. Prior to this year and last, I never considered fishing during cold weather. Drop shot is changing my mind on that, as I actually get bites!

 

However, I can't seem to cast it far, maybe 15-20 yards. I'm using a 7'6 medium light spinning rod with Pflueger Supreme 2500 reel. Spooled with 20lb braid and 6lb leader. Typically use 1/8oz weight on a 12" lead to the swivel hook, and a variety of soft plastics.

 

Given I'm shorebound, I'd like to gain more distance. I can't tell if it's my technique, gear, or just the nature of drop shot. My cousin recommended switching to a casting setup, and I have a Curado MGL I could use, but I don't have a medium light casting rod. I think I'll be evicted if I get another rod before finishing up the shed, so I'd like to hold off on more gear. Get thee from my sight, bait monkey!

 

Any thoughts?

[WRB]

Why cast a drop shot rig? Drop shot is a more vertical presentation then Horizontal.

1. Change the line to 10-12 lb braid or no braid.

2. Increase the weight to 3/16-1/4 oz, drop shot weights sit on the bottom.

3. My suggestion is use a slip/split shot rig when casting and retrieving horizontal. The weight is in front of the soft plastic about 24-30”.

Tom

[A-Jay]

If launching your drop shot into orbit is the goal,

I'd drop down to an 8 or 10 lb braid mainline and pump up your drop shot weight to at least a 1/4 oz.

Is doubling your casting distance actually going to improve your catches that much ?

A-Jay

[JustJames]

15-20 yds seem short for 7’6 ML? Maybe line too low on spool or plastic is too heavy and not so aero dynamic? 

[Sphynx]

My thoughts are to spend more time finding the cover within 20 yards of the bank, you will have a population of fish that will prefer deeper water, but no longer cast is going to get you to those fish, which means your looking for the fish up shallow anyway until you buy a boat/kayak, there absolutely are fish up shallow nearly all year long, and the drop shot is one of many techniques that will catch them, but it's not a magic bullet, there's days they won't bite a drop shot, same as any other technique, you could try picking up some jigs, finesse and arkie heads are where I'd start, flukes work well too and are much less of an investment than the hard jerkbait world, so I'd start there and see what you come up with 

[@reelChris]

I like drop shot fishing, but the rig is awkward to cast under the best of circumstances.  If you're trying to maximize casting distance on a finesse presentation, why not try a ned rig?  Drop down to 10lb braid and you'll probably be able to fire a 1/8th oz ned pretty far with better accuracy than a drop shot.  

[MN Fisher]

Tom and A-Jay got it...10# braid max for DS. If you run a leader, 6#-8#. 1/4oz weight if you're casting for distance.

 

10# Sufix 832, 6# InvizX leader, 1/4oz DS weight on a President-25/Fury 702SF - I can toss that sucker 40-50 yds.

 

Only time I put the 1/8oz weight on is if I'm 'dropping' it over the side or going for short (less than 10yds) lobs...which I do WAY more often than casting for distance with a DS.

[fishwizzard]

I gained a noticeable amount of distance switching from a spinning to a casting combo with a DS rig and even more accuracy.  It feels like I have more control throughout the casting stroke and especially at the moment of release.  

[Kenny Yi]

i use a lh handle for spinning, hold the weight of the rig in your left hand and backhand cast it, think of it like a frisbee toss with your right hand (obviously, DO NOT let go of the rod)

 

1/4 oz weight does well for me

[Reel]

For walleyes, in early Spring I regularly use a drop shot rig from shore using similar equipment.  This is the only way they will bite where I fish.  The only difference is that I use 10 pound (soft) Power Pro 8 strand  braid and a 1/2 oz weight.  The size of the weight doesn't matter when it's on the bottom and at that time of the year, the fish don't bite while the bait is sinking.  I have no problem with distance.

[Deleted account]

3 hours ago, fishwizzard said:

I gained a noticeable amount of distance switching from a spinning to a casting combo with a DS rig

What shape is the Earth?...

[Bird]

I can sling a DS if I want but I don't.....it's like casting a pendulum. 

[FishinBuck07]

I am with the other folks here, drop to 10# braid and I believe you will get a whole lot more distance.  Thinking that the heavier braid is causing too much drag through the eyes.

[Jigfishn10]

What's your goal with the drop shot? Seems like you're trying to keep the bait up for some reason.

 

Casting a drop shot as a shore bound angler does have limitations, so the question is, are you trying to stay above weeds by using a drop shot? You need to remember that the further out away from you, the more horizontal you line is and now you bait is close to bottom. Basically an upside down c-rig. 

 

 

[Capriceragtop]

Thanks for all the advice, folks! I'll double check my braid. If it is in fact 20lb, I'll switch to 10. Cheaper to do that than to pick up another rod, for sure!

 

Disappointed in the distance, because I've got a 6'6 ultralight that will cast a rooster tail or egg hook/bobber a mile. I used that rod for drop shot, but I can't remember if I got more distance or not.

 

I've been using drop shot since it was suggested to me a month or so ago. Tough to break away now that it's actually producing results.

 

I'm going for distance, as one of the lakes I go to is pretty shallow for about 30yrds, then drops off with a pretty steep slope. Used to be a quarry, until the city put some busses in the bottom and flooded it. I know there are some 5, 10, and even 12lb fish in there, as I've got an acquaintance who slays em there. I'm happy to catch these little 2 and 3 pounders, but like anyone, I'm gunning for a lunker.

 

I've tried Ned rig, but it hasn't produced all that well for me, so maybe I'll give it another go. And I'll look into that slip shot rig, @WRB.

 

Thanks a ton, folks!

[Capriceragtop]

Would y'all recommend running the Power Pro Super Slick V2 for this? I've only ever used the regular, and I've become partial to the high-vis yellow.

[fishwizzard]

4 hours ago, Deleted account said:

What shape is the Earth?...

 

A kind of squished sphere? 

[Catt]

16 hours ago, Capriceragtop said:

I'm shorebound, and enjoying drop shotting. Prior to this year and last, I never considered fishing during cold weather. Drop shot is changing my mind on that, as I actually get bites!

 

First I would like to know where I can find a copy of the Bass Fishing Rule book! 60+ years I ain't found one yet, it can be hard back or paper back.

 

Personally I don't think you need a Ned Rig, Jed Rig, Fred Rig, Mojo Rig, or HoHo Rig.

 

Why ya say that Catt?

 

If I've learned anything it's that if it's working leave it alone!

 

Your setup is producing, ya just want a little more distance. Again personally I would simply go up in weight size. If possible I will even wade out knee deep to gain distance. Keep in mind you don't want to cast over the edge of the dropoff!

 

I cast a Drop Shot way more than vertical drop even in a boat. As far casting a Drop Shot with a short leader it's easy. Try casting a Carolina Rig with a 4-6' leader.

 

 

[Capriceragtop]

14 minutes ago, Catt said:

Your setup is producing, ya just want a little more distance. Again personally I would simply go up in weight size. If possible I will even wade out knee deep to gain distance. Keep in mind you don't want to cast over the edge of the dropoff!

 

 

That'll be the first thing I try. I'm pretty sure I have some 1/4oz, maybe a bit bigger, so it will keep the monkey away a while longer. If I already have some 10lb power pro, I'll try that after.

 

Why don't I want to go over the edge of the drop off? I ask in all seriousness.

[Catt]

9 minutes ago, Capriceragtop said:

Why don't I want to go over the edge of the drop off? I ask in all seriousness.

 

From the bank the odds are ya ain't getting that setup back!