Favorite Drop Shot Weights ?

[ChrisD46]

Whether it be Tungsten or Lead - what are your favorite drop shot weights and why do you like them ? Drop shot weights can suffer from poor clip quality that do not spin freely or reliably resulting in adding to line twist - while others may suffer from some other quality control issues such as inconsistent weight or poor connection to rotating clips . Round shape drop shot weights for rocks , cylinder shape for grass or tear drop as the best compromise - what make and what do you like ... Lastly , is tungsten really worth the price adder for drop shot weights ? Thanks for sharing your drop shot weight thoughts and experiences .

[Bankbeater]

Most of the time I'm cutting off either a weightless rig or split shot rig and tying a on a drop shot.  I just crimp the reusable split shot on the tag end of the line.

[Susky River Rat]

I honestly just use the Walmart special tear drop ones. I do use one of those drop shot hooks with the swivels attached. 

[Jar11591]

These are what I use. Either tear drop or cylinder depending on the bottom. Quality line clips, compact size and several different weights. And pretty inexpensive for tungsten.
 

https://siebertoutdoors.com/products/ols/products/tungsten-skinny-dropshot-weight-5-pack
 

and 

 

https://siebertoutdoors.com/products/ols/products/tungsten-tear-drop-dropshot-weight

 

As far as your last question, IMO switching from lead to tungsten is always worth it whether it’s jigs, bullet weights or drop shots. Tungsten is more sensitive than lead, much more compact and non-toxic and more eco-friendly. The elevated price is the only downside to tungsten, but it seems like the price on tungsten isn’t as insane as it was 8-10 years ago. 

[roadwarrior]

2 hours ago, Jar11591 said:

These are what I use. Either tear drop or cylinder depending on the bottom. Quality line clips, compact size and several different weights. And pretty inexpensive for tungsten.
 

https://siebertoutdoors.com/products/ols/products/tungsten-skinny-dropshot-weight-5-pack
 

and 

 

https://siebertoutdoors.com/products/ols/products/tungsten-tear-drop-dropshot-weight

 

As far as your last question, IMO switching from lead to tungsten is always worth it whether it’s jigs, bullet weights or drop shots. Tungsten is more sensitive than lead, much more compact and non-toxic and more eco-friendly. The elevated price is the only downside to tungsten, but it seems like the price on tungsten isn’t as insane as it was 8-10 years ago. 

 

                              

[Darth-Baiter]

I buy the 25 pack of cheap lead ones.  3/16th oz exclusively.  they work great and I dont cringe much when I snag.

 

I have been buying 3/16 tungsten and they do snag less.  I dont think I need to feel the bottom as much on a drop shot, but i do like the occasional bump telling me I am clicking on hard bottom.

[WRB]

I use Owner Down Shot bell shape weights in 1/8, 3/16 & 1/4 oz sizes. It sits on the bottom without rolling like other shapes tend to do, line clip and swivel works good. About $3.50 for 10 each.

Simply tie a over hand knot on line end, Slip the line into the clip. If you get snagged pull or shake the weight the free, the over hand knot prevents the line pulling out easily but breaks the line at the knot before breaking at the hook.

Tom

[JohnFromLisbon]

I have 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 in my little drop shot 3500 box, both tungsten and lead. I almost always use the 3/16oz tungsten cylinder ones if I'm using the 822S DSR or 802S JWR. If I beef up the gear, I'll go up to 1/4 on the 852S. 

 

I prefer the clip ones, I'll loop it twice around but because I'm still throwing 6 to 10lb fluoro leader I can still pull it without losing the whole setup and just break off at the weight, like Tom said.

[Catt]

Inexpensive, don't worry about losing em, use the money savings on more important items.

 

 

[crypt]

9 minutes ago, Catt said:

Inexpensive, don't worry about losing em, use the money savings on more important items.

 

 

this...

[ChrisD46]

I fish a fair amount of rocky areas , so the tear drop or round drop shot weights are perhaps best for what I do ... If I could only use one style it would be tear drop . I forgot about the cheap WM tear drop shaped lead weights - nice way to experiment with sizes in that 1/8th to 1/2 oz. range . Lastly not for just bottom contact using a drop shot as drop swimming and strolling are other tactics using the same set up (with varied leader lengths) . 

[TnRiver46]

I just tie a knot around a bullet weight or egg sinker because I already have them on board for Texas and Carolina rig

[Woody B]

4 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I just tie a knot around a bullet weight or egg sinker because I already have them on board for Texas and Carolina rig

 

The bait monkey doesn't like that.  

[TnRiver46]

8 minutes ago, Woody B said:

 

The bait monkey doesn't like that.  

Appalachian innovation 

 

(aka necessity is the mother of invention) 

[ATA]

depending on situation, I always go as light as possible, And for sure I use lead and cheapest one even if I can use split shots. you going to loose that weight left and right so go cheap. 

[killobet]

I dont use drop shot rig much. But when I do I use tungsten weight only.

[PressuredFishing]

Lead bass casting weights.

[GoneFishingLTN]

22 hours ago, WRB said:

I use Owner Down Shot bell shape weights in 1/8, 3/16 & 1/4 oz sizes. It sits on the bottom without rolling like other shapes tend to do, line clip and swivel works good. About $3.50 for 10 each.

Simply tie a over hand knot on line end, Slip the line into the clip. If you get snagged pull or shake the weight the free, the over hand knot prevents the line pulling out easily but breaks the line at the knot before breaking at the hook.

Tom

Does the line tie spin?

[WRB]

10 hours ago, GoneFishingLTN said:

Does the line tie spin?

Edit No. 

[WIGuide]

I throw the Eagle Claw lead cylinder drop shot weights. The shape seems to come through everything from grass, to chunk rock without collecting much or getting hung up. I tried the tungsten ones, but I didn't feel I got as much of a benefit out of them. There was increased sensitivity for sure, but I didn't feel it was enough to warrant the extra cost. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

If you spend a few hundred $ for a decent DS rod then IMO it makes sense to use tungsten as long as you aren't snagging up all the time.  My local waters are mostly millponds where hard bottom is scarce.  Boat ramps, spillways, bridges or areas with more current create a harder bottom.  The transitions from leaf litter to gravel often hold fish so being able to distinguish that difference easily pays off.  

My favorite weights are Reins TG slims, but because of their cost I use Swagger cylinder weights most often.  That shape just seems to come through everything better for me and I like the way it contacts the bottom.  I generally use 3/32 or 1/8 even in deeper water.  I will go to a 3/16 or 1/4 at the most in wind, but its rare.  No matter the shape or weight a round eye instead of a clip is a must for me.  You lose far fewer weight to jumping fish or pinched line.   

 

[islandbass]

If I were to use ds weights I like teardrop and cylindrical the best. I could care less about the material. 
 

With that said, I no longer buy either and haven’t done so in over 10 years.  It’s simply not cost effective. I now make mine from pencil lead. It allows me to control the weight. 
 

So all I need are my special pliers from the salmon world and pencil lead. You can find 1lb of pencil lead for about $5 and you can choose 3/16” or 1/4” diameter. Show me where you can but a pound of DS weights for the same price and I’ll stop doing this. ?