Florida drop shotting

[Guest avid]

Well the good news is I caught my first ever bass using the drop shot technique.

It was fun, and highly productive if overly dinkified.

BUT.  There was this one.  A BIGGUN. broke my line.

Now I was using 6lb p-line cxx which has a good rep for strength v. rating.

Also I had already caught a couple of fish and had not checked the line.  My lake is typcial florida not too deep and loaded with weeds.

I switched line (leader actually) to 10# yo zuri hybrid and could not get another bite.

I am looking for a line that is suitable for the finesse and low vis required of drop shot, but something that can stand up to the abrasion of hauling fish through the weeds.  I would prefer not to have to retie too often.  

I was very pleased with the p-line cxx and no doubt should have checked the line.

But I know I'm not the only lazy guy out there.  What brand, and lb test do you think would suit my purpose.

Thanks

avid

[fourbizz]

Honestly I think you should stay where you are at or go to 8lb Evolution.

A properly set drag and vigilance over your line's condition should be your focus, but you already knew that

[justtrying]

the highest lb test mono/fluro i use on my spinning reels is 8lb.  ....i've been experimenting, however, with the 10lb power pro ..it's the size of 2lb mono, has no memory, no twist, casts a mile.

i've even used it for drop-shotting & it works as well, or better, than any other.

right now, i've got one of my "always use" reels loaded w/yz 8lb & the other w/power pro 10.  ..unless i find a negative soon, i'll soon have all power pro on my spinning reels.

ronnie

[cbfishalot]

Avid

Are you drop shotting with spinning or casting setup?

In Florida I would use a casting setup with 10lb fluorocarbon or a braid with a fluocarbon leader.  I think 6lb might be a little light with all the veg. down in Florida.  The casting gear should give you a little more leverage to pull them out of the grass.  That CXX is great line you may of just had a fray in the line.  I would give the CXX another try and see if it's going to work for you.

Nice job on your first drop shot fish!!!!!!   Are you hooked on the  drop shot yet?

[Guest avid]

I'm using light casting gear (loomis cr 782) with power pro and the cxx leader.

The more I think about it the more I realize, that I over used the line.  I had caught two fish that I had to land through the weeds, plus numerous other casts.

I'm gonna stick with the 6lb cxx - I really like it.

I just need to retie a little more often.  but as the 4bizzleman says, "I knew that"

Thanks for the wake up call.

PS - i won't say that I'm Hooked on drop shotting, but it was fun.

I'd still rather pitch a jig.

Question - what kind of weights do you dropshotters like best.  I was the using the bell sinkers but picking up too many weeds.

[fourbizz]

I've heard you mention them before, use a bull shot weight. 1/8-1/4 they will probably even be THE MOST weedless, due to lack of metal hardware to catch on weeds. I use them in the rocks and they get hung fairly easy, but since you just crimp them on lightly, they slide right off and are much less expensive than dropshot specific weights.

[cbfishalot]

Avid

I think your using the right setup!  The weight I use is a  round ball or tear drop but i'm fishing lakes with hardly any grass.  You might want to try a finesse weight so it slips through the grass easier. The finesse weights are longer and skinnier.

When the bass are on there beds try pitching that drop shot onto the bed and then you'll be hooked!!!

[gatrboy53]

i started useing the d.s. last yr.here in n. fla. first it was in deep water lakes but now i always have one tied on and use it like a t-rig or c-rig,especially in submerged grass.it gets the bait up above the grass.the elongated finess weight work best in grass,no snags.i mostly use a bullet weight in grass.in deep water i use spinning gear w/ 8# an 40,and in the weeds or casting i use casting gear w/ 10 # an 40 and heavier if need be.i use d.s. in deeper water to give em a stationary bait they dont often see,but i mainly use it in shallow water to get it up off the bottom.i also use d.s. when the bite gets tough.i'll admit so far i havent boated any fish over 2 1/2 lbs. using it but a friend of mine caught a 12 3/4 in kingsley a couple mths. back in 40' of water on a finess worm.i too have found you have to retie after awhile even if you dont catch a fish .the knot and running the tag end back thru the eye get weak after awhile.i can definetely say the d.s has put some fish in the boat i wouldnt have caught otherwise.

[Captain Cali]

The setup sounds fine to me. CXX is my line of choice when dropshotting, especially at night. If 4# CXX on a ultra lite rod can handle a 10# largemouth, I'm sold. Anything 6# and below will require constant reties or you will lose some fish. From my experience with 8# CXX, you can catch a few fish before a retie.

That being said, I will be trying some other line this year. I have total confidence in CXX but I'm always searching for something better/different.

[Deuceu72]

Seaguar Invisxxx..............Once you try it, you'll never use anything else!  ;D