Leader type

[Bassnyak]

Do you find that using a fluorocarbon for your leader sinks to much for dropshot fishing?would copoly be a good option for keeping my bait higher up in the water column? Thank you.

[10,000 lakes Bassin]

When fishing a drop shot I’m normally using such small diameter fluoro that I don’t worry about it. Also I’m shaking the drop shot most of the time so it doesn’t really have time to sink. 
I think fluoro is a better option overall just because it’s so invisible. 

[MediumMouthBass]

3 hours ago, Bassnyak said:

copoly be a good option for keeping my bait higher up in the water column? Thank you.

Copoly/hybrid line is the poor mans (better yet wise mans) fluoro. Or the gentleman's mono.

Each brand is different however, i like YZ Hybrid because well its the only one ive used. And has been fantastic for me. Its dirt cheap, and i leave my gear out in the cold/heat year round and i havent had to change the spools for years. Lines like new, just discolored. For me Copolymer line is always the answer (except for braid of course, but thats for something very different) but for this in my opinion i really think the line you are using now is just fine.

For drop shots keeping the bait up higher in the water column is 100% user controlled. Line will make a difference but it will still drop to the bottom if given slack, mono/hybrid will just let it fall slower. And i doubt that amount would make a significant difference.

 

Work on counting till where it hits bottom, and just reel in a bit and hold it at your (best guesstimate) desired depth, or even just using a small bobber stop and maybe a panfish bobber would suite you better. I personally couldnt stand fishing a drop shot, a bobber offered a quick and very simple solution. It works great if you know the depth. (BTW use a slip bobber since you can work the bait properly).

[papajoe222]

For a dropshot when using a leader, I don't think it matters that much.  I don't use a very long leader, maybe 18in. above the hook and max of 2ft. below.  Unlike many, I still use a quality swivel to attach my leader. Does line twist does affect braid? IDK, but Bill Dance uses one above his drop line and he introduced the technique to me.

[Brian11719]

Completely depends on the lure and retrieve being used. As an example a fluorocarbon leader actually helps (IMO) if you are using a elaztech type lure...also if you aren't dead sticking it for long or if you are in a kayak or somewhere with current the constant retrieve will also help keep most lures a little more horizontal and natural looking anyway. 

 

My advice would be to try both (I actually use both anyway but most of the time its 8-10lb fluoro for me on a drop shot). Then see how they look if you just toss it out a few feet and let it sink...then toss it out where you normally would and give both a fair chance and see which one the fish actually prefer...fair warning you might find that you think one looks better but the fish like the other one.

 

 

[Darth-Baiter]

my drop shot leader is the long tag end of the line I am using.  

 

you all tying on a separate leader?  for the hook?  or sinker..?

[Brian11719]

2 hours ago, Darth-Baiter said:

you all tying on a separate leader?  for the hook?  or sinker..?

I use braid to a fluoro leader which is pretty common these days. Anywhere from 10lb all the way up to 30lb braid (for a bubba shot) and then usually an 8-10lb fluoro leader. For the bubba shot I may or may not tie one on depending on what I'm throwing it into...if I do it's usually the yozuri copoly I use for topwater. Either way the leader is for the hook and the sinker and I prefer the improved alberto knot after someone else from the forum suggested it.

[MickD]

The sinker and the proportions of your rig will determine everything, not the material of the leader.  

[Darth-Baiter]

54 minutes ago, Brian11719 said:

I use braid to a fluoro leader which is pretty common these days. Anywhere from 10lb all the way up to 30lb braid (for a bubba shot) and then usually an 8-10lb fluoro leader. For the bubba shot I may or may not tie one on depending on what I'm throwing it into...if I do it's usually the yozuri copoly I use for topwater. Either way the leader is for the hook and the sinker and I prefer the improved alberto knot after someone else from the forum suggested it.

ahhh... sorry, I tried to skip coffee today.  haha..THAT LEADER!!