Drop shot idea

[phisher_d]

When I first started fishing the drop shot rig, I used regular drop-shot sinkers and had good success. When the sinker got hung up I just pulled and it slid off like it was supposed to. Problem was, these sinkers are pretty expensive (especially in the heavier sizes), and when you fish a rocky bottom for smallies you go through a lot of them.

Here's the idea. Take a regular plain old lead bell sinker (much cheaper) and tie it to a short length of cheap 1-2 lb mono (any ultra-low breaking strength line you can find). Tie a loop knot at the end of this line, and tie a loop knot at the end of the tag end below your d/s hook. Then thread the sinker through the loop knot in the tag end and back through the loop in its own short bit of line. (don't know if that made sense)

If the weight gets hung up, the super-light line will break well before your mainline and allow you to retrieve your rig and loop on another weight (same idea as a regular d/s weight).  You'd have to have a bunch of these things pre-tied, but what else will I do all winter  You can also pre-tie them with different lengths of line so you can adjust the leader length of the d/s rig without retying the whole thing (retying after every few fish is still something to remember though).

I use a PowerPro mainline with a fluoro leader for dropshotting, so line twist isn't much of a issue, but you could also use a tiny ball-bearing swivel in place of the loop knot in the tag end to stop any twist coming from the sinker.

I got to try this set-up a few times this fall and so far so good, but it will have to wait for the last saturday in June for its next trial (bass season's closed up here).

Any opinions, suggestions, reasons why you don't think it will work...

ps. I don't know if this is actually a "new" idea, I think I've heard of rigs for other species that use the same principle.

[fourbizz]

Try using those sinkers and just tie a light duty snap swivel to the end of your tag. slide the collar on the snap up, so that it just barely closes. when you snag up, pull and the snap will open and pull straight. haven't tried it, but it should work as long as you are using a quality line in like 8lb test.

[Craw]

I used to use a similar approach for live baiting on a 3 way swivel rig to fish the tailraces of one of my local dams. Light line on the sinker end saved lots of rigs, not to mention bait.

I was using a drop shot just yesterday and it got me to pondering this very subject. I like fourbizzle's idea as well and I believe I'll look into that further.

[phisher_d]

That's a good idea fourbiz, if that works it will be a lot simpler than my idea... easier to store as well.

I'll definitely try it out.

[yurstruely]

I have 1 problem with that idea, Lead isnt good for humans, fish, anything. Think about how many lead sinkers have already infested tthe lakes we fish, its the reason tungston is #1 right now. My solution to your problem is what i do try a light braid, you will either move that rock fray your line, i have snapped braid on rocks but only from bounceign a jig in between some rocks with otu checkign my line for a hour.

see if my idea works before u use lead man!

[fourbizz]

I have 1 problem with that idea, Lead isnt good for humans, fish, anything. Think about how many lead sinkers have already infested tthe lakes we fish, its the reason tungston is #1 right now. My solution to your problem is what i do try a light braid, you will either move that rock fray your line, i have snapped braid on rocks but only from bounceign a jig in between some rocks with otu checkign my line for a hour.

see if my idea works before u use lead man!

Lead is only harmful if ingested. If its stuck in a rock, fish probably can't/won't eat it.  Tungsten is so popular because it is so dense. That lends to small size to weight ratios and increased sensitivity.

The drop shot system I have settled on is using 1/8-1/4 oz "Bullshot" I crimp it on lightly and when it hangs, the line just pulls through.

[HomersTomaco]

"Lead is only harmful if ingested'

This is a 100% wrong statement. All the lead from lost sinkers is gradually leaching into the water. This effects everything that lives in the water and the drinking water.  thats why they are illegal to buy in NY now.

[fourbizz]

Maybe I should have said, for the utter and overwhelming majority of the time, lead is only harmful when injested...

Absorption

Lead poisoning occurs as a result of ingestion or inhalation of inorganic lead particles or through transdermal absorption of organic alkyl lead. The respiratory tract provides the most effective route of absorption because it only depends on the size of lead particles and the metabolic activity of the body. Airborne lead particles that are less than 0.5-1 microns in diameter are generally completely absorbed by the alveoli. Gastrointestinal absorption of lead is less effective and depends on a number of factors, eg, the presence of food in the stomach, the concentration of lead ingested, the nutritional status of the patient, and the age of the patient. Lead absorption rates may increase with iron, zinc, and calcium deficiencies.

from http://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic1269.htm

[Catt]

Points to ponder

The millions of acres of water in the state of New York

Tons of lead fishing weights required to affect that water

If lead has polluted the water systems in the fine sate of New York it did not come from fishing weights.

[Garnet]

I've had success with just making a loop thru your bell sinker and then putting your bell sinker thru the loop and tighting down. It still will slip off.

Garnet

[pete s]

in fla too much grass to use comercial weights. came up with idea(modified carolina rig). i use brass weight,glassbead,a and a carolina keeper at the end. (keeper is the plastic device that u use a pr of pliers to open and insert line thru) finally, at the botton u tie a knot. looks just like conventional drop shot with added freature of sound. works better in grassy lakes in florida. try you will like. drop shotting new to me (live on clear water lake in orlando) you guys out there how do u work a drop shot rig and what kinds of baits. i was using a 4in razor worm,and it was productive. i was working it like bill dance works a worm and it seem to be more productve.(bouncing the bait along the bottom). arond here we drag or dead stick traditional texas rigged worm,dont do much bouncing the bait. any replies

[JT Bagwell]

I make my own Drop Shot weights. You can get a mold from Do-It Mold Co.

for a reasonable price and i think the clevices come in packages of 100. It is

a very fast process and is great for winter or rainy days. I usually make my

Jigs and Drop Shot weights in the winter when I get bored. Do-It Mold Co. has

a huge assortment of molds and other products for making your own tackle.

It is really neat catching fish on stuff that you make from scratch.

JT Bagwell

[bassnleo]

I make my own Drop Shot weights. You can get a mold from Do-It Mold Co.

for a reasonable price and i think the clevices come in packages of 100. It is

a very fast process and is great for winter or rainy days. I usually make my

Jigs and Drop Shot weights in the winter when I get bored. Do-It Mold Co. has

a huge assortment of molds and other products for making your own tackle.

It is really neat catching fish on stuff that you make from scratch.

JT Bagwell

Ditto here. I can pour 100 in no time and usually find myself running out of ds clevises. Now that my fishing companions know I pour them they have me pouring weights for them also. I also pour tube jigs and shakey head jigs. Definately a great way to get through the winter.

[Nick_Barr]

I just go with Quickdrops Dropshot sinkers, and double loop the line around the pincher.