drop shot question

[bubbler]

Hey you guys, I was wndering if you had any tips on the drop shot.

I have heard lots about it and was wonering how to fish the rig, what to use and how deep to fish it.

Thanks guys!!!

[Chris at Tech]

Surely there are better folks to answer this question, but here's what I know based on my VERY limited usage.

Equipment

--ML or M spinning rod

--1500, 2000 or 2500 size spinning reel

--6-8 lb test line (small ane clear line is desirable)

Tackle

--1/0 or 1 hooks (octopus, dropshot-specific, etc)

--bell or dropshot-specific sinkers in 1/8, 3/16, 1/4 and 1/2 oz for deep water

--possible baits: small senkos, small flukes, finesse worms, etc

Generally, it's considered a vertical presentation, meaning you position your boat over the desired structure and then drop the rig right over the side.  Let it rest on the bottom on or near the structure, and then just shake your rod tip to give the bait some action.   Some guys even go so far as to use their depthfinder to drop the rig right on a fish, and then use the graph to watch the fish go after it.

This is good for fish holding on the bottom/structure, or suspended near it.

You can either nose-hook or T-rig the bait depending on the structure you're fishing.

Any dropshot experts, please feel free to correct me

[Deuceu72]

You pretty much said it all Chris............The only thing I'll add is a lot of fisherman, including myself, use a jig, or as in my case, a tube, as opposed to a drop shot weight.......Why use 1 bait when you can use 2? They will tend to hang up more than a drop shot weight and the line doesnt have the ability to slide through in the event you become snagged, but sometimes it does pay off. Just depends on the structure you are fishing.....Good Luck!

[Nick_Barr]

You pretty much hit it on the head.

Any light to Med-Light Rod will do, but I personally use the Lamiglas XPS 662 "Drop Shot Special" Any 2 power rod will work for Dropshotting

I use an shimano 2500 reel or even a 1500 will work, just wont hold as much line

6-8 lb. Test Line will work, I prefer a thin, easy casting line such as McCoy.

I will use any weight from 1/16-1/2 oz. depending on the wind and deeper. I use Quickdrops, but a split shot weight will be fine, just twists more

More Wind or more depth, heavier weight. That is just my rule of thumb.

You Have to remember you are immitating prey, If you are using a Bottom Dwelling fish, use a short leader with little hops. a schooling or suspended fish recieves even 1-3 foot leader. For Crawfish a short leader works great!!!!!!!!

I mainly CAST the Drop-Shot, very scarcely do I go totally verticle with it. Its kinda called DropSwimming. I believe it works better than totally verticle, giving it a lot of shaking action. With a dropshot you can add ALOT MORE ACTION wo your bait without actually moving it outside the strike zone.

[tugabasser]

You've got it, Chris! I would also add a very important factor that can influence the way you fish a drop-shot rig: if you usually fish from a boat with a trolling motor, it's easier to control your positioning, allowing a vertical style of fishing and you would fish standig up. If you (like me) don not own a boat (I'm a float tube guy), it's difficult to control your craft positionig and do a vertical presentation, plus you fish in a sitted position. I normally adopt a more horizontal presentation and I get very good results (got it from an article  here at bassresource.com).

[sregsvsrt]

One thing I might add is to keep your bait as straight as possible. The way I do that is by using a palomar knot and looping the tag end back through before putting on the weight. My first experience with a drop shot.... I saw a stump that looked like it should hold a bass. I ran a spinnerbait by it a couple of times. I ran a tube by it a couple of times. I then pulled out a drop shot rig for the first time. I pitched it by the stump and let it sit in one spot while just barely twitching it, keeping the bait suspended by keeping the line semi-tight. The line just started walking off real slow. I set the hook and up jumped a 3 pounder. I think the main thing with drop shotting is keeping the bait in one place while "dancing" your lure. I prefer minnow imitations. I have a real tough time using the drop shot because I believe it should be used slowly. I only really use it in deep water or when the bite is slow. It is extremely effective when the bass aren't moving and are looking for an easy meal that they can just inhale.

[bubbler]

Thank you so much. I can't wate to get to the lake ande trie this out.

Do you think it is possible to use this rig from shore.

[sregsvsrt]

I was fishing from shore the first time I used it and caught the 3 pounder.