Drop shotters.....gather around!

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I really like to cast a dropshot where I normally fish under a bridge.  One thing I sometimes do, if I have the right baits with me, is to make a long cast with a Gene Larew Long John that is nose hooked dead straight and use a slow retrieve with some pauses and small jerks.  It keeps the bait up just a bit from the bottom.  Sometimes it's hard to keep good contact but I find it very effective the few times I have done it.

[aarogb]

Pitching it to laydowns and docks with a 1/4 oz. weight and 8 lb. flourocarbon has been most productive for me.

[airborne_angler]

Ive learned that a DS can be very effective. Its my "go-to" when I cant get bit on anything else.

I normally strip line the length of my arm,and tie the hook there(maybe its a little long but it works for me)

When I fish it,Ill cast it out,let the weight hit the bottom. Ill then begin lightly yo-yo'ing my rod tip. If that doesnt work,ill drag it,stop,drop my rod tip so the bait flutters to the bottom. Wait a few seconds and snap the line up,making sure you keep the sinker on the bottom.

Yesterday I noticed something neat. I was Using a DS and the sinker got stuck in some boulders on the bottom.I pulled and pulled trying to get unstuck. I tie a slipknot on my sinker for just such an occasion.

Once the sinker slid off the line and the line was free(weightless),I had a fish just SLAM the bait.

The fish mustve just been there watching the bait the whole time waiting for it to move,It came loose with a jerk,and then the fish attacked it.

Alot of times,I wont even feel the fish. Just more weight than usual. I set the hook and "FISH ON!!"

As far as a horizontal presentation,ive been told if you fish from the bank,that the bait(if using a worm) will appear like a baitfish feeding on the bottom as it climbs up the depths incline back to the bank.Ive pictured it and it makes sense

[fourbizz]

If you are not using braid mainline, you are cheating yourself.

[Lucky Craft Man]

If you are not using braid mainline, you are cheating yourself.

x2

Since switching to a braid mainline, it is like a whole new world.

[Nitrofreak]

FBL,

I use this technique a lot at lake Anna and I know for sure it will work at SML.

I do a couple of different versions when bringing it back to the boat I will pick it up and let it fall all the way back with a pause in between and a couple of twitches or I will add some nervous twitching while its falling.

You have got to try the way everyone says they do it it's a great technique and yields some really fun fishing!!!

[airborne_angler]

I cant agree more...It really is alot of "fun fishing" using a Dropshot.

Ive caught every species of fish in my home lake on a DS. Trout,Bass,Green Sunfish,Bluegill and Hybrid Sunfish.

[5bass]

FBL,

I use this technique a lot at lake Anna and I know for sure it will work at SML.

I do a couple of different versions when bringing it back to the boat I will pick it up and let it fall all the way back with a pause in between and a couple of twitches or I will add some nervous twitching while its falling.

You have got to try the way everyone says they do it it's a great technique and yields some really fun fishing!!!

Yeah, I'm sure it works being casted but I just cant bring myself to do it. I always throw the carolina rig in those situations. I might cast a drop shot one day but for now, I think I'll just keep dropping it......straight down. (I'm hard-headed) 

[fourbizz]

FBL,

I use this technique a lot at lake Anna and I know for sure it will work at SML.

I do a couple of different versions when bringing it back to the boat I will pick it up and let it fall all the way back with a pause in between and a couple of twitches or I will add some nervous twitching while its falling.

You have got to try the way everyone says they do it it's a great technique and yields some really fun fishing!!!

Yeah, I'm sure it works being casted but I just cant bring myself to do it. I always throw the carolina rig in those situations. I might cast a drop shot one day but for now, I think I'll just keep dropping it......straight down. (I'm hard-headed)

Dropshotting is my third favorite technique. I cast it probably 90% of the time. Just sayin... ;D

[Nitrofreak]

FBL,

You really need to convince yourself to try this I know I had a hard time grasping it myself but it really does work!!

I will tell you one other thing I did try and that is tying a 12 to 18 inch leader to where your hook normally is on a drop shot...as the weight falls the bait falls away from the line and gives the bait a more closer appearance to that of it being weightless and I have had some really great fishing especially at the 208 bridge on that point there with this technique and it also works really good down at dike 3 where the current is strong coming under the bridge.

[moby bass]

What style and size of hook is generally used? 

[Nitrofreak]

I like to use a 3 to 5/o offset hook smaller if I'm in calmer waters and larger if I'm in waters with a little current.

I use the rage shad mostly for this set up.

[oprcsr]

I've heard of this before but haven't used it yet. Next time out on the kayak I think I will.

[Nitrofreak]

It's a good technique but it requires patience so don't give up on it and good luck.

[J Francho]

What style and size of hook is generally used?

match the hook to the bait....as small as #6 split shot hooks, up to 5/0 wide gaps for bubba shotting big plastics in weeds.

[Catt]

If I'm targeting suspended bass the yes drop it straight down but bass aint always suspended! 

[Fishing Rhino]

What style and size of hook is generally used?

match the hook to the bait....as small as #6 split shot hooks, up to 5/0 wide gaps for bubba shotting big plastics in weeds.

I've wondered about using larger hooks.  The largest I've used has been 1/0. 

Strange that I've stuck to the "rules".  There have been times I've thought larger hooks might work better.

Drop shotting and fishing Jackall Wacky Jig Heads are the only times I use such small hooks.

I'll use 3/0 to 5/0 hooks for most of my other fishing.  Why not for drop shotting as well?  Why not indeed.  The weight is just to get the bait into the strike zone, fluttering around the top of vegetation, or close to the bottom.

(Smacking myself aside the head.)   : :-[

[Nitrofreak]

What style and size of hook is generally used?

match the hook to the bait....as small as #6 split shot hooks, up to 5/0 wide gaps for bubba shotting big plastics in weeds.

I've wondered about using larger hooks. The largest I've used has been 1/0.

Strange that I've stuck to the "rules". There have been times I've thought larger hooks might work better.

Drop shotting and fishing Jackall Wacky Jig Heads are the only times I use such small hooks.

I'll use 3/0 to 5/0 hooks for most of my other fishing. Why not for drop shotting as well? Why not indeed. The weight is just to get the bait into the strike zone, fluttering around the top of vegetation, or close to the bottom.

(Smacking myself aside the head.) : :-[

J Francho explained it on the money it's just that where I fish primarily 3 to 5/0 hooks work great!!!

[J Francho]

I'll take this "its just a terminal rig" philosophy further to include an answer about rods, reels, and line....

Match tackle to the cover you are fishing.

[Nice_Bass]

If you are not using braid mainline, you are cheating yourself.

x2

Since switching to a braid mainline, it is like a whole new world.

I understand the sensitivity in braid is nice, but I don't use braid for anything but musky.  I feel like I am tossing rope out there, even with a fluro leader.  Confidence thing I guess.  It is either 12 pound mono for most situations (have even caught a 43'' musky on it, no leader) or lighter if I am using spinning gear.  I know I will get lit up for this, I just don't see the need unless fishing for money.  Then maybe it is 20pound big game.  To each his own... :-X

[fourbizz]

If you are not using braid mainline, you are cheating yourself.

lmao. I use 2lb dia braid. The small diameter is just as important to me as the sensitivity.

x2

Since switching to a braid mainline, it is like a whole new world.

I understand the sensitivity in braid is nice, but I don't use braid for anything but musky. I feel like I am tossing rope out there, even with a fluro leader. Confidence thing I guess. It is either 12 pound mono for most situations (have even caught a 43'' musky on it, no leader) or lighter if I am using spinning gear. I know I will get lit up for this, I just don't see the need unless fishing for money. Then maybe it is 20pound big game. To each his own... :-X

[Nice_Bass]

If you are not using braid mainline, you are cheating yourself.

lmao. I use 2lb dia braid. The small diameter is just as important to me as the sensitivity.

x2

Since switching to a braid mainline, it is like a whole new world.

I understand the sensitivity in braid is nice, but I don't use braid for anything but musky. I feel like I am tossing rope out there, even with a fluro leader. Confidence thing I guess. It is either 12 pound mono for most situations (have even caught a 43'' musky on it, no leader) or lighter if I am using spinning gear. I know I will get lit up for this, I just don't see the need unless fishing for money. Then maybe it is 20pound big game. To each his own... :-X

LMAO=small rope. 

[Bassin_Fin@tic]

If you are not using braid mainline, you are cheating yourself.

lmao. I use 2lb dia braid. The small diameter is just as important to me as the sensitivity.

x2

Since switching to a braid mainline, it is like a whole new world.

I understand the sensitivity in braid is nice, but I don't use braid for anything but musky. I feel like I am tossing rope out there, even with a fluro leader. Confidence thing I guess. It is either 12 pound mono for most situations (have even caught a 43'' musky on it, no leader) or lighter if I am using spinning gear. I know I will get lit up for this, I just don't see the need unless fishing for money. Then maybe it is 20pound big game. To each his own... :-X

LMAO=small rope.

Yep.To each his own. I can't stand to feel like I'm fishing with a rubber band with no sensitivity only mushy feeling. It boils down to the fact that I fish braid mostly for everything. On the flip side, if your used to using mono all the time then braid seems too weird.

[CAdeltaLipRipper]

Everytime i cast a drop shot more than 10 feet,like to the point where u drag it instead of hoppinbg it,i get snagged AALLLL THE TIME.But my grandpas friend will drag it just as much as the normal drop and pop way and he does really well that way

[CAdeltaLipRipper]

If you are not using braid mainline, you are cheating yourself.

lmao. I use 2lb dia braid. The small diameter is just as important to me as the sensitivity.

x2

Since switching to a braid mainline, it is like a whole new world.

I understand the sensitivity in braid is nice, but I don't use braid for anything but musky. I feel like I am tossing rope out there, even with a fluro leader. Confidence thing I guess. It is either 12 pound mono for most situations (have even caught a 43'' musky on it, no leader) or lighter if I am using spinning gear. I know I will get lit up for this, I just don't see the need unless fishing for money. Then maybe it is 20pound big game. To each his own... :-X

LMAO=small rope.

Yep.To each his own. I can't stand to feel like I'm fishing with a rubber band with no sensitivity only mushy feeling. It boils down to the fact that I fish braid mostly for everything. On the flip side, if your used to using mono all the time then braid seems too weird.

I prefer braid for heavy cover set ups i dont like it for anything else.I have it on my flippin stick,my frog rod, and then i have fluorocarbon on my main baitcast set up,mono on my topwater rod, and mono on my spinning set up