Quick Drop Shot tackle question

[dman]

I have never used this technique but will be giving it a try very shorty on a lake that people are doing well using the technique now.

Im not sure of a good standard hook size to use....the local Dicks or Gander Mnt do not have any drop shot hooks so i have to order them....Im probably going to use something like Roboworms straight tail,  Flashtrix and maybe Jackals Crosstail shad...Any tips on what hooks and size I should get,  thanks guys

[Gatorbassman]

A #1 or 1/0 Octopuss or Mosquito hook will work just fine if not better than a drop shot hook.

[islandbass]

Octopus hooks are the closest to a "drop shot" hook.  The main difference I have noted is the orientation of the hook's eye.

Sizes 1, 2 and 4 are still viable options, with 4 being the last resort option.

I use sizes 1 and 2 usually for both lmb and smb because that is all I need in my neck of the woods. If it's too grassy or weedy, I will T-rig the bait texposed with a mini EWG like the owner downshot. The T-rig will prevent grassy and debris from getting caught up on the exposed hook of a normal drop shot rig.

One last thing. You are probably going to try the standard nose hooked worm. If it doesn't work, don't forget that you can also wacky rig your worm.  Sometimes that is the difference needed in your presentation.  Good luck and a warning:

Drop shot fishing is addicting as it is effective at catching fish.

[dman]

thank you guys,  that helps - ordered some of the Mosquito #1.

I honestly didnt and dont know what the Octopus hooks are designed for

but i can find those locally - so i'll try those too

[Iowa Matt]

I'm sure some purists will hate it, but I fish DS rigs more than anything else and I almost always use a circle hook.  There are lots of good ones, but I like the Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp kahle style circle and the Gamakatsu Octopus circle.  These hooks will do two things for you, they will assure virtually 100% hook-up rate and virtually elliminate deep hooking.  Give 'em a shot and I bet you don't got back to a regular DS hook.  If I had to use a J hook it would be the Gamakatsu Mosquito.

Matt

p.s. give the Strike King Elaztec Finesse Worm a try.  It floats and has awesome action when nose hooked.

[Hook Set]

My go to drop shot hook is a Gamakatsu offset shank/worm egw in size 4, stock # 58308. The Gander Mtn here can't keep those things in stock. They always hook up really nice for me with little effort.

Be careful trying out the drop shotting, it's VERY addictive!

Good luck.

[kikstand454]

I'm sure some purists will hate it, but I fish DS rigs more than anything else and I almost always use a circle hook. There are lots of good ones, but I like the Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp kahle style circle and the Gamakatsu Octopus circle. These hooks will do two things for you, they will assure virtually 100% hook-up rate and virtually elliminate deep hooking. Give 'em a shot and I bet you don't got back to a regular DS hook. If I had to use a J hook it would be the Gamakatsu Mosquito.

Matt

p.s. give the Strike King Elaztec Finesse Worm a try. It floats and has awesome action when nose hooked.

x2

[Clobbersaurus]

Be careful trying out the drop shotting, it's VERY addictive!

Good luck.

^^ Amen to that and be patient!  I've twitched for what feels like forever when I knew the cover was holding and am rewarded at least 3 out of every 4 times.

[Crestliner2008]

You can actually use just about any hook you'd like with the drop shot. It's a pretty versatile set up. I personally prefer Daiichi's Stand-Out hooks. They protect the knot area better and keep your presentation horizontal quite easily. Been using them successfully for 4 seasons now.

One other point I'd like to make. After lowering your rig, hold still. Do not move it right a way. Let it settle into it's environment. Then after about 30 seconds, twitch it a little and hold again. Repeat.

As soon as your sinker hits the bottom, if any bass are close by, they know it's there and are watching it. This initial pause can (and does!) create a reaction bite that can be really exciting!

[aarogb]

I like a 3/0 circle hook.