Table of Contents
What is a drop shot setup for fishing?
A drop shot rig consists of line tied to a hook with a trailing leader that comes to an end with a weight so that the weight is at the bottom and the hook and bait are above it.
When should I drop shot?
When to use a drop shot rig
- When bass retreat to deeper water (in summer or winter)
- When bass hold close to the bottom.
- When bass are lethargic (due to either hot or cold temperatures)
- When bass are not feeding aggressively (due to change of weather)
- In open water or in water with light cover.
How deep do you fish a drop shot?
The drop shot rig is highly effective all year round, and can be used from 2 feet deep water all the way up to 100 feet deep water. Drop shotting was originally developed for vertical fishing in deep water, but it has since been adapted to casting tactics in shallow water, and performs equally well in both scenarios.
How long should your drop shot leader be?
“The leader is an important part of the drop-shot and that length can change depending on different variables,” Martens detailed. “If the water is really dirty, then I go with the shortest leaders I use, around 1 to 2 inches. In clear water where the visibility is around 20 to 30 feet, I go with 2- or 3-foot leaders.
When should you drop shot?
But whenever you feel something like a sudden bottom material change, depth change or whatever, you drop the rod tip and let the bait swim on its own for a count or two. That’s when you should get bit.
How long should the leader be for a drop shot?
When you are right on top of the bait the distance of your bait from the bottom will be the same length as your leader. I generally use a 12 inches leader when vertical fishing a drop shot. Shorter leaders tend to be better when fishing rivers as well.
When should you throw a drop shot?
A drop shot rig can be used to catch bass all year round, and at any depth. However, it performs best in summer and winter, when bass move into deeper water and become more lethargic. At these times, finesse drop shotting is the absolute top method for catching bass that are not feeding aggressively.
What size rod is best for drop shot?
What is the best rod length for drop shot? The best rod length for drop shotting is 7 foot. That’s a perfect compromise between a shorter rod length, which works best for vertical fishing from a boat, and a longer rod length that performs better in terms of casting.
How to use a drop shot rig for fishing?
Using a fishing knot will ensure that the leader doesn’t break loose from the braided line. Tie the leader to the hook. Use a size 1-2 drop shot hook when setting up your drop shot rig. Thread the tag end of the leader into the eye on the top of the hook, so that you have 6–8 in (15–20 cm) of line to work with.
How much line do you need for drop shot fishing?
Drop-shotting is a finesse technique that requires light line, so use a spinning outfit spooled up with 6- to 10-pound-test line. Using a Palomar knot, tie a small drop-shot hook onto the line, about 18 inches (45.7 cm) up from the end.
Where does the bait suspend on a drop shot?
When fished correctly, the bait on a drop shot will suspend in the water column. This is a great technique for catching fish that are suspended up off the bottom, relating to brush piles, or even locked up on a bed.
What is the best bait to use for drop shot fishing?
Yes, you can use almost anything as a drop shot bait, some work better than others. of those better choices include very soft straight tail worms, fat stick baits/wacky worms and flukes. Soft plastic straight tail worms are typically the most common drop shot bait because very soft, flexible and have the most action.