I'm learning to drop-shot

[IowaBasser]

First let me say I really appreciate all the help I've gotten from everyone on this web-site. Everyone is extremely helpful and very understanding. So... thank-you!

I've never tried a drop-shot rig. I've done a little research, and I understand the basics.

Here is my first question: is drop-shotting primarily a verticle presentation? I mean is a drop-shot usually done in deep-water (12 to 20 feet, or deeper) under or close to the boat? ...or can you fish a drop-shot in shallower water (say 6 to 8 feet) by casting it out and slowly bringing it back to the boat like you would a jig for walleye?

Here's my second question: what types of lure/bait do you use on a drop-shot rig? I plan on trying senkos (I call them wacky-worms) and beyond that I'm pretty much clueless. The tacklewarehouse has a wide variety of drop-shot baits: http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Drop_...BDROPSHOT.html ...any reccomendations?

My third question is about line. How important is it to use a leader? I typically fish 10 pound fire-line. (Yes, my fire-line has lost a lot of it's color, so I may take a black sharpie and try to make the last 10 feet or so black.) I suspect is supper clear water I'd use a leader, probably 8 pound mono; 'cause that's what I have - or a flurocarbon, whichI would have to go out and purchase. If the water is slightly stained or down-right murky, I'll probably just use the 1o pound fire-line.

Editing: I just found this article which answered some of my questions, but I'd still like to hear from those who have experience at drop-shotting! http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/guides/dropshot.html