Bass Fishing HomeBass Fishing Forums

Go Back   BassFishin.Com Forums > Serious Conversation Only > Techniques, Strategy & Presentations

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 11-07-11, 10:37 PM   #1
joedog
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: JANESVILLE,WI. 53545
Posts: 3,415
Default 2 for 1

Ok, first how many of you came to this thread anticipating a good monkey deal. Just messing with you.

The real deal is I have two questions.
First, when setting the hook when drop shotting do you use a sweeping set or like a circle hook (let them set thierselves)or like a jig set (ram it deep) or a worm set (kind of a combo, a hard sweep) or other?

Second, when casting, do you cast similar to a carolina rig or like a jig cast (not pitching and flipping) or what?

Ok I lied. Third question, I'm casting and using a 1/4 oz. finesse jig for weight (Wi.'s a 3 line/hook/lure state) and a 5 inch finesse worm for dropshot bait. So should I have jig and trailer(rage chunks) and finesse worm the same color and or shade or complete opposite like black/blue jig and white/pearl/crystal you know whiteish worm. While I'm at it, I'm lookig for good DURABLE finesse worms or shakey head worms (one in the same to me). I know Strike King has that line of like lizzards and such made with cyber flex but do they have finesse worms. And thiers got to be others. The sunnies and the dinks just do a number on normal thin worms. No success on 4in. sticks. Hey, and those who can't fish a rig like this, what would you do if you could?

Came looking for a 2 for 1 and got a 4 for 1, you all can thank me later.
Thanks and good fishing to all of you!
joedog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-07-11, 11:31 PM   #2
kennethdaysale
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
kennethdaysale's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: rock hill, sc
Posts: 2,315
Default

#1 Quick Jab
#2 casters choice
#3 similar colors
#4 Z-man
__________________
Sometimes you gotta risk it to get the biscuit.
kennethdaysale is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-11, 01:40 AM   #3
Crankbait
BassFishin.Com Active Member
 
Crankbait's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 406
Default

None of these are my strengths but I’d like to hear some answers
Crankbait is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-11, 03:29 AM   #4
islandbass
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
islandbass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: WA State
Posts: 1,783
Default Did Someone Say Drop Shot?

JoeDog, just scroll down to the hook set section




Just My Take on the Drop Shot Fishing Technique


I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I have grown fond of the Drop Shot technique in my short, six-season fishing journey. I found this technique to be a very productive method to catch fish in a variety of states. In my first outing for fishing for smallmouth bass ever, I hooked and caught three smallmouth bass on three consecutive casts. It is the only method that has done this for me to date, and from the shore to boot. At the very least, I can share with you what I have learned through trial, error, and experience (which isn't much).

As a method of catching fish, I believe the Drop Shot, as many bass anglers call it, has been around for a very long time. In its most basic form, it consists of having a weight at the end of the line with the hook a placed distance above it.

Basic Drop Shot Diagram

Here is a generic set up:



As previously noted, the weight that gets this rig to the bottom is attached at the end of the line and the hook is placed above it. Although weight of the sinker can be of just about any shape, there are some available that have a clip at the top of the weight that enables the angler quickly attach it to the line. It is not necessary, but it can be a convenient to use. A teardrop shaped weight with a clip for the line is used in the photo above.


Rod Selection

You don't need a Drop Shot specific rod. A medium-light to medium-powered rod with a moderate to extra-fast action, and a length ranging from 6'3" on up to just over 7' should work for you for now, unless you plan to fish heavier cover. If you find drop shotting to your liking, you can then opt to go with a Drop Shot specific rod of your choice. As a rule of thumb, a longer rod will enable you to have more line control, a plus when using the drop shot.

Unfortunately, many anglers perceive the drop shot to be an exclusively finesse (lighter line, smaller bait) technique. I do not limit myself to such a narrow view. I believe that the drop shot technique can be successfully employed not only in finesse situations but also heavier cover. One would simply have to ensure that the rod and line chosen suits the cover.

Reel Selection – Spinning or Casting?

The decision to use a spinning or casting reel is up to you. I will use either, depending on the conditions I face.
I prefer spinning reels (a size 20 or 2500 reel is an excellent choice) if I am going to face light cover, use lighter line and a lighter weight (1/8 oz. or 3/16 oz.). This is because they require less work on my part to give the bait a better vertical drop than a baitcast reel ever could. I realize it is minor, but it is a major peeve of mine to have to strip line off when using 1/8 oz. or 3/16 oz. weights just to produce a vertical descent of the bait. This is not an issue with a spinning reel. A vertical descent is achieved without any extra effort when the bail is kept open.

With that said, casting reels can also be used. Even a Barbie pole can get it done for drop shotting! I will not hesitate to use a baitcast reel if I were going to fish cover that required the use of heavier line, heavier weights, and larger baits.


Drop Shot Weight and Type

A 3/16 - 1/4 oz weight is a good starting weight. Going any lighter might make it harder for you to read what is going on until you get experience. As for the shape, I like to use either the teardrop (like the QuickDrops sinkers. They are my favorite.) or cylindrical shape and prefer the former as my first choice. I have not experimented with other shapes. When facings windy conditions, strong currents, or if you have to fish a greater depth, you might want to consider using a heavier weight.

Line

Because you are drop shotting, lighter line is preferred if the cover you are fishing allows it. Use a heavier line if the cover dictates it. The conditions I generally face allow my to use six-pound fluorocarbon line, usually Seaguar's Invizx or Cabela’s house brand. Seaguar’s Invizx line is surprisingly limp and that is what I like about it. It very manageable on spinning gear, which is something that cannot be said about other fluorocarbon lines whose stiffness can make it a pain to use on a spinning reel.

I know that some also prefer to use braid. I know the benefits of braid and am not against it and maybe someday I’ll use it with a fluorocarbon leader. Given the amount of sensitivity my rod and line provide me, I just don’t have a need to take it up a notch to braid for the typical depths I fish, which is usually no more than 20’. If you plan to fish greater depths, braid may very well be the ticket. The enhanced sensitivity braid provides should be helpful.

Baits

I keep an open mind when it comes to the baits I use. Many types of baits can be used. The general rule of thumb is a tendency to use smaller baits since we are "finesse" fishing (which translates to downsizing in general). The length of a typical drop shot bait usually ranges from 3" - 4.5". However, this is not set in stone.

Senkos, Sniper Snubs and Bolts, Roboworms, Reaction Innovations Flirts, Baby Brush Hogs and Tubes can be used. Think out of the typical angler’s zone. Do not limit yourself to using just a worm. This is not a worm-exclusive fishing method!

Here is a picture of a smallmouth bass I caught on a longer Roboworm hoping for a bigger smallie. Bless its little heart. The Roboworm is nearly as long it is!





Hook, Knot, and Rigging

I prefer to use size 1 or 2 (mostly size 2) Owner Mosquito or Gamakatsu Split Shot/Drop Shot hooks. If I am fishing a grassy area in which grass can catch the exposed hook, I opt for the Owner Down Shot hook, which is in essence a mini version of an EWG (extra wide gap) worm hook. Naturally, if you plan to drop shot much larger baits, you might need to go up in hook size.

When tying the line to the hook to fish the drop shot, many anglers like to use the Palomar knot.

Tie the Palomar knot as you usually would but do so with an extra long tag end. After the knot has been tied, position the hook with the point facing skyward and feed the tag end through the eyehook from the top. Next, tie, or if you have a drop shot specific weight, attach the weight to the tag end.

ISLANDBASS TIP: To ensure that the point of the hook will face up after tying the Palomar knot, hold the hook so that the point is facing skyward in one hand. Then, initiate tying the knot by inserting the line through the hook’s eye from the top (the point’s side). If you start the Palomar knot by inserting the line the other way, the hook will be oriented point down upon completion.

The two most commonly used ways to place the bait onto the hook when fishing the drop shot rig are to hook the bait through its nose, as shown in the first picture in this article and wacky rigged, or though the middle of the bait as shown below.


A “Wacky-Rigged” 3” Senko


Tag End Length (Distance from the hook to the weight)
The best way to figure this out is to experiment. I have had success with the tag end being as short as 4-6" to nearly but not quite 24”. Because drop shot method is not limited to a purely vertical presentation (and it escapes me as to why people think that way), a longer tag end is an option if you wish to work it like a Texas or Carolina rig (i.e., dragging it on the bottom from spot to spot). When fishing from the shore and as I do 99.999% of the time (I don’t fish from any kind of floating device), a longer tag end will enable you to keep the bait off the ground with the shallow angle that results from a long cast and being on the bank. For a more vertical presentation, a shorter distance from the hook to the bait could work. Another influencing factor is the depth at which the fish are staying. You might need to adjust your tag end accordingly to get the bait into their strike zone.


Imparting Action and Giving Life to the Lure

Despite the initial perception of working this lure, it is not all about jiggling and wiggling the bait to death. An angler can indeed work the bait this way, but I can tell you from personal experience, other ways of working it have been more productive than constantly wiggling and jiggling the bait to death. By no means am I saying to not wiggle and jiggle it to death. It is only one way to work your bait that can be effective at times.

So what should one do in addition to the wiggling and jiggling tactic?

Keep the weight on the bottom for the most part and leave enough slack in the line to let the bait sink/float/suspend on its own accord. For lack of a better term, I call that slack, “semi-slack.”

Then, when you think the bait is near the bottom lift/twitch the rod just enough to move the bait a little (without moving or minimizing the movement of the weight on the bottom) and repeat. In effect, what you are doing is working a semi-slack line, which in turn, imparts action and life to the bait. No hits? Repeat if you wish, or add a little dead sticking to the mix or, drag your bait to the next spot. All are good choices. The dragging of the weight from one spot to the next also imparts life and action to the lure and can help to draw a strike. Working a semi-slack line and dead sticking are usually very effective and productive for me in coaxing the fish to strike the lure. Give it a try and see if it does the same for you.

Not sure what the bait will do? Find shallow water and drop your bait down. The depth should be one where you can see all the way to the bottom. Once the weight is on the bottom, let your bait fall by lowering your rod. After the lure hits the bottom, raise the rod’s tip just enough to bring the lure up a little while keeping some slack in the line, and do your best to keep the weight in place. Watching this will give you an idea of what will likely be happening when you are not able to see the bait. Visualizing what the bait is doing when I can’t see it helps me to focus on what I am trying to do, and that is catching fish.

Concerned about not being able to feel the bite on this semi-slack line if you are using fluorocarbon or braid? Let me put you at ease. It is not an issue. Either of those lines combined with a sensitive rod is more than adequate to feel the bite when the line has a bit of slack.

The Strike or Hit

The strike or hit can vary depending on the activity level of the fish, the quality of your set up to a certain extent, and the line you are using. More sensitive rods do a better job of transmitting feedback, or in layman’s terms, what is going on at the end of your line to you. I have had the blessing of drop shotting with my Berkley Cherrywood Rod, which is decent and not too shabby, but comparing it to my Lamiglas Certified Pro Drop Shot rod is something else. Here is my analogy:

If the Cherrywood rod provides stereo sound to me while watching a DVD movie, the Lamiglas rod gives me the sound in THX and Blu-Ray for the mental image, for the full cinema experience. The latter rod is not necessary to enjoy drop shotting, but it makes it a lot easier to feel and detect the subtle strikes.

The line you use can also influence the feel of the strike. My experience working with both mono and fluorocarbon is that the latter always seemed to give me a better picture. We all know now that although FC line can have as much or more stretch than a comparable monofilament line, it is likely that its density still enables it to beautifully transmit information from the end of our line, to the rod and to our hands. We all know how well braid transmits data back to the angler too so I don’t think I need to elaborate further.


The hit or strike can feel like:
A) A mushy tug or tick, which could translate to a complete inhalation of your bait or the fish attacking the lure from the hook's side.
B) A nibble or nibbling, that transmits vibrations through the line to you. Sometimes you can see or feel the line vibrate through your semi-slack line. More sensitive rods tell you this much better and more clearly. I believe when the hit is like this (my best guess anyway as I visualize the strike), it is possible that the fish might have taken the lure from the side opposite the hook and the nibbling/vibrations you feel is the fish taking in the bait into its mouth, eventually getting to the hook.
C) Bam! An aggressive hit and it's on!

The Hook Set

For one and three, just reeling up the slack and adding enough tension to make the line taut is sufficient for most cases to drive the light wire hook home. For case two, you have to wait until the fish gets to the hook and then do as mentioned above. If you don't, you will pull the lure from the fish's mouth. Since it didn't get to the hook, there is no way the fish can get hooked.

I have written this based on the experience I gained from drop shotting. Take it for what it’s worth, an opinion at best. I will close by giving you a final warning:

WARNING: Drop Shotting is as addictive as it is effective.

Good luck and go get’em!


Alexander Arceo

Review of the First Season Using the Drop Shot Technique

The Drop Shot technique has been so effective for me that in my first season learning and using it. It has accounted for 100% of the smallmouth bass and about 70% of the largemouth bass I have caught in that season, and I caught a lot, the most ever!!! And here is the thing that makes this even sweeter. They were all caught from the shore. No, this is not a testament to my skills, but a testament to the effectiveness of the Drop Shot technique.
__________________
ARX "If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles." Doug Larson (Shimano 2005 Reel Catalog)
islandbass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-11, 08:03 AM   #5
lilmule
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
lilmule's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Buchanan,Tn
Posts: 2,685
Default

Number 1 and 2 for hook set and casting,use a trebuchet,cleverly disguise a trigger when bass bites it goes for a ride.
3 color nah spice it up
4 if you can just get it to hold still

This thing was over 10 in long and found by flower garden in front of house-unharmed by the way
lilmule is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-11, 09:21 AM   #6
kennethdaysale
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
kennethdaysale's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: rock hill, sc
Posts: 2,315
Default

I kinda liked the TREBUCHET analogy
__________________
Sometimes you gotta risk it to get the biscuit.
kennethdaysale is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-11, 12:55 PM   #7
Crankbait
BassFishin.Com Active Member
 
Crankbait's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 406
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by lilmule View Post
Number 1 and 2 for hook set and casting,use a trebuchet,cleverly disguise a trigger when bass bites it goes for a ride.
3 color nah spice it up
4 if you can just get it to hold still

This thing was over 10 in long and found by flower garden in front of house-unharmed by the way
Is that a marbled salamander?
Crankbait is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-11, 01:25 PM   #8
lilmule
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
lilmule's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Buchanan,Tn
Posts: 2,685
Default

No they only get to 4 in long
Wayward Gila monster that crossed with a holstein cow.
I dont recall the actual name for that thing
Also have brown anole tree lizards,small iguana that eats tree frogs.
West tn the place to be.
And yes we have armadillos as well.
lilmule is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-11, 12:11 PM   #9
joedog
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: JANESVILLE,WI. 53545
Posts: 3,415
Default

casting,use a trebuchet,cleverly disguise a trigger when bass bites it goes for a ride

I'll confess, I had no idea what you were talking about. I just assumed it was a typing error. I read and re-read this line trying to see if I could figure out what you were TRYING to type, no luck. Than I realized not everyone is as computer handicapped as I.
Anyway, I now understand. The new two headed jig that's on the other thread could probably be rigged some how as a trigger. Maybe "Nofear" could figure it out but it's way beyond me. We work this out....look out Icast 2012!
joedog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-11, 12:32 PM   #10
lilmule
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
lilmule's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Buchanan,Tn
Posts: 2,685
Default

Just an attempt at disinformation,and to liven things up a tad.
The dropshot rig is viable,but to me catches way to many shorts and takes way to long,so tend to power fish myself.
Catapult fancy french version using a counterweight,ever watch punkin chunkin contests?
One sure fire way of catching fish is to sprinkle peas out on the bank where one thinks fish will congregate then when a bass jumps out to take a pea ya got him.
There are no surefire methods,but doesnt hurt to add another method to the arsenal.
Secret weapon makes a very nice one with a rubber band waves at the least twitch.
Or for a different approach tie a jig on in place of that sinker,fish two baits.

Last edited by lilmule; 11-09-11 at 12:42 PM.
lilmule is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-11, 06:27 PM   #11
kennethdaysale
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
kennethdaysale's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: rock hill, sc
Posts: 2,315
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by joedog View Post
casting,use a trebuchet,cleverly disguise a trigger when bass bites it goes for a ride

I'll confess, I had no idea what you were talking about. I just assumed it was a typing error. I read and re-read this line
mid evil precursor to artillery pronounced....tray-boo-shay( NOT tree-bucket) and considering the weight vs hook dynamic..not a bad simile. I will agree about the # of shorts, but I've caught some longs and can't count the times a bunch of shorts had me grinning like a gopher compared to nota
__________________
Sometimes you gotta risk it to get the biscuit.

Last edited by kennethdaysale; 11-09-11 at 06:39 PM.
kennethdaysale is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-11, 07:36 PM   #12
lilmule
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
lilmule's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Buchanan,Tn
Posts: 2,685
Default

I spelled it didnt pronounce it as have a hard enough time with english.
And yes at times can save the day,but all in all one tool among many,or should be.
50 fish days possible here but most dont make it across the board at 15 in,makes for a great vacation but a poor weigh in.Yet the slider head and shakey head are top contenders here on ky lake at times.
4-6 in finese worms get many takers,10-12 in worms get lunkers,just an opinion
when tough bite is around I myself use ten pd power pro and a shakeyhead trying to get on the board,if you want to break the board however its a larger approach most days.
And yes many days am happy just to get bit,even by 14 15/16 in fish or less.
My french is horrible comes out poti pouri not po por ee
lilmule is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-11, 12:38 AM   #13
kennethdaysale
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
kennethdaysale's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: rock hill, sc
Posts: 2,315
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by lilmule View Post
I spelled it didnt pronounce it as have a hard enough time with english.
And yes at times can save the day,but all in all one tool among many,or should be.
50 fish days possible here but most dont make it across the board at 15 in,makes for a great vacation but a poor weigh in.Yet the slider head and shakey head are top contenders here on ky lake at times.
4-6 in finese worms get many takers,10-12 in worms get lunkers,just an opinion
when tough bite is around I myself use ten pd power pro and a shakeyhead trying to get on the board,if you want to break the board however its a larger approach most days.
And yes many days am happy just to get bit,even by 14 15/16 in fish or less.
My french is horrible comes out poti pouri not po por ee
I love a good old fashioned Charlie Brewer slider head for fooling suspended bass. People around here never heard of um much less use one. Thats good for me!
__________________
Sometimes you gotta risk it to get the biscuit.
kennethdaysale is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Disclosure / Disclaimer
Before acting on the content posted, you should know that BassFishin.Com may benefit financially and otherwise from content, advertising, links or otherwise from anything you click on, read, or look at on our website. Click here to read our Disclosure Policy and Disclaimer.


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:32 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2013 BassFishin.Com LLC