Calling all Drop-Shotters

Handlebars · 10-14-11, 04:22 PM

Ok guys, Winter will be here before long and things will have to slow down and go more finesse so I am in the market for a dedicated DS set up and would like everyones opinions. I'm debating on what rod/reel to use. I'm a big baitcast user, I haven't used a spinning set up in years.

I know I need to use a sensitive rod with a fast action tip?

Also I would think this same set up would work equally well for shakey head presentation?

I'd like to know your preferred set-up: Thanks.

Rod:
Reel:
Line:

Dave63 · 10-14-11, 09:59 PM

Truthfully, I use a Daiwa Regal combo from GM. It works great for me.

rrw4258 · 10-14-11, 10:06 PM

Well, living on probably the greatest smallmouth fishery in the country, dropshotting is a mainstay on how we catch fish. The perfect dropshot combo for me is a 7'2" BPS Medium -Fast Carbonlite rod. My reel of choice is Pflueger Patriarch 9535 size, and the combo has the perfect balance point for me. The rod is the perfect combination of power and finesse. It does 1/4 and 3/8 weights great, but will also do 1/8 and 1/2 oz. weights with ease. I went thorugh alot of different fluorocarbon lines until I finally found the perfect line for me... Sunline Sniper in 8lb. Line is super thin, and casts really good for a fluorocarbon. I used to use Gamakatsu SS/DS Hooks, but I have now found the perfect hook, IMO... it is the VMC Size 1 Dropshot hook seen below... it really keeps them buttoned up good, especially the smallmouth.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/VMC_S...e-VMCDROP.html

Ryan

BigBassin144 · 10-14-11, 10:20 PM

Here's my current combo:

7'2" M XF Shimano Crucial DS Rod
Daiwa Certate 2000
10lb Sufix 832 in Neon Lime
6-8lb FC leader

The Crucial is a great rod for it's price, and I would highly recommend it for the price.

However, I've been in the search for a perfect dropshot rod for a while and have a few candidates for my next rod when I can afford one. The Loomis NRX 822S DSR (although it's a bit too short for my taste), Dobyns DX702SF, DX742SF, St. Croix Legend Elite LES76MLXF, etc.

As far as reels go, it'd be a toss up between a Daiwa Fuego 2000 and a Shimano Sustain 2500 (although it's a HEAVY reel).

It really depends on what you want to spend. I (and others) would be able to recommend something for you if you let us know what you're looking to spend.

BB

MIbasser · 10-15-11, 07:49 AM

Here's my combo:

7'2" M XF Shimano Crucial DS Rod
Shimano Symetre 2500
10lb Fireline Crystal
8lb Seaguar FC leader

boloson · 10-15-11, 09:08 AM

I've been meaning to try drop shots especially during the cold weather. Tried slowing things down alot but still no luck. I know drop shot is very versatile but does it typically work better for the colder months ?

bassboogieman · 10-15-11, 09:13 AM

I prefer a spinning set up for dropshotting:

Kistler HEII70MS = 7'0" M/f (LTX) w/recoil guides
Pflueger Supreme XT (9030)
20# Suffix braid
8# Flurocarbon leader
Owner octopus hook (size 1)

BigBassin144 · 10-15-11, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boloson

I've been meaning to try drop shots especially during the cold weather. Tried slowing things down alot but still no luck. I know drop shot is very versatile but does it typically work better for the colder months ?

I will fish a dropshot all year long. But it is one of my top three producers in the early spring, right after ice out. The think I like about it for cold water is the ability to dead stick a bait while keeping it off the bottom. In the spring, I might step up to a 1/4oz weight to keep contact with the bottom. I tend to fish smaller baits in the spring, like the smallest Zoom Fluke they make in a white or natural color. I find the key to fishing in cold water is to keep the bait still and rarely impart action.

BB

boloson · 10-15-11, 09:43 AM

Yup. Have to really slow down my presentation. Will have to buy some drop shot hooks. What are some of the more popular ds baits? I have some roboworms which I really like but don't have any flukes. U guys drench the baits with scent?

BigBassin144 · 10-15-11, 09:55 AM

Boloson, as far as baits go, never limit yourself. Anything can become a dropshot bait, even though most prefer finesse worms like roboworms.

Roboworms are one of, if not the, most popular dropshot bait, but there are a lot of good ones out there. One of my personal favorites is Chomper's 4" DS worm. They are reasonably prices, fairly durable, have a great subtle action, and are LOADED with garlic (so don't open them in the car). Like I said, I also like the tiny flukes, or even a 3" Senko (or senko knockoff).

If the bait doesn't come with it, I rarely use any kind of scent.

BB

nofearengineer · 10-15-11, 11:55 AM

My main dropshot bait is a "sassy shad" type I pick up from Gander Mountain. I usually get the 2" or 3" size, depending on time of year, in a pearl color. Bass love em.

Roboworms are okay, but I find the panfish tend to tear them off before the bass get to them.

DVT Mike · 10-15-11, 12:10 PM

A 6'9" ML/XF makes an awsome drop shot rod. I built my own on an MHX but a close production rod is a St Croix AVC69MLFX. You shouldn't need anything special as far as a reel. I fish braid with a flouro leader.

rrw4258 · 10-15-11, 03:57 PM

My favorite dropshot baits are listed below (for both LM and SM bass):

Jackall Cross-Tail Shad
4" Strike King Finesse Worm
Mizmo 3.75" Scorpion
Roboworm 4.5"
Berkley Gulp Minnows 3" & 4"
Berkley Powerbait Wacky Crawler 5"
Berkley Gulp Fry 3"
Berkley Gulp Leech 3"
Berkley Gulp Crawler 4"

Ryan

Handlebars · 10-15-11, 09:37 PM

This is some great info guys and much appreciated. I'm going to do some homework on all of these listed. I have drop shotted a few times but would like to get more serious with it. This is great.

boloson · 10-15-11, 10:56 PM

yea really love this board. i was looking at some of them pre-rigged drop shot line & hook combos. any good? i dont have different rods dedicated for different rigs so i was thinking of using a swivel so i can quickly switch out rigs from cranks to worms to that pre-rigged drop shot combo. doable or not?

Bassboss · 10-15-11, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boloson

yea really love this board. i was looking at some of them pre-rigged drop shot line & hook combos. any good? i dont have different rods dedicated for different rigs so i was thinking of using a swivel so i can quickly switch out rigs from cranks to worms to that pre-rigged drop shot combo. doable or not?

I'd never get a pre-rig anything (c-rig, DS, texas rig, etc), simply because you can't control the quality of the hook, weight, line, knot, etc., it may end up costing you fish, and money in the long run.

Bender · 10-16-11, 01:43 PM

If you want to switch quickly I think that it would be better to tie up several rigs at home with a tiny swivel at the top end. Then you could tie your main line directly onto the swivel when you want to use the drop shot rig. A lot of people use braid for their main line and use the tiny Spro swivels. I will be changing all of my drop shot rods over to this over the winter.

As far as rods go I prefer the 6'8"-6'10" rods for inland lakes where I am target casting with lighter weights up to 1/4 oz. The two rods I use for this are super sensitive Medium Lights with extra-fast tips. For the bigger water dragging I like the 7'2" or so longer rods. The rods I use are Fenwick, GLoomis, and Powells. I like the extra sensitivity but by keeping your finger on the line 100% of the time I think that you can get away with a less expensive rod without missing any bites.

boloson · 10-17-11, 09:20 PM

ok, tied myself a drop shot rig & will hit my local pond tomorrow morn. got some zoom super flukes & bunch of worms i want to try out. i'm in MA so the water temp is cold maybe in the high 30's?

this will be my first time fishing the DS rig so any advice on how to fish it? cast & let it sit? twitch it? sweep it?

Crankbait · 10-18-11, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DVT Mike

A 6'9" ML/XF makes an awsome drop shot rod. I built my own on an MHX but a close production rod is a St Croix AVC69MLFX. You shouldn't need anything special as far as a reel. I fish braid with a flouro leader.

Jeees Dvt you make rods too....is there anything you don't do?

Handlebars · 10-18-11, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boloson

Yup. Have to really slow down my presentation. Will have to buy some drop shot hooks. What are some of the more popular ds baits? I have some roboworms which I really like but don't have any flukes. U guys drench the baits with scent?

I use Gamakatsu drop shot hooks. There are no wrong baits just have to experiement. I use scents alot, Gulp in a spray.

Cast it out, let it sit, twitch it, let it sit, twitch it, reel it in a few feet, start all over.

DVT Mike · 10-18-11, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crankbait

Jeees Dvt you make rods too....is there anything you don't do?

Yard work! lol

bluebasser86 · 10-18-11, 06:52 PM

Our lakes aren't deep and the ones that we do dropshot in don't have much cover so we can get away with light rods, weights, and line. My dropshot combo is a 6'8" M/L Crucial with a 1000 Symetre and 6lb fluoroclear. I've handled some big fish with that rod and reel and it weighs next to nothing so it doesn't wear you out. I wouldn't even thing about fishing a shakeyhead with it though. 99% of my dropshot fish are caught on a Zoom Meathead or a 3" Gulp minnow.

10-14-11, 04:22 PM	#1
Handlebars BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: North Carolina Posts: 65	Calling all Drop-Shotters Ok guys, Winter will be here before long and things will have to slow down and go more finesse so I am in the market for a dedicated DS set up and would like everyones opinions. I'm debating on what rod/reel to use. I'm a big baitcast user, I haven't used a spinning set up in years. I know I need to use a sensitive rod with a fast action tip? Also I would think this same set up would work equally well for shakey head presentation? I'd like to know your preferred set-up: Thanks. Rod: Reel: Line: __________________ Every chore I can pass along to the wife = more time out on the water. Last edited by Handlebars; 10-14-11 at 06:26 PM.

10-14-11, 10:06 PM	#3
rrw4258 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bellevue, Ohio Posts: 2,338	Well, living on probably the greatest smallmouth fishery in the country, dropshotting is a mainstay on how we catch fish. The perfect dropshot combo for me is a 7'2" BPS Medium -Fast Carbonlite rod. My reel of choice is Pflueger Patriarch 9535 size, and the combo has the perfect balance point for me. The rod is the perfect combination of power and finesse. It does 1/4 and 3/8 weights great, but will also do 1/8 and 1/2 oz. weights with ease. I went thorugh alot of different fluorocarbon lines until I finally found the perfect line for me... Sunline Sniper in 8lb. Line is super thin, and casts really good for a fluorocarbon. I used to use Gamakatsu SS/DS Hooks, but I have now found the perfect hook, IMO... it is the VMC Size 1 Dropshot hook seen below... it really keeps them buttoned up good, especially the smallmouth. http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/VMC_S...e-VMCDROP.html Ryan __________________ Never Give Up!

10-14-11, 10:20 PM	#4
BigBassin144 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 9,463	Here's my current combo: 7'2" M XF Shimano Crucial DS Rod Daiwa Certate 2000 10lb Sufix 832 in Neon Lime 6-8lb FC leader The Crucial is a great rod for it's price, and I would highly recommend it for the price. However, I've been in the search for a perfect dropshot rod for a while and have a few candidates for my next rod when I can afford one. The Loomis NRX 822S DSR (although it's a bit too short for my taste), Dobyns DX702SF, DX742SF, St. Croix Legend Elite LES76MLXF, etc. As far as reels go, it'd be a toss up between a Daiwa Fuego 2000 and a Shimano Sustain 2500 (although it's a HEAVY reel). It really depends on what you want to spend. I (and others) would be able to recommend something for you if you let us know what you're looking to spend. BB __________________ As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!

10-15-11, 09:55 AM	#10
BigBassin144 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 9,463	Boloson, as far as baits go, never limit yourself. Anything can become a dropshot bait, even though most prefer finesse worms like roboworms. Roboworms are one of, if not the, most popular dropshot bait, but there are a lot of good ones out there. One of my personal favorites is Chomper's 4" DS worm. They are reasonably prices, fairly durable, have a great subtle action, and are LOADED with garlic (so don't open them in the car). Like I said, I also like the tiny flukes, or even a 3" Senko (or senko knockoff). If the bait doesn't come with it, I rarely use any kind of scent. BB __________________ As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!

10-15-11, 11:55 AM	#11
nofearengineer BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southwest IN Posts: 5,630	My main dropshot bait is a "sassy shad" type I pick up from Gander Mountain. I usually get the 2" or 3" size, depending on time of year, in a pearl color. Bass love em. Roboworms are okay, but I find the panfish tend to tear them off before the bass get to them. __________________ Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.

10-14-11, 09:59 PM	#2
Dave63 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Farmersburg, IN Posts: 341	Truthfully, I use a Daiwa Regal combo from GM. It works great for me.

10-15-11, 07:49 AM	#5
MIbasser BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Okemos, MI Posts: 1,447	Here's my combo: 7'2" M XF Shimano Crucial DS Rod Shimano Symetre 2500 10lb Fireline Crystal 8lb Seaguar FC leader

10-15-11, 09:08 AM	#6
boloson BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 303	I've been meaning to try drop shots especially during the cold weather. Tried slowing things down alot but still no luck. I know drop shot is very versatile but does it typically work better for the colder months ?

10-15-11, 09:13 AM	#7
bassboogieman BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Parkesburg, Pa. Posts: 3,762	I prefer a spinning set up for dropshotting: Kistler HEII70MS = 7'0" M/f (LTX) w/recoil guides Pflueger Supreme XT (9030) 20# Suffix braid 8# Flurocarbon leader Owner octopus hook (size 1)

10-15-11, 09:43 AM	#9
boloson BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 303	Yup. Have to really slow down my presentation. Will have to buy some drop shot hooks. What are some of the more popular ds baits? I have some roboworms which I really like but don't have any flukes. U guys drench the baits with scent?

10-15-11, 12:10 PM	#12
DVT Mike BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Milford,PA Posts: 312	A 6'9" ML/XF makes an awsome drop shot rod. I built my own on an MHX but a close production rod is a St Croix AVC69MLFX. You shouldn't need anything special as far as a reel. I fish braid with a flouro leader. __________________ Visit us at www.delawarevalleytackle.com

10-15-11, 03:57 PM	#13
rrw4258 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bellevue, Ohio Posts: 2,338	My favorite dropshot baits are listed below (for both LM and SM bass): Jackall Cross-Tail Shad 4" Strike King Finesse Worm Mizmo 3.75" Scorpion Roboworm 4.5" Berkley Gulp Minnows 3" & 4" Berkley Powerbait Wacky Crawler 5" Berkley Gulp Fry 3" Berkley Gulp Leech 3" Berkley Gulp Crawler 4" Ryan __________________ Never Give Up!

10-15-11, 09:37 PM	#14
Handlebars BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: North Carolina Posts: 65	This is some great info guys and much appreciated. I'm going to do some homework on all of these listed. I have drop shotted a few times but would like to get more serious with it. This is great. __________________ Every chore I can pass along to the wife = more time out on the water.

10-15-11, 10:56 PM	#15
boloson BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 303	yea really love this board. i was looking at some of them pre-rigged drop shot line & hook combos. any good? i dont have different rods dedicated for different rigs so i was thinking of using a swivel so i can quickly switch out rigs from cranks to worms to that pre-rigged drop shot combo. doable or not?

10-16-11, 01:43 PM	#17
Bender BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Brighton, MI Posts: 2,414	If you want to switch quickly I think that it would be better to tie up several rigs at home with a tiny swivel at the top end. Then you could tie your main line directly onto the swivel when you want to use the drop shot rig. A lot of people use braid for their main line and use the tiny Spro swivels. I will be changing all of my drop shot rods over to this over the winter. As far as rods go I prefer the 6'8"-6'10" rods for inland lakes where I am target casting with lighter weights up to 1/4 oz. The two rods I use for this are super sensitive Medium Lights with extra-fast tips. For the bigger water dragging I like the 7'2" or so longer rods. The rods I use are Fenwick, GLoomis, and Powells. I like the extra sensitivity but by keeping your finger on the line 100% of the time I think that you can get away with a less expensive rod without missing any bites.

10-17-11, 09:20 PM	#18
boloson BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 303	ok, tied myself a drop shot rig & will hit my local pond tomorrow morn. got some zoom super flukes & bunch of worms i want to try out. i'm in MA so the water temp is cold maybe in the high 30's? this will be my first time fishing the DS rig so any advice on how to fish it? cast & let it sit? twitch it? sweep it?

10-18-11, 06:52 PM	#22
bluebasser86 BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Gardner, KS Posts: 605	Our lakes aren't deep and the ones that we do dropshot in don't have much cover so we can get away with light rods, weights, and line. My dropshot combo is a 6'8" M/L Crucial with a 1000 Symetre and 6lb fluoroclear. I've handled some big fish with that rod and reel and it weighs next to nothing so it doesn't wear you out. I wouldn't even thing about fishing a shakeyhead with it though. 99% of my dropshot fish are caught on a Zoom Meathead or a 3" Gulp minnow.

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