Drop It Like It's Hot

TRUMAN BASSER · 02-03-09, 01:14 PM

When the bass are in a tizzy the drop shot rig can be one of the best set-ups to throw. A lot of anglers make the mistake of using the drop shot rig only for deep, clear water situations. The drop shot rig is rather very versatile and can work under a wide range of conditions with the proper adjustments.

The Gear
For most of my deep clear water dropshotting I use a 7 foot medium light to medium AiRRUS Ultra XL Spinning rod with 6lb test line. I like to use a lighter action rod because I can just shake the slack line when working the bait rather than moving the weight around. Spinning is my preferred set up because most baitcasters don’t have the silky smooth drag I am looking for in using light line. I look for a spinning reel with a big face on it so it will take up more line which is critical when fishing deep because a lot of times those deep kentucky bass will try to sky rocket to the top and you better be able to catch up to them. One of the biggest keys to dropshotting is to always use the lightest line that you can get away with. I really like to use 6lb test because it gives the bait a lot more action. I like to use the Gamakatsu No. 1 split shot/ dropshot hooks because there isn’t a stronger or sharper drop shot hook on the market. You want to make sure you tie a Palomar not for your dropshot and that you slip the tag end back through the eye of the hook so that your hook rides upright on your line. As far as plastics go I am a big fan of the zoom finesse worms for my clear water dropshotting. I like to also throw the robo worms because they have insane action. Some of my favorite colors are green pumpkin and Aaron’s Magic.

If I’m fishing dark or off colored water of around heavier cover I really like to step up to the casting gear and use around 14lb test. With the casting gear you won’t get near as much line twist as you do with a spinning rod. I like to use a medium or medium heavy action AiRRUS Ultra XL casting rod. My favorite baits to throw in off colored water on a drop shot are a Sweet Beaver, a Yum Doozie, and 6 inch Senko because I can get a lot more water displacement. I will also use an offset worm hook in the 2/0 size so as to not hinder the action of my baits. I like to use a reel with a fast gear ratio at least 6:31 because a lot of times the bass will start to swim off because they don’t feel any weight and you will have to catch up to them. When I’m fishing off colored water I will almost always add some type of a rattle to my bait because I want the bass to key in on it.

Techniques
There really isn’t any wrong way or place to fish a drop shot. I like to work mine a variety of ways depending on what kind of structure I am fishing. As always it is best to let the fish decide what they want. When I am fishing deeper points I often like to cast my drop shot rig out and drag it slowly along the bottom until I find a rock pile or some other piece of cover that gets my attention. I will usually let the bait sit almost on point without moving it to try and tempt a bass into biting. If I don’t get any response I will start to shake my rod tip on a slack line to give the bait some action. A lot of times the bass can’t stand this. I like to also throw a drop shot rig around boat docks. I’ll cast the bait up to the bank and work it out to the front of the dock. I’m always trying to feel for sunken brush piles and I will stop my bait and hold it when I get to a dock post. In the spring time you will want to keep your drop shot closer to your weight almost 6 inches above it a lot of times because the bass will be looking down feeding on crawfish. Rip rap is a great place to throw a drop shot rig. A good presentation to try is to let the bait sink on a slack line and then tighten up the line. This makes your bait come up off the bottom and then I’ll give it slack again and let it go back down. When fishing shallow cover the dropshot can be great. I like to pitch my rig up onto the bank and crawl it in so the weight doesn’t splash. The dropshot is an under used tool by most shallow water fisherman and it can give the bass that see hundreds of jigs and spinnerbaits a totally different look. You can work the bait very slow and keep it almost in one spot. I like to also throw a drop shot rig on bluff banks. A lot of times I’ll work the bait off the shelf and just shake it as it stair steps down the bluff wall. The key is determining how deep the bass are relating to the bluff and keeping your bait in the strike zone. I hope these tips on dropshotting will help you put more wary bass in the boat. Best Wishes!

TravisRush · 02-03-09, 01:26 PM

Well put!

Thanks for your insight!

OneMoreCast · 02-03-09, 02:08 PM

WOW!! What great advice!! I have been really wanting to learn how to drop-shot for my upcoming season up here in Maine. You post was very informative... the advice will help me a lot!!

Thanks a bunch!!

TravisRush · 02-03-09, 02:24 PM

There are fish in Maine?

aikenyounggun · 02-03-09, 02:54 PM

Wow great tip... i havent yet thrown a drop shot but my friend who just moved from Idaho promises to show me.

BassAddict · 02-03-09, 03:19 PM

I've only caught 1 bass on a drop shot. He must have been an idiot!!!

Joel · 02-03-09, 04:44 PM

Drop shotting is one of my go to presentations. And most of my drop shotting actually takes place in shallow water of 12 ft or less. I've been successful in as little as 3-4 FOW.

For those that haven't tried DS'ing or have questions, Kevin has a Drop Shot Technique video that is 1st rate. Check it out.

Wishing2BFishing · 02-03-09, 07:07 PM

Joel,

What set up do you use for your drop shotting (spinning or baitcaster, M or MH, what pound test)? This is one technique that I haven't used much.

OneMoreCast · 02-03-09, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TravisRush

There are fish in Maine?

Yes! haha Plenty of fish up heya!! My largest in Maine is 6lbs... but this was caught by my wifes uncle... I thought it was a good catch!

Joel · 02-03-09, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wishing2BFishing

Joel,

What set up do you use for your drop shotting (spinning or baitcaster, M or MH, what pound test)? This is one technique that I haven't used much.

Here's my Drop Shot setup.

rod: Shimano 6'6" clarus rod: Power Medium/Action Medium Fast/line 6-12 lb test/lure 1/8-1/2 oz. This rod has similar specs to most other manufactures ML rods. It's more like a noodle rod.

Reel: A Shimano Stradic 2500 spooled with Andes 10lb mono for a backing the 1st 1/3 of the spool, then 10 lb Power Pro. Using a Albright or reverse Albright knot I tie on a 6 ft 8 lb mono leader. Either Sufix Elite or Berkley XL. (mostly because I have so much of each one).

Hook: A Gami 1/0 Drop Shot hook. My leader down to the drop shot weigth is right around 14 inches. I rarely change that.

Plastic worm: 90% of the time I have a 4 1/2 inch Zoom Finesse Trick worm nose hooked. Colors, Pumpkin, green Pumpkin, & June Bug. When the Green Pumpkin is used up. I will only use the two remaining colors. I'll go up to a 6 inch Zoom Trick worm. I'll also cut off a inch or so from the head of the worm to go down to 3 1/2 inchs or so.

I also pitch or cast as much as I vertical drop. When in shallow water of 8 feet or less, I always pitch.

My technique is very simple. I let the weight rest on the bottom, then with some slack in the line I just barely jiggle the rod tip. The weight should remain on the bottom. The worm will move just fine. When I pitch, I still do the same thing, then reel in a few turns and repeat.

wv basser · 02-03-09, 09:16 PM

are those new robo colors? wow

Joel · 02-03-09, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wv basser

are those new robo colors? wow

If you're referring to the Zoom Trick worms, those colors have been around for ever.

CCbass · 02-04-09, 02:29 AM

Truth is never seen a need, I use 16th ounce or less weight with four or six inch worms. As you work it it comes off the bottom 6,8,10 inches or more then settles back down, same effect to me. On another note bass don't like to go down to feed.

Bassboss · 02-04-09, 09:45 AM

thanks a ton for posting that!!!!

I've been thinking that I will never really get to fish a drop shot much because I'ma shore huger!

That deserves a standing ovation! [spll?]

sharpe012010 · 02-04-09, 10:31 AM

think its with a V

wv basser · 02-04-09, 11:19 AM

no i was refering to the robo worms in the colors he posted.

islandbass · 02-04-09, 01:50 PM

For those who are waiting to "get into" drop shotting, stop waiting! This technique is deadly. Well written, TB!

Bassboss · 02-04-09, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharpe012010

think its with a V

Well I'll be damned!

Thanks

rangerryan · 02-04-09, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCbass

Truth is never seen a need, I use 16th ounce or less weight with four or six inch worms. As you work it it comes off the bottom 6,8,10 inches or more then settles back down, same effect to me. On another note bass don't like to go down to feed.

then how come i catch more fish with a t-rigged worm laying flat on the bottom?

MIbasser · 02-04-09, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rangerryan

then how come i catch more fish with a t-rigged worm laying flat on the bottom?

I'm with you on this one RR... most of my jig fish were from dragging it on the bottom. I've also caught a lot of smallies dragging a tube.

rangerryan · 02-04-09, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIbasser

I'm with you on this one RR... most of my jig fish were from dragging it on the bottom. I've also caught a lot of smallies dragging a tube.

yes sir i seldom catch a good fish bouncing a t-rig off the bottom but i have caught some small ones doing it. and i love the tubes...

02-03-09, 01:14 PM	#1
TRUMAN BASSER BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 85	Drop It Like It's Hot When the bass are in a tizzy the drop shot rig can be one of the best set-ups to throw. A lot of anglers make the mistake of using the drop shot rig only for deep, clear water situations. The drop shot rig is rather very versatile and can work under a wide range of conditions with the proper adjustments. The Gear For most of my deep clear water dropshotting I use a 7 foot medium light to medium AiRRUS Ultra XL Spinning rod with 6lb test line. I like to use a lighter action rod because I can just shake the slack line when working the bait rather than moving the weight around. Spinning is my preferred set up because most baitcasters don’t have the silky smooth drag I am looking for in using light line. I look for a spinning reel with a big face on it so it will take up more line which is critical when fishing deep because a lot of times those deep kentucky bass will try to sky rocket to the top and you better be able to catch up to them. One of the biggest keys to dropshotting is to always use the lightest line that you can get away with. I really like to use 6lb test because it gives the bait a lot more action. I like to use the Gamakatsu No. 1 split shot/ dropshot hooks because there isn’t a stronger or sharper drop shot hook on the market. You want to make sure you tie a Palomar not for your dropshot and that you slip the tag end back through the eye of the hook so that your hook rides upright on your line. As far as plastics go I am a big fan of the zoom finesse worms for my clear water dropshotting. I like to also throw the robo worms because they have insane action. Some of my favorite colors are green pumpkin and Aaron’s Magic. If I’m fishing dark or off colored water of around heavier cover I really like to step up to the casting gear and use around 14lb test. With the casting gear you won’t get near as much line twist as you do with a spinning rod. I like to use a medium or medium heavy action AiRRUS Ultra XL casting rod. My favorite baits to throw in off colored water on a drop shot are a Sweet Beaver, a Yum Doozie, and 6 inch Senko because I can get a lot more water displacement. I will also use an offset worm hook in the 2/0 size so as to not hinder the action of my baits. I like to use a reel with a fast gear ratio at least 6:31 because a lot of times the bass will start to swim off because they don’t feel any weight and you will have to catch up to them. When I’m fishing off colored water I will almost always add some type of a rattle to my bait because I want the bass to key in on it. Techniques There really isn’t any wrong way or place to fish a drop shot. I like to work mine a variety of ways depending on what kind of structure I am fishing. As always it is best to let the fish decide what they want. When I am fishing deeper points I often like to cast my drop shot rig out and drag it slowly along the bottom until I find a rock pile or some other piece of cover that gets my attention. I will usually let the bait sit almost on point without moving it to try and tempt a bass into biting. If I don’t get any response I will start to shake my rod tip on a slack line to give the bait some action. A lot of times the bass can’t stand this. I like to also throw a drop shot rig around boat docks. I’ll cast the bait up to the bank and work it out to the front of the dock. I’m always trying to feel for sunken brush piles and I will stop my bait and hold it when I get to a dock post. In the spring time you will want to keep your drop shot closer to your weight almost 6 inches above it a lot of times because the bass will be looking down feeding on crawfish. Rip rap is a great place to throw a drop shot rig. A good presentation to try is to let the bait sink on a slack line and then tighten up the line. This makes your bait come up off the bottom and then I’ll give it slack again and let it go back down. When fishing shallow cover the dropshot can be great. I like to pitch my rig up onto the bank and crawl it in so the weight doesn’t splash. The dropshot is an under used tool by most shallow water fisherman and it can give the bass that see hundreds of jigs and spinnerbaits a totally different look. You can work the bait very slow and keep it almost in one spot. I like to also throw a drop shot rig on bluff banks. A lot of times I’ll work the bait off the shelf and just shake it as it stair steps down the bluff wall. The key is determining how deep the bass are relating to the bluff and keeping your bait in the strike zone. I hope these tips on dropshotting will help you put more wary bass in the boat. Best Wishes!

02-03-09, 02:08 PM	#3
OneMoreCast BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bridgton, ME Posts: 19	WOW!! What great advice!! I have been really wanting to learn how to drop-shot for my upcoming season up here in Maine. You post was very informative... the advice will help me a lot!! Thanks a bunch!! __________________ ~ One More Cast ~

02-03-09, 03:19 PM	#6
BassAddict BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Richmond, Virginia Posts: 805	I've only caught 1 bass on a drop shot. He must have been an idiot!!! __________________ Eric

02-03-09, 04:44 PM	#7
Joel BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Suffolk County, NY Posts: 542	Drop shotting is one of my go to presentations. And most of my drop shotting actually takes place in shallow water of 12 ft or less. I've been successful in as little as 3-4 FOW. For those that haven't tried DS'ing or have questions, Kevin has a Drop Shot Technique video that is 1st rate. Check it out. __________________ Joel 1st you have to find 'em

02-03-09, 09:16 PM	#11
wv basser BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: union, wv Posts: 29	are those new robo colors? wow __________________ My greatest fear is that when i am dead and gone my wife will sell my fishing equipment for what i told her i paid for it!!

02-03-09, 01:26 PM	#2
TravisRush BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Just north of Seattle Posts: 150	Well put! Thanks for your insight!

02-03-09, 02:24 PM	#4
TravisRush BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Just north of Seattle Posts: 150	There are fish in Maine?

02-03-09, 02:54 PM	#5
aikenyounggun BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: aiken, SC Posts: 2,051	Wow great tip... i havent yet thrown a drop shot but my friend who just moved from Idaho promises to show me.

02-03-09, 07:07 PM	#8
Wishing2BFishing BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Morgantown, Pa Posts: 1,254	Joel, What set up do you use for your drop shotting (spinning or baitcaster, M or MH, what pound test)? This is one technique that I haven't used much.

02-04-09, 02:29 AM	#13
CCbass BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Monterey CA Posts: 253	never drop shotted Truth is never seen a need, I use 16th ounce or less weight with four or six inch worms. As you work it it comes off the bottom 6,8,10 inches or more then settles back down, same effect to me. On another note bass don't like to go down to feed.

02-04-09, 09:45 AM	#14
Bassboss BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Shawano, WI Posts: 7,761	thanks a ton for posting that!!!! I've been thinking that I will never really get to fish a drop shot much because I'ma shore huger! That deserves a standing ovation! [spll?] __________________ If you can't fix it with heavy squats or fish oil, you're probably going to die. Last edited by Bassboss; 02-04-09 at 09:20 PM.

02-04-09, 10:31 AM	#15
sharpe012010 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: tuscaloosa, alabama Posts: 112	think its with a V __________________ Cant catch em sittin at home... Total # bass 09: 125 Largest 09: 8.6 lb

02-04-09, 11:19 AM	#16
wv basser BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: union, wv Posts: 29	no i was refering to the robo worms in the colors he posted. __________________ My greatest fear is that when i am dead and gone my wife will sell my fishing equipment for what i told her i paid for it!!

02-04-09, 01:50 PM	#17
islandbass BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: WA State Posts: 1,783	For those who are waiting to "get into" drop shotting, stop waiting! This technique is deadly. Well written, TB! __________________ 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)

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