How to dropshot covers the popular technique for bass fishing. This is a finesse method for clear or light to moderately stained water. As a finesse technique, you need to downsize some of the tackle too. People often make the same mistakes with the rig. In other words, they use lines, hooks, baits, weight, or rods too big or heavy for a dropshot rig.
Tackle for the Dropshot Rig
Finesse fishing uses a lighter line. The majority of the time, an 8-10 pound test is all you need. In some instances, using a 6 or 12-pound test may be needed to get the best results. If using a braided tie on a fluoro leader. Using too heavy of a line limits the effectiveness of the rig also. You do not get the proper action. Adjust the leader line strength to suit your situation while fishing.
People tie on big hooks, a drop shot hook is a size 1 or 2. A size 1/0 is good for some baits also. The bigger hooks offer nothing to catch more fish. You are finesse fishing and small is better. The thin wire provides better hook penetration with lighter lines. The bigger heavier hooks take more pressure to set. As a result, the line can break or you have poor penetration.
Use the lightest weight to stay on the bottom. In calm waters, a 1/8th to 3/8ths is the range that works. In areas with current, a heavier weight up to 3/4ths of an ounce may be needed. Use the lightest weight that works. Finesse rigs work best with as little weight as possible.
Rod Power and Action
Depending on the size of the bass. You may need anywhere from a medium-light to a medium-heavy power rod. A softer tip is better also. Look at using a fast to moderate fast action. The action varies between manufacturers. Using a stiff tip leads to breaking the line. The thin wire hooks will set fine with a softer tip on the rod.
Anglers in the South tend to use a medium-heavy power rod with a fast tip. The line is a 10-12 pound test. This is the heavy extreme for dropshot rigs. Someone in the North is likely using a medium or medium-light power rod. A fast or moderate fast tip is used with a 6-8 pound fluorocarbon line. The lighter extreme. You may fall in the middle with a medium power rod and an 8-10 pound line. The lighter is better applies to the rod and line.
Baits to Use to Dropshot
Drop-shot baits are simple. These are straight tail worms, stickbaits, small minnows, and finesse TRDs. The less is better applies to baits. You do not want appendages like claws, legs, or paddletails. The extra stuff slows the sink and affects the action. The worms and stickbaits are 4-5 inch models. Using minnows or TRDs the 2 3/4 to 3 1/2 length is the desired length. Simple and small baits are the best for dropshot rigs.
The minnows use a lip hooking method. Go back about 1/8th inch from the tip and hook it. The lip hooking method works for the other baits also. In addition, the worm, stickbait, and TRD can be wacky rigged on a dropshot. This technique is good for shallow presentations. The TRD wacky dropshot rig is deadly for smallmouth bass. You may thread the TRD on the hook the same as on a Ned rig. The drop shot offers variations in the hooking methods.
Texas rigging is possible using a long straight shank hook. A hook like the Owner Sniper Finesse Hook is an example. The hooks have the longer shank needed for Texas rigs. The hook is slightly lighter than worm hooks. This makes it easier to keep up and out of the line. Remember the baits are smaller and you do not need a large hook like the EWG or offset worm hooks.
How to Work the Rig
Learning the rig takes a little experience. People have misconceptions about rigs and lures. You do not simply cast and retrieve lures. Each has a specific technique for proper use. You need to practice the technique to become good to an expert for success with lures.
Dropshot fishing is a stationary technique for the most part. You want the weight to keep the rig in place. Cast into a likely fish-holding spot. Allow the rig to drop, then take up the slackline. At this point a few small shakes of your rod tip gets the action of the lure going. Try variations to how many shakes you give and allow some pause time also.
You will find a length of 12-18 inches from hook to weight works most of the time. There are times a shorter length is needed. If you are getting bites but not hooking the fish. Use a leader of about 5-6 inches. Bass are likely hitting your weight. At other times a length of 24 to 36 inches is needed if the fish are suspended higher off the bottom. Do not give up on the dropshot without trying other lengths.
Shop at Bass Pro for Dropshot Tackle
It does sound easy. Yet you do need to practice the technique to hone your skills for different situations. The water depth and current affect the amount of weight. The style and color of lures can change daily. The tips shared previously are guidelines. This rig has a few hard fast rules. They are light lines and smaller size hooks, weights, and soft plastics most of the time.
Conclusion
Using the drop does catch fish. It is a simple finesse technique. The baits are smaller and lack extra features such as legs, tails, or other appendages. The hooks are easily found in many stores. You can use the dropshot weights or the split shot for the weights. The lure is a stationary presentation. The weight stays on the bottom.