Drop shot fishing is a fishing technique that started in Japan as a deep water fishing method. It was like a three-way platform with the use of a three-way swivel. As the techniques developed the swivel was later replaced with weight. The removal of the three-way swivel made it easier to detect bites and increase catch rates. This technique became an overnight success as soon as the news spread in Japan about the drop shot fishing. The technique later came to the United States through a Japanese fisherman by the name Seiji Kato, of Jackall’s fame when he demolished the rest of the fishermen in the tournament. Shortly after, the method began to spread dramatically in the western United States where the water was very clear and they required a finesse presentation.
WHAT IS DROP SHOT RIG?
This is a popular bass fishing technique; the idea behind the drop shot rig is to suspend fishing bait off the bottom at a level that places the bait in front of the fish or lift the bait out of the mud at the bottom. The weight is vertically dropped and the bait is shaken gently to draw the fish attention, light line and spinning gear are preferred. This is the best technique to be used when the fish are feeding on very small baits, such as worms, fry, bloodworms, and something similar.
THE RIGHT CONDITIONS FOR DROP SHOT RIG
Now that we know what drop shot rig is and that we can use it to catch most fish, such as post-spawning fish, bedding fish, including tough winter fish. The next step is to know the right condition for drop shot rig. This technique can be used all through the year because it does extremely well in the post-spawn as well as pre-spawn periods. A drop shot technique used with artificial shad bait can be an exceptional combination during the winter seasons. The cold water during the winter season is a great place to place the bait in a stationary position at the bottom to attract a lot of fish.
The technique can work well with any cover or structure apart from matted vegetation and tall weed beds; here the weight will get wedged, warning the fish to escape. Gravel, rocks, stumps, isolated weed clumps, and weed edges are the best condition for drop shot rig. The following are the best location for the technique.
Canals are full of marinas and locks and most predator fish like to hang around the shore and boat. This would be a perfect place to drop your shot.
Stagnant waters like park lakes are another great spot for the drop shot technique. Look out for hanging trees and plants like lily pads that cover the water surface.
Moving rivers are another great location for drop shot, the heavier your weight, the greater your chances of fighting the flow. Islands and lock cutting are other hot spots to fish with this technique.
HOW TO RIG A DROP SHOT FOR BASS
A drop shot technique is one of the most effective methods to target bass. Although this technique has been around for years but is actually beginning to become one of the most popular presentations bass fishermen are using. The versatility of the presentation is what makes it very effective. A drop shot can be fished as deep as sixty feet or as low as one foot of water, it is one of the easiest fishing techniques available to bass fisherman. And the following are some basic tips on how to make a drop shot rig for bass.
Sensitivity is one of the most important factors when fishing a drop shot rig. This means a medium to light action spinning rod is the best (about 6 inches to 6-6 inches). You can combine it with a small spinning reel for an ultra-light setup. Reel your line with 8 pounds test braid, since the line diameter is equivalent to a one-pound monofilament, this will provide maximum sensitivity and smooth casting. Another great tip is to add some basic 8 pounds mono on the reel for support before adding the braid, this way you will save a lot of money, and a 350-yard spool braid line will equip 4 to 5 reels.
Eight pounds of fluorocarbon is necessary for the leader line. For outstanding results, tie on an 8-foot leader so you don’t have to retie your leader as much as you retie your rig. Fluorocarbon is resistant to abrasives and is not visible to fish.
BEST FISHING TACKLES FOR DROP SHOT
Rod: When drop shooting for bass, you will need a spinning rod of approximately 7′ – 7’8″ light or medium action with a fast action tip. Longer fishing rods will give you a better hook set ratio that will allow you to control your fish better. A long rod will also allow you to get a longer casting distance. This is particularly useful when the fish are in the middle of spawning and can be easily spooked.
Reel: When it comes to choosing the best reel for a drop shot rig, my setup is made of a 7’0” average-light, ultra-fast action spinning rod and a light spinning reel. The best fishing rod has excellent shock absorption and is ideal for battling large fish with light lines.
Fishing line: When it comes to choosing the best fishing line for a drop shot rig, my preferred line is a light line with low visibility. A 6-8 pound fluorocarbon line or lighter braided lines with a 2 feet fluorocarbon leader are the two outstanding choices for most situations.
Weight: Depending on how deep you are fishing, it’s advisable to have a range of drop shot weights on your gear that range from 1/8 ounce to 1/2 ounce. Drop shot weights come with a swivel clip that allows you to adjust your depths easily while fishing without the need to re-tie. We recommend a round or ball weight. The round weight is ideal for vertical fishing, especially in sparse cover.
Hook: A lot of corporations have excellent drop shot hooks to select from, my best size is 1-1/O. They are the perfect hooks for nose hooking the bait; it provides the natural movement and maximum action.
Baits: Last but not the least is your drop shot bait. There are a variety of baits that you can use. The one I really like for drop shot is a small finesse worm such as the 4.5″ BioSpawn PlasmaTail or a realistic minnow such as the Catch Co. Shimmer Shad. Nose hooking the bait is a great method to start, but also Texas rigging or wacky rigging is another great options.