Revisited

Posted by Woody on 2002 AM:

Dropshot Revisited.....

I am looking for some information regarding the Drop-Shot Technique.
I also did a search and was looking fo some OPINIONS of folks who emply this technique.

I am looking for the following:

Successful Techniques....
Deep/Shallow....Structure/Vegetation
Preferred Baits
Hooks
Spinning/Casting
You bet ... Line
Tag Length
Seasonal Preferance
ROD

I know several people have resonded to different Drop Shot
threads but not covering ALL of these specific's.

I recently had a horrific outing....You bet THE SKUNK(for keepers)
Rehashing this...I was wondering if I could have hit some Humps both clear and vegetated and fared any better.

Looking forward to your replies....

Thanks in advance,
Woody

Posted by earthworm77 on 2002 PM:

Coincidently, I won a tournament today drop shotting. Give me a ring and we'll talk about how I've been fishing the rig. As you can guess, I modified it a bit to better suit my needs.
Successful Techniques....
Deep/Shallow....I've done it both deep and shallow, I prefer about 12 to 15ft deep. I drag the bait along horizontally rather than vertically.
Hookset- you will feel weight when you get bit, simply reel and lift the rod. You can't set like a Texas rig or you'll pull the bait out of the fishs' mouth.
Preferred Baits-4" Green Eyes Finesse Worm, 3" Senko anything small and natural looking will work.
Hooks -Gamakatsu Split shot or Daiichi Bleeding Bait, I use Owner Downshot weights in 1/16oz/ 1/8oz and 3/16oz
Spinning/Casting-Spinning rod 6-6 ML Bionic Blade, I do not think you will be able to control the bait with casting gear, this is a finesse presentation.
You bet ... Line -6lb Yo Zuri Smoke
Tag Length -varies depending on height of weeds off bottom I often go with 12" to 18"
Seasonal Preferance -Summer/Fall

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Posted by Woody on 2002 PM:

Bump...and Earthy

Thank You sooo much for always answering a fishing question...
I have learned a TON from you over the years.
I am REALLY trying to become a better fisherman...I want to try and employ new tackle and techniques....
Can anyone else talk about their experiences with the Dropshot....
Thanks in advance
Woody

Posted by Travis on 2002 PM:

"Deep/Shallow...."

The drop shot to me is a deep presentation. Can you take fish with it shallow ? of course. The beauty of this rig to me is that I can keep contact with a smaller presentation vertically when it is windy. It also shines because I can move it up and down in the column(weight doesn't have to be ON bottom making contact). What is deep ? Where I have fished this has varied from a Ca. canyon reservoir to where I fish now which is 30+ easily. I will NOT fish a drop shot in water less than 10 feet. I see no need. I could vertically fish a number of baits below 10 even in the windiest of conditions.

"Structure/Vegetation"

As you may have guessed from the above. Structure for me. I like this bait on deep weedlines(outside). Deeper portions of a winding creek channel(off the edges). Deep channels that have thick weeds or timber on their rim. I like.

"Seasonal Preferance"

I prefer the drop shot when what we call summer is here. To me this means when panfish begin suspending on deep outside weedlines and the channels mentioned above. I fish this vertically right in what I see on the electronics. Typically you will see hordes of panfish suspended and bass will be just below them. My offering is in their face.

"Preferred Baits"

Snakebite, Zipper, Snoozers, Yammie I have used offerings from all of these while employing the d-s. I keep my baits on the small side(3 inches). More on this below. I want the bait to be SUBTLE in color. I like a baitfish color.

"Hooks"

I use the Yammie SS hook. I like it. I nose hook my bait.THROUGH the nose not threaded INTO the nose as I do with a Magic Stick On the take it is a rod raise and a quick crank and the fish are there. I don't tx. rig on a drop shot because of where and how I fish it.

"Spinning/Casting"

There are two trains of thought here. The casting camp will say that you don't need a spin because you aren't casting this rig and are dropping it vertically The spinning camp is one that I side with here. The reel is under the rod(it makes a difference after a LONG day). This isn't a heavy line technique for me. Tennessee handles Loomis 782(that is a 6-6 rod), perfect in my opinion. Blank is between my thumb and index(I'm wrapped around it) to feel subtle takes. 15 and more feet of water , possible high wind with a small bait. I like sensitive. I should also add that I grabbed a trick out of the walleye handbook of thinking here and will fish a rod in both hands on occasion(a lot). Same rod model, line etc etc.

"You bet ... Line"

P-Line, or braid. I am NOT casting this rig. I like a stiff line that is going to transmit strikes here. I have used both P-Line and Fireline for drop shotting with no real preference between either. Combine that line with the rod above and you will feel a blue gill swimming around your bait at 15 feet. Well you get the idea...

"Tag Length"

Since I am NOT using this rig over weeds tag length is of little concern to me. I have used a 24-36 inch tag anywhere I have drop shotted. Keep in mind here that though the drop shot is designed to thump a weight on the bottom that you CAN move the offering up and down in the column. The weight for me acts as an anchring system and I always want to know where it is. Keep an eye on the electronics with your sensitivity turned up and you will have precise control.

OK. The drop shot to me is a limit bait. Something important to the tourney angler out there. Can you take large fish with this bait ? of course. But to me this rig shines in taking fish that are consolidated either realting to bait or a "spot". When I stated above that I fish this rig on deep weedlines and channel edges. That IS where I fish it. I don't fish it anywhere else. BUT. Those areas are in mass where I live. I want baits that are subtle and not going to repel bass. To me this means little hand poured worms, paddle tailed 3 inch grubs etc. I want to be "quivering" that bait right in their face. I am not doing anything wild with the rod tip , I am also not allowing slack line to bow my line. If this is happening I move up in sinker size. I have no problem using a 1/2 ounce sinker for this if need be. Depends on the conditions.

Reading a map and boat control: HUGE. Unless one has been fishing a body of water for years and they know it like how many tiles are on the interior of their shower. KNOW how to read a map for this. Being able to to tell where you are on the water as it relates to the map in front of your face is a learned skill. Boat control: anchoring is a very good idea for this unless fishing in all but the most calm of conditions. This is a specific "spot" kind of fishing. This isn't a cover the water horizontally at a fast clip deal. I want to be on specific breaks, baitfish schools, drops in depth from the usual to the obsurd, sharp turns of the weedline. points on the outside edge of a weedline and the list goes on.

The drop shot is NOT an all day affair to me. If I were fishing a tx it would mean a milk run of spots to pick up quick hitters and I am moving on. Limit bait. Limit technique. Big fish:bonus.

Earthy just read your post after i wrote this. We don't vary much.

Trav

Posted by Bassin Dude on 2002 AM:

Again, another nice post Travis.

__________________
Tony

"As my own fishing seasons wind down to a precious few, it's nice to know I'll be there, be there as long as I can. As long as I can bait a hook and make a cast, as long as I am living, I intend to be fishing."

-Ron Schara

Posted by Woody on 2002 AM:

Thanks T

For ALL your help over the years!!!!!
This site and You and several others have DEFINATELY made me a better fisherman...Thank You
Excellent articles ... Guess what I am going to do later this week?
Tight lines,
Woody

Posted by HookUp on 2002 AM:

After reading this post, I realize I have caught allot of fish on drop-shot rigging - in salt water.

Never tryed it for fresh, but most of the fresh water I fish is in shallow running rivers or creeks.

Good post and congradulations EW!
Time to celebrate:

Posted by Travis on 2002 AM:

Wood, Tony....not a problem.

Thanks

Trav

Posted by Blue Fleck\NJ on 2002 PM:

3 Things....

I generally agree with the previous posts but have been experimenting with the following:

1) Line:

20/6 Powerpro attached via swivel to a 3' tag end (XPS fluorocarbon 12lb). Of course, the swivel helps w\ line twist.

2.) Weight:

I've found that mojo weights hangup less than the "bell" shaped weights. A small splitshot below the mojo allows for quick tag length adjustments.

3.) Hook:

A size 6 VMC Vanadium treble hook. YES A TREBLE! LOL. I tie the hook on with a double palomar knot about 1' from the swivel. I've had horrible experiences losing decent fish due to traditional dropshot hooks.

PS

99% of the time I use good ole 4" Power Finesse Worms in pumpkin

Just some food for thought. No Rules! Good Luck!

Posted by JOHN G on 2002 AM:

what an exellent thread! Trav and Earthy, mucho thanks.....Wood you opened a Pandora's box of goodies here......and Blue Fleck, love your variations, especially the treble! COOL...... JOHN G

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Posted by earthworm77 on 2002 AM:

Fleck, why the two weights? If you hang up, you lose them both. Why not peg the mojo with a peg it? Or simply use a splitshot. I think the clip on bell type or the clip on mojo type are easiest and best. I've never lost a sinker with the rig yet. With the exception of maybe one or two lakes, I've used the rig in predominantly clear waters. I don't think that power pro is a good idea unless you use a leader like you suggested. I'm not sure I like the idea of a swivel as now your tying two extra knots. I don't think twist is a serious consideration. B-Fleck-Good post though, some interesting ideas to think about. I didn't mean to tear your ideas up, just being inquisitive.

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Posted by joe pido on 2002 AM:

dropshot novice here

excellent thread guys....PRINT!

joe

Posted by Blue Fleck\NJ on 2002 AM:

I figured this would happen LOL...

First let me say that this site is great and I appreciate all of your posts. It's very informative. There's a ton of general dropshot info on the net. I love the technique and wanted to provide something a little different. I’m just a weekend warrior, but I wanted to share my experiences.

I'll try to address EW's inquiries.

Fleck, why the two weights?

EW, you said you've never lost a weight and that's great. I don't have that luck\skill. A buddy suggested the mojo thing and it’s worked for me. I'd rather lose a mojo and a splitshot versus a pricey downshot weight. I find a splitshot more convenient than pegging (just my personal preference). Anybody need some peg-its? LOL

I don't think that power pro is a good idea unless you use a leader like you suggested.

I'm a bit confused by that statement. I fish a lot of clear water as well and wouldn't use powerpro UNLESS a flouro tag was employed. I like the powerpro's sensitivity in deep water

I'm not sure I like the idea of a swivel .

I’ve experienced twisting when fishing a 4” worm in deeper water. Again, that’s me. Also, I’ve been unsuccessful in coming up with a reliable braid to fluoro knot. I find the braid cuts the flouro.

No offense taken EW and none intended. I’m always open to suggestions.

Posted by Scully on 2002 PM:

another question please

I have NEVER fished a drop shot rig, though I do intend to do so shortly. The information posted here previously will go along way in helping me learn this technique, but there are still a few questions I have.

1.MOVEMENT....I have heard a few different points of view on how much you should move the bait.

A friend who claims he does quite well with the bait tells me the bait should remain in place as motionless as possible. His claim is if there are fish on a particular piece of cover he is fishing, he will get bit immediately.

I recently read an article by Aaron Martens who states you should shake the rod slightly at intervals, letting it remain motionless for a brief time.

I read above where earthworm fishes it horizontally more than vertically which indicates to me he is fishing the bait at a moderate speed.

2. HOOKS

I read where one of you, I believe it was Blue Flek uses a treble instead of the traditional drop shot hook due to haveing lost a few quality fish. Has anyone else experienced the same problem.

I need to learn a new technique like a hole in the head, but I know it works. There is a time and a place for everything so its better to be prepared when that time comes.

Thanks

Scul

Posted by JOHN G on 2002 PM:

Scul, I know how you feel about this, I have avoided the drop shot up to this point, because I don't know if I am ready to add a new technique just now..... I have done Don Iovinos "shaking" and such, and although the weight is not at the end of the line, doodling is very similar to the drop shot, in that it was designed primarily as a structure attacking tool, and Don will gently shake it, almost imperceptively as he motors ( trolling motor ) over the structure....now, I do the same thing vertically with the blade as you will probably see next WED, so in concept it is very similar....what it basically does, is give you another DEPTH and SPEED of lure presentation, so even though you are hitting the same structure, you are giving the fish a different look...

similar in concept: when you target Cover, say a weed edge, throwing a weighted plastic worm to the edge of the weeds as compared to throwing a senko: different fall rates ( speed of lure ), and really different depths because the T-rig will sink rapidly going straight to a target bottom, but the senko will drop through the column as it also heads down, giving fish a longer look at it, if such fish might be suspended somewhere in that weed edge instead of orientated at the bottom of the edge....

lets face it: if we fish what we consider a PRIME piece of structure or cover, it is really hard to say there are not fish eating there unless it is presented with several things....that is one of the things I like about having more than one person on the boat, which with me is becoming the rule....you could have 2 or 3 different presentations made to the same target, thus giving you a three-fold oppportunity to dope out a pattern, which everyone could then jump on once it reveals itself.....

JOHN G

Posted by earthworm77 on 2002 AM:

Scullman, I have two trains of thought on movement. First, I employ a bit of rod tip action to make the bait pulse. It is a small movement and not exaggerated. It is likely the way Aaron Martens described in the article. Next, I compare the way I fish the rig to the Slider technique. Although I am fishing it more horizontaly, it is not a fast or even moderate pace unless I get impatient with the rig...and then it becomes less effective. I bet you we could use it effectively on white perch. I pulse it slightly along and then barely pick it up. This is a rod movement of maybe 6" and often lets me know if I have a fish on. I am just trying to keep in contact with the bait here. Often the rig simply pulls back indicating a fish is on. I have yet to take a fish over 3 1/2lbs on the rig but it has produced anytime I used it. A good way to hunt for a limit. As far as hooks, I have not lost a single fish since using this rig off and on for over a year. I nose hook the baits and the fish always get it all! Good luck Ray. When we get out, we'll have to discuss this in detail.-C

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Posted by Northbass on 2002 PM:

Amen brother Craig from our very own Jackson Heights... Earthwormm77!!! He killed with it in tourneys and have seen the determination needed to learn a new skill and catch fish consistently. On faminelake where the bass will take your finger off if dangled in the water he practiced for two hours. I was loving topwater and not willing to try it this season. On Long Island you have to modify things a bit. Will spend time next season.

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Posted by JOHN G on 2002 AM:

Rob, most of your posts are not that long, so I don't know how you would handle a real long piece, however, your writing seems quite good, and I would love to make a suggestion that you should think about:

you had a unique experience this season fishing almost exclusively with Earthy, now, I have only been on the boat with him a few times, but each time came away extremely impressed....what a great article it would make for Scullys Anglers Chronicles, if you wrote an extended piece about your experiences fishing with Craig..... I know I would love to read it, and Im sure others would too.....something to think about and maybe work on, if you really would like to "tackle" something like this, I could speak to Scully also about it, I will be seeing him this coming Wednesday.... let me know! JOHN G

Posted by earthworm77 on 2002 AM:

A sit down with the "Surgeon".....interesting.....stick on!!!!!

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Posted by joe pido on 2002 AM:

dropshot in muddy water

Water is stained, chocolate brown, zero visibility. Bait suspending in 10 ft of water just above a 16 ft dropoff....

I figure the dropshot technique would work if the bass would see it, meaning in relatively clear water. But would it work in the conditions that I just mentioned....

any takers?

thanks....

joe

joe

Posted by mr jig on 2002 AM:

Not my choice of presentation Joe.

For suspended fish i would prefer a horizontal (swimming) presentation or a slip shot approach.
dick.

Posted by ScottB on 2002 PM:

Joe, I would say that the answer is an emphatic NO but fishing is not an exact science. I would only use this tactic in a situation where I was "power dropshotting". When I say this, I am refering to using relatively heavy line, a short leader (because in stained water the fish are much more likely to be associated with bottom vice suspending) and a fairly heavy weight. This I would use to pitch to exact targets or to pound through matted veggies. For a regular open water fishing, dropshotting would not be MY choice under the conditions you listed. I would be more likely to use a s-bait, crankbait or a jig with rattles. These obviously would appeal to multiple senses vice just the visual that the dropshot does.
My .02, Scott B

Posted by mr jig on 2002 PM:

Correction.

Horizontal or drop shot approach.
Sorry.
dick.

Posted by JOHN G on 2002 PM:

Dick, one of these nights I will call you, I have a question regarding swimming lures through suspended fish....... JOHN G

Posted by Steve_IA on 2002 AM:

John... ask the question of Dick here on the board and share the opportunity to learn the answer with all of us.