Drop shot rigs are essential, especially for bass anglers who utilize versatility to catch more fish. In this article, I’ll show you step-by-step images of me tying a drop shot. Additionally, we’ll talk a bit about why it’s useful and when you should use it.
What is a drop shotting
Drop shotting is a fishing technique where you tie a hook above a weight that hangs from the bottom. The weight sits on the bottom and keeps the bait close to the bottom, but suspended slightly. This is a good way to target fish, including bass, that are holding in deeper water. The depth can be adjusted by several feet, so it is highly customizable depending on where the fish are. The way this rig is set up the movement of your bait is very realistic and enticing.
Steps
Tying a drop shot is not as challenging as it may look. It’s just a Palomar knot with a tail is what I like to say. Let’s go over the steps:
See Next: 9 Strong Fishing Knots
When to fish a drop shot
Drop shot rigs are used year-round, there is no set rule about it, and they are effective during all seasons.
Seasonal Considerations:
- Summer: During the heat of the summer, bass will typically hold in deeper cooler water, so using a drop rig during this time can be especially effective for getting your bait down to where they can see it while also having a killer presentation.
- Winter: In the colder winter months, bass again will retreat to deeper waters. While the summer doesn’t decrease their metabolism or cause them to become lethargic, the winter does. So having a really enticing bait with a good presentation is especially helpful in the winter. This is not just true for bass but for many other species, such as ice fishing for Walleye. When ice fishing, for example, using a drop shot rig with an imitation Shad is an awesome choice.
Environmental Factors:
- Near Structure: The drop shot rig is also a great choice for fishing structures and vegetation like weeds, rocks, and flooded timber. The rig’s ability to suspend the bait just off the bottom and near these structures is extremely advantageous. Let me give you a scenario; you have bass holding a few feet above a log or weeds, would you rather present your bait at the same level as the fish or would you rather place it below them where they might not even notice?
- Open Water and Varied Depths: The rig is not just limited to structure fishing. In open water where you believe or have confirmed fish to be holding, this rig works too. Again, you don’t want to put your bait several feet down and present it on the bottom if the fish are several feet above. With this rig, you can effectively be bottom-bouncing without your bait needing to be on the bottom.
Drop shot fishing techniques
For the winter months, the drop shot rig is most effective when you use a slow and steady retrieve or presentation. In contrast, during warmer times, especially pre-spawn where there is aggressive feeding going on, a faster more erratic presentation will bring you better results. There are always exceptions to these rules, as always, adjust your presentation as needed to have the best results.
FAQ
Can you cast a drop shot rig?
Yes, you absolutely can cast just like other similar rigs.
How far should the weight be from the hook?
The weight should be around 12-24 inches from the hook, but it can be more or less depending on your preferences.
What size hook for drop shot rigs?
There is no wrong or right answer to this, your hook should be based on the size of your bait. Generally speaking, sizes 2-6 are the most common. Please note that in the demonstration, I’m using an offset worm hook because that’s my preference. They make drop-shot-specific hooks that you might prefer.
Wrapping up: drop shot fishing rigs
After reading this article, tying a drop shot should be easy for you. If you’re still having trouble, just keep practicing! This rig is one that every angler should know because it is so effective at catching fish, especially when you’ve already tried other methods.
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