Hey Drop Shot experts! 2024
Mike L reply :
Fellers
I have a 2 day tournament (hopefully 3 day's) on Lake Lanier in Ga this weekend.
I've been doing some research and found that a drop shot can be a very effective presentation this time of year on that lake. The problem is I've never thrown one!
Being a co angler and not knowing anything about the lake, or what my boater is gonna want to do I have to be ready for anything.
I know I'm gonna be out of my element fishing in 30+ fow so I've been reading everything I can and watching some videos but I still have a few questions about rigging.
Apparently when casting a drop shot rig, line twist is a major concern as opposed to fishing verticle off the side of the boat.
There seems to be 3 trains of thought...one is to use a barrel swivel about a foot above the hook and another where some recommend putting it just above the weight, while a few others say it doesnt matter!
So, my questions...What do you guys recommend?
Also, some recommend 20 lb braid with a 10 lb flouro leader while others swear by anywhere from 6 to 12 lb straight flouro.
Any Thoughts on that??
Thanks
Mike
Choporoz reply :
I hate drop-shotting....(I know....why did I even open this thread...lol)
But, I'm curious about the mindset going into the tournament...seems a bit of a risk to try a 'new to you', 'no confidence yet' technique.
Anyway...not trying to rain on your parade or thirst for knowledge...just that if it were me, I'd be spending time making sure my higher confidence stuff is gtg.
Additionally....I am not sure I could fish a drop shot from the back very well; just seems like one of the more challenging presentations when you don't control the tm
punch reply :
My preferred dropshot rig (and most pro's) is either a 6' 10" or 7' medium light rod with 10-20lb braid to a 8lb florocarbon leader. I personally don't use a swivel, just a RP knot to the floro leader.
If you're going to be fishing deep, like 30' FOW, i'd have a wide selection of weights to find the one that's going to give you good bottom contact in whatever wind conditions you may face. Go all the way up to 1/2oz (and maybe heavier).
Rick Howard reply :
On 10/19/2017 at 2:46 AM, Choporoz said:I hate drop-shotting....(I know....why did I even open this thread...lol)
But, I'm curious about the mindset going into the tournament...seems a bit of a risk to try a 'new to you', 'no confidence yet' technique.
Anyway...not trying to rain on your parade or thirst for knowledge...just that if it were me, I'd be spending time making sure my higher confidence stuff is gtg.
Additionally....I am not sure I could fish a drop shot from the back very well; just seems like one of the more challenging presentations when you don't control the tm
If your high confidence baits are in the first 3 feet of water than your in for a pretty slow day in 30' of water lol.
Mike L reply :
Believe me I understand your point.
I'm as prepared as I can be to fish my strengths which is what I'm sure I'll be doing anyway regardless of what my draw decides to do.
It's what I've always done.
But just in case that is what the fish will be keying on at any point, I also want to have as much knowledge as I can if I have to switch gears in a hurry.
It may or may not be a factor I just thought I should have at least a working knowledge of what to do.
Mike
On 10/19/2017 at 3:01 AM, Rick Howard said:If your high confidence baits are in the first 3 feet of water than your in for a pretty slow day in 30' of water lol.
It's not.
I know I'm out of my element, that's why I'm asking for advise to have working knowledge of it that's all.
Anyway, I hope you're wrong.
Mike
J Francho reply :
Straight 6# fluoro, Seaguar Finesse 7.2, Tatsu 6, or Invisx 6. I don't run into twist until around 5-6 hours of continuous use. I personally bring around 4-5 rigs for it. Maybe you can bring two rigs. If you want to use a swivel, I highly recommend Raven micro swivels.
On 10/19/2017 at 3:01 AM, Rick Howard said:If your high confidence baits are in the first 3 feet of water than your in for a pretty slow day in 30' of water lol.
If the deep bite is on, and you're on fish, your confidence will kick in very quick. I've brought many a new angler out and introduced them to fishing by drop shotting in 20-40 FOW, and they caught many, many fish.
WRB reply :
Congratulations qualifying for the tournament.
I drop shot whenever fishing with a partner who likes to do it.
My preference is to slip shot rig because I can cast and cover more of the bottom structure. Verticle drop shot is a precise presentation that works when you are on top of the bass. If the boater is drop shotting, then it's a good time for you to drop shot.
If the bottom structure is free of brush or vegetation you can nose hook a finesse worm using size 1 Owner mosquito or Gamakatsu drop shot hooks. If there is something to snag on then use size 1/0 Owner 5133 down shot hook weedless (Texas) hooked.
Distance from weight to hook depends on how far off the bottom the bass are? I would start with 12" in deep water and use a 1/4 oz tear drop drop shot weight.
Use whatever type of line your prefer, I use 5 lb Maxima Ultra Green mono, slip shot or drop shot, if FC use 7 lb Sunline Sniper. Line twist shouldn't be a problem unless you are drop shotting for several hours. If that is a problem , re spool line each night.
Slip shoot I use the Owner 5133 hook with 1/8 oz mojo weight. 30' isn't an issue with either presentation.
I would use Roboworms 6" in Morning dawn for spots and MMIII for LMB.
Don't over work a drop shot and simply slowly drag the slip shot rig. Set your drag at 2 to 3 lbs!
Good luck.
Tom
Rick Howard reply :
On 10/19/2017 at 3:04 AM, Mike L said:Believe me I understand your point.
I'm as prepared as I can be to fish my strengths which is what I'm sure I'll be doing anyway regardless of what my draw decides to do.
It's what I've always done.
But just in case that is what the fish will be keying on at any point, I also want to have as much knowledge as I can if I have to switch gears in a hurry.
It may or may not be a factor I just thought I should have at least a working knowledge of what to do.
Mike
It's not.
I know I'm out of my element, that's why I'm asking for advise to have working knowledge of it that's all.
Anyway, I hope you're wrong.
Mike
You misunderstood. I was making the point that selecting a bait solely on the fact that your confidence level is high with that bait could back fire worse than using a bait you've never used before 
I think your doing the right thing by trying to learn as much as possible prior too the day. Worst case you I am sure you will learn enough on that day to catch some fish.
WRB reply :
Mike, I don't want to add more confusion to your question about fishing 30' deep vertically during the fall. I would also think about using verticle structure spoons, you can use your bait casting tackle and catch bass quickly if the boater has metered bass.
P-Lne Laser Minnow 3/4 oz and add size 2 white feathered Owner treble hook.
Tom
Todd2 reply :
I've fished it for two years and still haven't figured it all out so I'm not sure I'd start in a tournament. From what I can tell...there are two main camps...shakers and non-shakers. Most things I read say not to overwork it...but several pros shake it the whole time.
I started out holding it fairly still and that works...but I'm not convinced that it's better than continously shaking on semi slack line. If anything, I'd say my numbers have gone up some the more I lightly shake the slack. Maybe others with more experience will chime in on shaking???
Either way...good luck!
Angry John reply :
On 10/19/2017 at 3:34 AM, WRB said:Congratulations qualifying for the tournament.
I drop shot whenever fishing with a partner who likes to do it.
My preference is to slip shot rig because I can cast and cover more of the bottom structure. Verticle drop shot is a precise presentation that works when you are on top of the bass. If the boater is drop shotting, then it's a good time for you to drop shot.
If the bottom structure is free of brush or vegetation you can nose hook a finesse worm using size 1 Owner mosquito or Gamakatsu drop shot hooks. If there is something to snag on then use size 1/0 Owner 5133 down shot hook weedless (Texas) hooked.
Distance from weight to hook depends on how far off the bottom the bass are? I would start with 12" in deep water and use a 1/4 oz tear drop drop shot weight.
Use whatever type of line your prefer, I use 5 lb Maxima Ultra Green mono, slip shot or drop shot, if FC use 7 lb Sunline Sniper. Line twist shouldn't be a problem unless you are drop shotting for several hours. If that is a problem , re spool line each night.
Slip shoot I use the Owner 5133 hook with 1/8 oz mojo weight. 30' isn't an issue with either presentation.
I would use Roboworms 6" in Morning dawn for spots and MMIII for LMB.
Don't over work a drop shot and simply slowly drag the slip shot rig. Set your drag at 2 to 3 lbs!
Good luck.
Tom
I do this but use 6lb yhb and 4-6 inch roboworms in Aarons magic. I do exactly the same shifting hooks but I use gamy 1/0 or 2/0 ewg for weedless. I hear a lot about the rebarb hook but never used it
Mike L reply :
I did, Sorry
You're right. Sometimes we get locked in on certain things that sometimes it's the wrong thing.
At least I do.
Mike
WRB reply :
On 10/19/2017 at 4:39 AM, Todd2 said:I've fished it for two years and still haven't figured it all out so I'm not sure I'd start in a tournament. From what I can tell...there are two main camps...shakers and non-shakers. Most things I read say not to overwork it...but several pros shake it the whole time.
I started out holding it fairly still and that works...but I'm not convinced that it's better than continously shaking on semi slack line. If anything, I'd say my numbers have gone up some the more I lightly shake the slack. Maybe others with more experience will chime in on shaking???
Either way...good luck!
There is shaking and there is shaking, you basically want to shake it lightly while keeping the weight on the bottom.
Tom
Mike L reply :
Thanks Guys!
I picked up a spool of 10lb Sniper already. It may be a little too heavy after reading this but too late now.
I picked up a pack of 1 and 1/0 mosquito hooks to use.
I have 3/8, 1/2 and 1/4 oz drop shot weights.
I have barrell swivels already but won't use them unless we're on fish most of the day as suggested.
So I guess I'm covered.
Thank You all for the suggestions and advise.
Hopefully it won't be the difference between being successful or not but if it is, at least I know more now than what I did.
Mike
WRB reply :
Mike, what rod/reel are you planning to use?
Tom
flatcreek reply :
On 10/19/2017 at 7:03 AM, Mike L said:Thanks Guys!
I picked up a spool of 10lb Sniper already. It may be a little too heavy after reading this but too late now.
I picked up a pack of 1 and 1/0 mosquito hooks to use.
I have 3/8, 1/2 and 1/4 oz drop shot weights.
I have barrell swivels already but won't use them unless we're on fish most of the day as suggested.
So I guess I'm covered.
Thank You all for the suggestions and advise.
Hopefully it won't be the difference between being successful or not but if it is, at least I know more now than what I did.
Mike
I fish Lanier a good bit.Take some fish head spins and white pearl flukes.Shakeyheads too.good luck man
Edited by flatcreekDon't think I should mention baits
KCFinesse reply :
I'm a big fan of vmc spin shot hooks as a means of reducing line twist; the simplified rigging and ability to quickly change dropper lengths can be nice too.
I really really think the key to a lot of slow, methodical, finesse presentations is confidence. Drop shotting can get technically involved and it's easy to lose confidence or focus in what your doing. Keep it simple- find a few baits you like, find spots where you know you're on fish, hunker down, and put weight in the boat.
Good luck, have fun!
-Jared
fishindad reply :
Mike, I don't claim to be an "expert" but have fished with a dropshot for almost 10 years, mostly for smallies. Since you say you're a newbie to dropshotting, I will suggest the most trouble-free and simplest rig and that would be straight mono. If you fish with spinning gear a lot then go straight fluoro as mentioned but I would skip the braid/leader or swivel rigging since it potentially can be a headache - and time consuming to re-rig, especially for a newcomer. That said, twisting of the rig at the hook/sinker end is terrible, and inevitable, especially when you hook up and play the fish. In those cases it's easier to just clip off a couple feet of twisted line and retie the hook with a simple Palomar and tag end and you're good to go again. It doesn't hurt to have a backup combo in case you're on a hot bite but I assume you only own one DS outfit, lol.
Be patient, you'll definitely get bit. It's not the most exciting or fun way to catch 'em but it is very productive, especially for deep water bass that only respond to finesse plastics rather than hair jigs, spoons, or football jigs. Remember to play out the big ones and always close your bail by hand. And don't set the hook as you normally would jig fishing, just 'reel set' and keep pressure on and make sure your drag is good. GL and report back after the tourney.
HookRz reply :
Forget the dropshot, drop a Ned on their head!
WRB reply :
On 10/19/2017 at 4:58 AM, Angry John said:I do this but use 6lb yhb and 4-6 inch roboworms in Aarons magic. I do exactly the same shifting hooks but I use gamy 1/0 or 2/0 ewg for weedless. I hear a lot about the rebarb hook but never used it
You do realize that 6 lb Yhb is the same diameter as 10 lb Sniper; .010. I think 10 lb Sniper is OK, more memory then 7 lb on a spinning reel. Use a good line conditioner!
Tom
reerok reply :
Some good advice above.
I fish drop shot all day at times and typically don't have issues with line twist. Although I do re-tie my leader or hook regularly. I fish drop-shot more horizontally and around cover and drops and am always looking out for nicks in my flouro leader. But for me it's almost always 10 lb braid to 7-10 lb flouro leader (depending on water clarity).
One of the more important notes to people new to drop shotting is this: DO NOT SET THE HOOK. I lost more fish at the beginning of learning this technique by setting the hook like a T-rig worm. When you feel the bite, simply reel down and lift. A quick hard hook set is a recipe for missing or losing a fish.
Regarding shaking or not, let the fish tell you. Try both and remember which works and repeat. There are days where dead-sticking is the only way to get bit. Other days a full shake gets the action. Usually it's somewhere in between although typically skewing towards less shake/action.
Good luck, Mike!
TOXIC reply :
Well, I knew you were going to get a LOT of suggestions because Dropshotting is more of an individual preference and personal confidence technique than most realize. I have been dropshotting for 25 years but I do not claim to be an expert. I do what works for ME.
I prefer to cast a dropshot more than drop it straight down but I will if I find them on my electronics. I get very little line twist and the way I rig is one reason why. I do not like to wacky or nose rig any of my dropshot baits and I have reasons for it but I will spare you my ranting. I use 10lb mono with a 6.8 med Spinning rod and a fast tip. I use a #1 NOT a 1.0 Gamakatsu EWG Offset gap hook and a Pro Senko (has a straight pointed tail) or a Yamamoto Shad Shape Worm both Texas Rigged. I use a premium Dropshot weight (Quik Drop) and the quality in the harp and swivel built into the weight also help eliminate line twist. I have caught thousands of smallmouth on that rig either casting, dragging, or vertical fishing. I used to fish it 75% of the time but I have spread out into some other techniques to expand my base a little more.
Angry John reply :
On 10/19/2017 at 11:40 PM, WRB said:You do realize that 6 lb Yhb is the same diameter as 10 lb Sniper; .010. I think 10 lb Sniper is OK, more memory then 7 lb on a spinning reel. Use a good line conditioner!
Tom
It works great. I have 6lb sniper from fishing in Washington state but I don't see any difference here in tenessee.
MIbassyaker reply :
Question!
Fluoro-leader folks: How long is your leader (leader knot to weight), and what knot do you use for the hook?
frogflogger reply :
On 10/19/2017 at 10:51 AM, HookRz said:Forget the dropshot, drop a Ned on their head!
I've fished out of the back of the boat lots and when the guy in front is fishing deep (drop shot, etc.) I've had very good results just letting the little rig doodle around down there.
Comfortably Numb reply :
If you are fishing 30' then braid and a flouro leader is a must. I use a 3/8-1/2 sinker. I tie up a bunch at home so re-rigging is faster.
Mike L reply :
Hey Fellas
First, above all I want to thank you all for the advise and suggestions that you gave me.
It was a tough 2 days on Lanier. A cold front came down and changed everything..
When I left home it was 88 deg, at take off on Thursday morning it was 46!
I thought my cheeks were gonna crack off!!
My boater who has been on the lake since Tuesday said he's had a lot of luck chasing schooling spots all over the lake and that was his plan.
We started where he left off anticipating fast action but nothing...We went to 2 other spots he had and nothing there either. We didn't put a line in the water until after 8:00!!
Finally we pulled up to a secondary point on the Chattahoochee River in 46 fow about 20ft from shore!
Anyway he started with a jerk bait and I with a DD craw colored crank that I bought the night before.
There were balls of bait all other his screen but no bites, so we started roaming around again and still nothing.
I suggested we flip some docks in a marina but he said don't worry we'll find em.
When we finally saw some acton, they were gone by the time we got to them.
He took his drop shot and I did the same and stayed with it most of the day.
Man O Man what a slow, boring presentation; )
Talk about being out of my element!
I would have given my Kingdom for a pad field, reed line, a blade of grass, something!! 
I did ok with it I guess.. I tried to remember everything you guys told me but it's just not my thing.
Anyway, we started catching fish but most were under the 14" slot.
It was a tough, tough day.
I'm told a good number of co anglers and boaters zeroed and a few co anglers didn't bother to show up for day 2.
Day 2 started with a fog delay but when we started my boater had the same plan, to chase schools but that didn't work out either. We had the same results, by the time we found some busting fish they were gone.
My boater got so aggravated he cut the day short, gave up and we came in early.
All in all I was hoping for better results but Thankful I got this far and gratefull to you all for trying to help me understand a presentation that I was totally lost about.
Thanks Again
Mike
68camaro reply :
On 10/21/2017 at 10:25 PM, Mike L said:H
Man O Man what a slow, boring presentation; )
Talk about being out of my element!
I would have given my Kingdom for a pad field, reed line, a blade of grass, something!!
I did ok with it I guess.. I tried to remember everything you guys told me but it's just not my thing.
Mike
Finesse fishing is EXTREMELY difficult for me, I really struggle staying with it more than a few casts even though I know I should.
WRB reply :
Chasing Spotted bass fast feeding is very low percentage, sorry your boater was dialed in phantom fishing.
Drop shot isn't a search bait, you need to know where and what depth the bass are active at.
If you ever get into this type of bite during the fall try structure spoons, cast them a long distance and also fish them vertically, lot more productive this time of year.
Maybe next time!
Tom
PS, if interested I believe there are a few older threads on structure spoons, if not be glad to write up a short article on it.
IndianaFinesse reply :
Sounds like you were the one more qualified to be the boater. Bummer on the stubborn boater not getting you on some fish, did he ever hear of fishing in the moment?
BTW, I also stink at drop shotting. I like and have some degree of skill with other finesse techniques, but not that one.
WRB reply :
It's easy to 2 nd guess tournament decisions, you go with your instincts and pre fishing, sometimes it works. The reason I suggested a structure spoon last Weds was to target deeper schooling bass if the were feeding on Shad schools. Sometimes a tail spin also works, but in the fall the faster moving flashy Shad lures shine.
Tom
Mike L reply :
Thanks Tom, If I ever find myself in the same conditions I'll certainly take your advise.
What got me is that both were waiting for the fish to come to them and then reacting. When that didn't happen niether adjusted to the conditions or trusted thier electronics.
When we pulled up to an area they tried to force a bite with no information to make an informed decision on how to fish it.
Both days I was just along for the ride.
On 10/22/2017 at 9:06 PM, IndianaFinesse said:Sounds like you were the one more qualified to be the boater
. Bummer on the stubborn boater not getting you on some fish, did he ever hear of fishing in the moment?
BTW, I also stink at drop shotting. I like and have some degree of skill with other finesse techniques, but not that one.
Both boaters were locked in to what they wanted to do and that was it for me.
I'm not the kind of co angler who would complain to them or even offer advise if none were asked for, especially in a tounament with that much money and an opportunity to advance on a National stage. Some would say I should have because of that, but I compete in so many State and Regional circuits that I'd rather try to make the best of it, even when the cards are stacked.
Mike
TOXIC reply :
in a tournament, you don't come in early......EVER!! You gut it out. Many a tourney has been won in the last 1/2 hour.
Mike L reply :
On 10/23/2017 at 8:16 PM, TOXIC said:in a tournament, you don't come in early......EVER!! You gut it out. Many a tourney has been won in the last 1/2 hour.
Exactlly Right!
It's happened to me more than once and saved the day.
Mike
Choporoz reply :
That 'coming in early' part....I can't even begin to understand....I don't fish tournaments, but I don't come in early...unless there's lightening and/or gale force winds
Mike L reply :
On 10/23/2017 at 10:57 PM, Choporoz said:That 'coming in early' part....I can't even begin to understand....I don't fish tournaments, but I don't come in early...unless there's lightening and/or gale force winds
It doesn't happen often but you'd be surprised.
It's happened to me once before and both times in a cumulative point format in multi day tournaments. Both boaters either zeroed the first day or was way down in points and had no confidence in making a comeback.
Oh... they feel bad, at least thats what he said, but just didn't get it that any cast can be the one.
Lucky for me the first time it happened I was among the leaders and my total was enough to finish, unlike this one. He had a 10 hr drive home (I did also) and didn't want to spend the extra money even tho I gave him more than 1/2 his fuel cost and bought lunch and snacks.
Mike
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