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Drop Shot Fishing for Bass: Catch More Suspended Bass

By: Author Coty Perry

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Drop Shot Fishing for Bass: Catch More Suspended Bass

Learning to dropshot might be the game-changer you need in your bass fishing arsenal. 

This finesse technique lets you present your bait in a way that makes even the pickiest bass bite, whether you’re fishing deep water, shallow cover, or anything in between.

What Makes Drop Shot Fishing Different?

The dropshot rig flips traditional bass fishing on its head. Instead of having your weight in front of your bait like most rigs, the dropshot keeps your weight below your bait. This setup creates a super natural presentation that can trigger bites when nothing else works.

You’ll find the dropshot really stands out when fishing gets tough. 

Those high-pressure days when bass get finicky? 

That’s when this rig shines. It works amazingly well in clear water, but don’t think you can’t use it in stained water too—just adjust your bait color accordingly.

drop shot rig

Source: netknots.com

Setting Up Your Drop Shot Gear

Getting started with drop shot fishing doesn’t need to break the bank. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Rod and Reel:
    • 7-foot medium-light spinning rod
    • Quality spinning reels like the Abu Garcia Revo
    • 6-8 pound fluorocarbon line
    • Alternative: 15-20 pound braid with 4-6 foot fluorocarbon leader
  • Terminal Tackle:
    • Drop shot hooks (size 1-1/0)
    • Drop shot weights (1/8 to 1/4 oz most common)
    • Finesse soft plastic baits
    • Small swivels (optional)

Rigging Your Drop Shot

Let’s break down the rigging process step by step. Start by tying on your hook using a Palomar knot, leaving a long tag end—anywhere from 4 inches to 2 feet, depending on how far you want your bait off the bottom. Feed the tag end back through the hook eye to make it stand out horizontally.

Next, tie on your weight at the end of your tag line. While many dropshot weights come with clips, tying a knot in the end prevents losing weights when fighting fish. 

The distance between your hook and weight will vary based on fishing conditions—shorter in shallow water, longer in deep water, or around grass.

For your bait, you’ve got two main rigging options. Nose-hooking works great in open water and creates amazing action. 

Texas-rigging comes in handy around cover and helps prevent snags. Whatever style you choose, make sure your bait sits horizontal in the water.

Where to Fish a Drop Shot

Finding the right spots to fish your dropshot can make all the difference. Deep structures like points, ledges, and humps make perfect dropshot territory. But don’t overlook shallow cover either—docks, grass edges, and laydowns can all hold bass willing to bite a dropshot.

When fishing vertically, your electronics become your best friend. Look for those classic “arches” on your graph that signal bass, often hovering near schools of baitfish. Once you spot them, drop your rig straight down and watch their reaction.

Fishing from the bank or the pier? Focus on break lines where shallow water transitions to deeper water. These depth changes create perfect ambush points for bass. Cast at a 45-degree angle to work these transitions effectively.

Two Key Techniques for Working Your Drop Shot

The beauty of drop shot fishing lies in its versatility. Here’s two proven ways to fish it:

  • Vertical Fishing:
    • Perfect for spotted bass and deep structure
    • Watch your graph and drop straight down
    • Subtle rod movements create lifelike action
    • Let fish tell you the best action/cadence
    • Move spots frequently if no bites
  • Casting and Dragging:
    • Great for covering water and finding active fish
    • Cast out and let it sink to bottom
    • Mix subtle hops with dead-sticking
    • Feel for bottom composition changes
    • Work parallel to depth changes

Catching Suspended Bass

Drop shot fishing really proves its worth when targeting suspended bass. These inactive fish often hold off bottom and can be super tough to catch with traditional techniques.

When you mark suspended fish on your graph, try matching your leader length to their height off bottom. Sometimes a more aggressive snap-and-pause retrieve triggers reaction strikes. Other times, dead-sticking your bait at their level proves more effective.

Keep in mind that suspended bass won’t usually move far to eat. Position your bait slightly above them; they’re more likely to move up than down to feed. If you’re not getting bites, try varying your retrieval speed and action until you crack the code.

seasonal considerations when dropshotting for bass

Seasonal Patterns

While many think of drop shot fishing as just a summertime technique, it catches fish year-round. In spring, target prespawn staging areas with shorter leaders. Summer finds bass relating to deeper structure—time to break out those longer leaders. Fall can be dynamite for shallow water drop shot fishing around baitfish schools.

Even winter offers prime drop shot opportunities. When bass group up in deeper water, vertical fishing with a drop shot often outperforms other techniques. The key is matching your presentation to seasonal fish behavior.

Common Drop Shot Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using weights that are too heavy: Start with 1/8 or 1/4 oz. and only go heavier if needed for wind or depth
  • Over-working your bait: Small, subtle movements often trigger more strikes with a sensitive reel like Daiwa Tatula CT
  • Fighting fish too hard: Use a steady upward sweep instead of a hard hookset to avoid bending hooks
  • Staying at one depth: Bass move up and down throughout the day, so vary your leader length
  • Moving spots too quickly: Give each area time; sometimes a slight change in presentation is all you need
  • Forgetting about line watching: Many bites are subtle, so pay attention to any line movement
  • Using thick line: Stick to 6-8 lb fluorocarbon for better action and more bites
  • Not matching local bait: Select soft plastics that mimic the size and profile of natural forage

The dropshot isn’t complicated, but mastering these details will help you catch more fish. Start with the basics and slowly expand your dropshot skills. With practice, you’ll find this technique becomes one of your most reliable ways to catch bass in tough conditions.

Final Thoughts

The dropshot has evolved from being just a deep-water technique to an all-purpose weapon for bass fishing. You don’t need fancy equipment or years of experience to start catching fish with it—just the right setup and a willingness to learn.

Start with the basics in deeper water, where the technique first made its name. 

Once you’re comfortable, try expanding to shallow cover, suspended fish, and different seasonal patterns. You’ll find the dropshot’s versatility makes it effective year-round and in almost any fishing situation.

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