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.
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.