Drop Shot rig

[porta_homer]

I have been reading a lot of articles on using a drop shot rig for bass, but have yet to try it out. Has anyone here used this method, and if so, how did it work, and what would you suggest I know before trying it myself?
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[tubeN2]

Dropshotting is one of the more effective methods for catching bass. Wether they be smallies or LMB.

Before getting started, keep in mind the type of structure that will be pressent in the area that you are plannig to fish. That will be helpful in determining how much and what type of weight that you are going to use.

If you are going to be in an area of high structure or snags, you will neet to use a pull-away or quick release type of weight sytem. The pull away is simply a 3/8oz split shot that is at the bottom of your line and can allow the line to release in the event of a snag.

If you only have the tie on type of weights then you would simply tie that onto your 6lb test with a 2 or 4lb leader leading to the weight at the bottom.

Practice your Palomar knot as well. That is one of the highest strength knots that there is for dropshotting.

Study the temperment of the fish that you plan on targeting. Smallies can spook real easy if there is too much movement. And on the other hand the LMB look for a slow presentation followed by no motion and just a slight twitch.

Get a handle on what colors are working well in your area. Right now the Pumkinseed is working good in many areas of the US for Smallies and LMB. A lighter green is working also.

If you need anymore help of suggestions, don't be afraid to ask and be sure to check out the tackle and tips board as well. We are constantly adding new tips for those who want to know. So if you are a novice or even a seasoned angler, we all have a chance to learn or just brush up on a skill that we may have not used for some time.

Happy fishing and I hope this has been a help to you.
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[smallmouthchaser]

Does anyone know of a website that can show pictures of the correct knots and presentation of this method? I've heard of it used a lot, and I'd like to try it up and Jordanelle and down at Lake Powell.
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[tubeN2]

Here are some step by step instructions that could help you out.



Step 1. Place your line through the hook of the eyelet and back through creating a loop with an extra long tag end

Step 2. Use the loop you created in step one to make an overhand knot (like tying your shoes) with the main line and tag line kept together



Step 3. Now take the loop and pass it around your entire hook (or lure) before tightening



Step 4. Remember to wet your line before tightening to prevent heat from building in your line from friction - now tighten your palomar knot





Step 5. Take your tag line and place it through the eyelet of your hook once more (this makes the hook stick out away from your main line)





Step 6. Tie a weight, or place split-shot, on the end of your tag end (if you're in heavy cover, weaker knots will help you break free and save your worm or lure)



Here is a completer article that could give you some good explinations as well. [url "http://www.catcherman.com/features/rigging/dropshotting030512sportmn.htm"]Click here to access the aritcle[/url].
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[KJFN]

TubeN2 did a beautiful job of documenting the palomar knot. Here is a website the has a bunch of fishing knots. [url "http://www.netknots.com/html/fishing_knots.html"]http://www.netknots.com/html/fishing_knots.html[/url]
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[smallmouthchaser]

Thanks fellas. I appreciate it. So, then do you just wacky rig the plastic worm?
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[scartinez]

You can nose rig it or wacky rig it. Both are effective methods.
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[tubeN2]

The plastic can be hooked up on a Carolina, Texas, Whacky or Cali rig. The whacky seems to be a big killer right now for the LMB. I haven't had the chance to try it on Smallies yet.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][blue][size 1]Thought I'd mention that there are lots of ways to present a dropshot rig. The most traditional is a vertical presentation, fishing straight down and just giving the worm a little action now and then. [/size][/blue]

[#0000ff][size 1]Fishing from a float tube, or slowly drifting boat, you can just lay back and drag it along the bottom, with a little wiggle and shake now and then.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]Drop shot rigs are also effective when cast and retrieved. This works especially well when you cast in toward shore, from a boat or tube, and then hop it slowly down the slope of the submerged bank. Once you find the depth the fish are feeding you can fish with more confidence.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]Sometimes the opposite approach works well too. You can cast from shore and work the drop shot upslope. I have heard it said that downslope is better in the mornings, when crawdads are moving deeper, and upslope in the late afternoons, when they start back in to the shallows.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]One plastic bait that can be very effective on a drop shot rig is the plastic minnow, like some of the Storm series. Hook them through the nose, like with a split shot rig, and just cast and retrieve them near the bottom. Great for largies, smallies and 'eyes.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]One wrinkle I often use when casting "drop shot" rigs is to leave a six inch dropper, off a blood knot. This allows a twister, minnow or swim bait to trail out and wiggle more. In fact, for slow trolling a plastic worm, you can leave a leader up to two feet long, off a blood knot tied three feet up from the sinker.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]Lots of wrinkles and variations. I was fishing drop shot rigs before I knowed what they was called. I even used to cast a tandem fly setup on a drop shot rig for trout in the regular spots, and for white bass and walleye in Utah Lake. Also got lots of walleyes and channel cats on flies drop shot cast in Willard on my old 9 foot "bubble chucker" rod.[/size][/#0000ff]
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[hustler898]

Just thought I would add that if your using a tie on wieght just tie an over hand to attach the sinker. It will slip nicely if snagged and you apply moderate pressure.
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