Are you trying hard to master drop shot fishing but failing every time despite all that consistent efforts? If yes, this article has the solution to your problem.
Each fishing type is different, and it demands strategies, techniques, gadgets according to it. So, it would help if you prepared yourself for all that.
If you have no idea about drop-shot fishing and are a newbie, you may assume it is a difficult task. But believe me or not, if you do practice consistently, you will surely ace it.
Drop Shot Fishing: Overview
Drop shot fishing can be defined as a technique for fishing in which plastic bait is used. Please do not mix it with the texas rig or Carolina method as it is different from them.
In this fishing method, you have to use a small hook-like thin wire, and the weight is tied at the terminal side of the line. Continue reading if you want to know tips, techniques, and much more about drop shot fishing.
Techniques For Drop Shot Fishing
Every type of fishing is different from the other. So, you can not use the same techniques and tricks every time. Knowing the effective and practical drop shot fishing tips can lend a helping hand in learning the skill accurately.
So, here are some tips that you need to know if you want to excel in drop shooting.
Do Practice
Yes, this is undoubtedly the first trick that can help you become a drop-shot fishing pro. Nobody is an expert at the start; they do a lot of hard work to ace the skill.
So, you are supposed to do the same. In the beginning, you will indeed find it challenging to use the gadgets, cast the bait, and find a good spot. But believe me, by doing a lot of practice you will learn all these things. Make mistakes and take—lessons from them.
Choose the Right Bait
Choosing a bait is a challenging task, and you should give reasonable time for selecting an appropriate bait after considering all the points. We will mention some of the best baits and lures in this article so you can take guidance.
Choose the Leader Length According To the Weather
Fishing is all about understanding the conditions and taking action accordingly. If you are out for drop shot fishing on a sunny day, you should go for a long-sized leader, and it needs to be between sixteen to eighteen inches.
The fact is the fish’s position on such days is likely to be a bit above in the water column. On the other hand, if it is a cloudy day, it is better to opt for a short-sized leader between six to eight inches, mainly in smallmouth bass, as they like to live in the bottom if it is cloudy.
Avoid Going For A Straight Line
We will suggest you not use a perfectly straight line. Go for one that has a slight bow in it. Using such a line will allow the lure and hook to move accurately or freely.
Additionally, the bowline will provide a natural appearance to your lure, while a straight one will tend to give a stiff look.
See Your Bait Underwater
After reading the heading, you may be surprised and wonder how it is possible. But wait a minute and let me elaborate on it. You can not go underwater while casting a bait or not fix a camera there.
What you can do is experiment with the help of using the swimming pool or filled-up bathtub before casting your bait. It can assist you in knowing how your bait is going to look underwater. So, you can figure out whether it is appealing for fish or not.
Do Not Keep On Shaking Your Bait
Some anglers think that shaking their bait or lure will aid them in grabbing the attention of fish. But it is not suitable for so many reasons. First of all, it will not give a natural appearance if you overdo it with shaking.
Secondly, if you use the boat for fishing, the waves already assist the lure in moving. You do not need to make any effort. If you are desperate to move your lure, move the slack in the line slightly instead of the lure.
Baits For Drop Shot Fishing
We have always emphasized the importance of choosing a good bait that can work best and attract fish to it. So, as we discuss drop shot fishing, it is of immense significance to share some baits that can make it easy to catch a fish.
Here is the list of drop-shot fishing lures. Please read them and figure out what can be a perfect choice.
Straight Tail Worm
The straight tail worm is one of the best baits for drop shooting. You can catch a large number of bass with the help of this bait; don’t underestimate it owing to its simple appearance. You will surely amaze seeing bass biting it in a significant number.
Additionally, it would be best to consider using worms of different lengths for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Use a four-inch worm if your target is smallmouth bass. On the other hand, if you aim to catch largemouth bass, go for a six-inch worm.
Crosstail Shad
Crosstail Shad is another drop shot fishing lure that works excellently. The best thing about this lure is its unique tail section. The fantastic cross-shaped design of its tail gives a flickering motion.
This movement and the vibration it produces in the water seem appealing to the fish, and it becomes challenging to resist. Another important thing that you should consider is color. So, the BM shiner and Suyama are some of the best choices.
Senko Bait
Undoubtedly, no angler can deny how effective Senko bait is when it comes to fishing. It is super easy to use so that newbies can go for it. We can say that Senko bait is among one of the most scientifically accurate and practical baits.
There are various Senko baits available in the market, having different colors and lengths. Depending upon the type of fish, conditions, and personal preferences, you can choose one. The Green pumpkin, along with the Black flake, is one of the best options.
Furthermore, the ideal length should be four-inch. But you can go for others depending upon the size of your targeted fish.
Rage Tail Craw
This bait is one of the most favorite drops shot fishing baits of several anglers. This bait’s claws will start to flap in the back and forth pattern whenever you move the rod in the water. So, it will create significant vibrations in the water.
In addition, a slender body is made in such a way to produce turbulence in the water that can assist in drop shot fishing. If you are targeting a large size bass, then going for this bait will prove helpful. The 4-inch big tex is the ideal choice.
Best Lines For Drop Shot Fishing
Having a good line combo is of immense importance irrespective of the type of fishing you have chosen. Most of the anglers prefer to go for the braided line and fluorocarbon combo. So, let’s discuss both of them.
Braided Line As The Main Line
Choosing a braided line can prove helpful in many ways. It is sensitive, and you can not stretch it. Also, it can prove the ideal choice when you desire to feel every bite of your bait. You only need the right weight and color.
Moreover, it offers a small diameter line to make it challenging for fish to see it. You have to use a fifteen to twenty-pound test line in your braided line, and the color you have to choose should be Hi-Vis yellow.
Fluorocarbon Line As Leader Line
Using a fluorocarbon line is one of the best choices you can make in fishing. It has a wide range of qualities. Firstly, it has excellent abrasion resistance. Moreover, underwater it is almost invisible.
The test line you should use is between seven to ten pounds, depending on where you are fishing. If there is no chance of snagging, then it is okay to use a seven-pound test line, but if there is a hurdle in your way that can cut your line so you may go for ten pounds.
Weights For Drop Shot Fishing
Starting with the lightest weights can prove helpful in catching a fish if you are using the drop-shot method. It will be pretty annoying if your weight can strangle in the cracks and rocks.
So, if you are using a lightweight, you can avoid your fishing day from spoiling. It will help if you opt for pea-sized gravel when fishing in the mighty rocks. If you are fishing over the sand, go for a teardrop or ball-shaped weights. However, if your fishing spot is shore, go for a 1/8-1/4 oz.
Now, let’s discuss fishing from a kayak or boat. The height of the water is the main thing that you need to consider. If you are fishing four feet or less, then select a weight of 1/8-1/4 oz because this weight is ideal for sight fishing or shallow water.
But in the case of five to ten feet, you may go for 1/4 oz weight, and if the height is eleven to fifteen feet, then it is better to choose 3/8 oz. That’s all about drop-shot fishing weights.
Gadgets For Drop Shot Fishing
When you plan to go fishing, the first thing you need to prepare is a tackle box. So, we suggest you place a rod, reel, and hooks that can play a significant role in the fishing.
A wide range of rods and reels are available in the market, but you should opt for the most suitable one for drop shot fishing. Consider these few suggestions from our side.
Rods
Go for a spinning rod (7’ – 7’8”). It should have light to medium action along with the quick action tip. We will not recommend you to buy a pricey rod in the starting. It is wonderful to kick start with the less expensive rod and switch to the costly one when you master the skill truly.
Reels
When it comes to line, you need to go for a spinning reel-2500 series. A reel of this size is ideal for a long-sized spinning rod. Furthermore, as we have mentioned above in the beginning, go with the less expensive reel.
Hooks
Before start discussing the hooks that you need for the drop shot fishing. We will suggest you keep with yourself three to five packs of hooks of all styles.
But if it is not possible for you, always carry an octopus or circle hook of size #1, #2, or 1/0. These hooks are easy to use as you do not require an up-swing hookset. It would help if you do the following things:
- Properly reel into the slack
- Tug up the reel
Once you are done with these, you are ready for reeling in. If you are using smaller baits, you should go for size two hooks, either living or not. In contrast, if your bait is medium-sized, going for the size one hook will help.
Drop Shot Fishing Season
You can do drop-shot fishing throughout the year, and there is no specific time. But if you go fishing in the winter and summer, it can prove easier. So, go fishing these seasons and find out your targeted fish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section will give answers to some FAQs regarding the drop shot fishing method.
How do you do a drop shot?
It is a technique for catching fish. You need to use artificial baits in this method. Moreover, reading this article can help.
What fish can you catch on a drop shot?
You can use the drop shot rig for catching several types of fish, such as:
- Bedding fish
- Tough winter fish
- Post spawn fish
Can you fish a drop shot from the bank?
Yes, it is possible to catch a fish from the bank while using the drop shot rig.
What is the best bait for drop shooting?
When it comes to bait, you have various options like:
- Straight tail worm bait
- Finesse worm bait
- Senko bait
- Rage tail craw
What size hooks for drop shots?
It would help if you had several size hooks when you are going out fishing. But the best one is size 2.
How do you rig a drop shot weight?
First, take the tag end of your line and pass it from the hook eye. After that, tightly pull the line’s end.
Make sure that the hook is perpendicular to the line. Then attach the weight with the assistance of a clinch knot. If you do all these steps, the weight of the drop shot will stick.
How do you fish drop shot from shore?
You can fish for the shot with the drop shot method. For this, you have to cast the bait away from the bottom and wait till the rig drops. When the lure is in the bottom, you have to reel the line.
Final Thoughts: Drop Shot Fishing
To sum up, the discussion about drop shot fishing, we would say that it is a pretty exciting and thrilling method of fishing. But the lack of skill can become a hurdle in your way. So, learn the art and do practice to master it truly.
That’s all from our side; now it’s over to you people. Share your experiences along with your favorite tips in the comments section.
