DROP SHOT RIG
Drop shot is an awesome technique for inshore, nearshore and the bays!

Probably the most popular freshwater technique in bass fishing today this is taking our local bays and nearshore areas by storm. It's a question we see a lot more of now than ever. Drop shotting is easy, fast and a great way to pick up multiple fish from a single area, it's also a way to find fish on tricky days when lockjaw seems to have infected the water around you.

The dropshot action drives bass wild and they are helpless to avoid attacking your baits. We recommend either a stick bait like the Senko or SaltShaker worm or something more fishy such as a fluke or minnow bait. Anything between 3" and 10" is fair game for the rig - just make sure to match your hook size and style to the bait. For small 3" baits an octopus wire hook will do the job, size 4 or so, but for larger or longer baits we shift to an extra wide gap Gamakatsu or similar in any size between 2/0 to 6/0. Generally fished on lighter tackle this is an excellent opportunity to dig out the spinning reels and use 6 lb or 8 lb test. In extreme situations you can up it to 10 lb but only if you really need to. Also, the bottom weight can be anywhere between 3/8oz to 5 or 6 oz depending on your depth, current and tides. Experiment! Practice!

The object of the game is to keep your weight on the bottom and your line tight while you provide jiggly jiggly action to the bait. You accomplish this by twitching your rod tip up and down, putting the slightest amount of slack into the line and snapping it back very quickly. If your weight isn't staying on the bottom easily or if it the current is pushing it around size up your weights. Local celebrity angler Scott "Fishtricks" Johnson will also advise you to stand up, put one hand on your hip, lean back and jiggle away while pretending to focus on something else. Eventually you'll reach down to grab a soda or move your gaff to another location and that's when you'll get bit. Works every time.

Kayaks provide a great opportunity to deadstick a dropshot bait as well. Because of our smaller hulls and lighter weight we move around a good deal more on the surface of the water than traditional boats. Tighten up a line and drop it in a rod holder and let the action of the swell and drift do the work. Saltwater bass aren't as picky or wily as their freshwater cousins and will pounce on this presentation quite readily. Just be ready to snatch up the rod and drive the hook home when it goes bendo!

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 5 minutes

Here's How:

  1. Decide on yoru hook size, bait and lead size
  2. Tie your hook onto your line with a Palomar knot but leave a long tag end - 36" is safe
  3. After you draw your Palomar knot tight your hook should point out and up as in the picture. If it does not (or even if it does) take the tag end and run it through the eye of the hook one more time from the front, pull down and this will put your hook into proper alignment.
  4. Tie your weight onto the tag end at the desired length. It's better to start long and short the distance between the hook and the weight as you'll find yourself in trouble trying to go the other way. :)
  5. Thread your bait on the hook with whichever method is appropriate (depending on hook style).
  6. Catch fish.