Tying a Drop Shot Knot
The drop shot rig is considered to be the most crucial rig for bass anglers as it can be used in the shallows and deep water reliably. The rig is a line that is tied to a hook that is connected to a trailing leader that weights its end. The hook and the bait are above the weight.
It is the only rig that is based on an actual fishing technique i.e., drop shotting or dropshots fishing. Invented by saltwater anglers, it is quite useful in pressurized lakes. The weight allows the bait right to the bottom, and all you need to do is shake the line to attract fish.
Recommended Practice Fishing Line:
How to Tie the Drop Shot Knot
Tying a drop shot is easy once you get the hang of it. Just follow this guide:
- First, attach the dropshot fishing hook to the mainline using a Palomar knot but make sure that the point is in the upwards direction. Plus, leave at least 18 inches of line at the tag end for the weight. The length will also determine how high the lure will be off the bottom.
- Pass the tag end through the hook eye so that the point faces up.
- Now attach the weight by passing the tag end of the line through the eyelet and pull it toward the closed top. Make sure that the eyelet can generate enough friction to hold it in place.
- Pass a soft plastic lure on the hook by pushing the hook from the bottom and up to the top and turn it around so that the lure and hook eye are in a single line.
If the weight you have does not have an eyelet, tie it to the tag end of your line using an overhand knot before drop-shot fishing.
Drop Shot Line
The best line you can use for drop shot fishing is either fluorocarbon or light monofilament and connect it to your braid mainline.
Hooks
For your drop shot rig, use either a split shot or a drop shot hook that is about 1 to 1/0 in size. These can give you precision while you are fishing in choppy water.
Weights
The weights for a drop shot rig vary from 1/8 to 1/2 an ounce. However, the best drop shot weight you should use should weigh anywhere between 3/16 to 1/4 ounces.
Baits
If you are drop shotting for bass, you can use a variety of ready-made artificial baits. These include the Strike King Dream Shot, the Roboworm Straight Tail Worm, the Zoom Finesse Worm, and the Berly Powerbait Twitch Tail Minnow, to name a few.
How to Tie a Dropshot Rig
When to Use a Drop Shot
Use the drop shot rig when you are fishing in choppy or pressurized water. The weight will take the bait into position and hold it steady for curios fish. Since there is no weight between the rod and the hook, the one at the bottom does not affect your feelings of the line.
The drop shot rig is also ideal if you are fishing in cover because the portion of the line that is susceptible to wear and tear is not between you and the bait or lure you are using.
The rig can be used in any place that holds bass and any fish that can be found in deeper waters. Make sure that you target bottoms that are covered with gravel or rocks. You can also use it around the brush and can even fish from the shore.
To use the rig, just cast your line and allow it to fall till it hits bottom. When you feel the impact, reel the tile till it is taut and shake the drop shotting rig in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most commonly used knot to tie drop shot rigs?
A: The Dropper Loop is a common knot that gives your hook some extra action in the water. A dropper knot is another good option.
Q: What is a common hookset used for this drop shot setup?
A: A reel set as it allows anglers to feel the bite after which they can lift the rod and start reeling in the line. The thin wire hook can slide up into the fish's mouth quickly and smoothly. If the hook sets too hard, it could bend out of shape, and you will lose your catch.
Q: What gear do I need for drop shot fishing?
A: Use spinning gear if you are drop shot fishing. It allows the bait to fall straight down to the bottom and won't flow back towards you.
The Anglers Behind This Article:
Johanes Godoy
Editor
Sushmita Lo
Editor
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Source: https://castandspear.com/drop-shot-rig/