Dropshotting 101

Dropshotting 101
One of the most frequent questions I get from anglers of all skill levels is, “What is the key to dropshotting?” Most people are familiar with the tackle so they are really looking for the how and where to use it. For reference, here is the tackle set-up. A medium to medium light action spinning rod works best. The reel should be spooled with 6 to 10 pound co-polymer or fluorocarbon. Low stretch is the key to the line. Small EWG hooks (no. 4 to 1/0) work best for Texas rigging and the same sized Gamakatzu drop shot or wide gap finesse hooks work best for nose hooking. The weight is a drop shot cinch-on type placed about 6 to 18 inches from the hook. A 3/16 ounce weight is standard but adjustments can be made up or down for the depth and conditions.

Once you have the proper set-up, you are ready to start catching fish. Knowing where to use it is a big key to the dropshot. Clear water and the dropshot go together like cornbread and chicken. Clear water bass rely heavily on sight to feed. They are well aware of the unnatural action most soft plastic rigs portray. The dropshot can produce lots of natural movement since your line goes directly to the hook and bait, which are not hindered by the weight. Straight tailed worms make the best undulating action and generate the most strikes. As a rule of thumb, the more stained the water gets, the less effective a dropshot becomes. www.johncrews.com