Whether you’re fishing in the surf or in a bay, a drop shot rig is a great choice for targeting largemouth bass. While it’s not always the easiest to use around mucky or slimy bottoms, it’s a very effective rig when the fish are on the bite.
It’s used in bays and the surf
A drop shot fishing rig is used to keep a lure or live bait just off the bottom. It is a very versatile rig and can be fished in a variety of situations.
The drop shot rig is most often used with soft plastics. You will need a 1/0 Gamakatsu or Owner Baitholder hook and an 18. inch fluorocarbon leader (with a 20lb test).
A swivel with an eye on either end is a common component. You can also attach a metal clip to one end of the swivel.
The drop shot rig is a good choice for large saltwater fish such as halibut. The lure is kept off the bottom and is easy to retrieve. This makes it a viable alternative to the other sand-spiked rigs.
Many surf fishermen opt for a more traditional dropper loop rig. The loop is attached to a 2oz torpedo weight. This allows you to use a swivel to rotate the rig in the middle. This helps to prevent snags.
When it comes to catching a striped bass, a sand crab is a must have. While a sand crab may not be the most impressive piece of equipment, it is a staple in the perch diet.
The biggest blitzes occur at first and last light. In the summer months, sharks can be a prized catch.
It’s effective for largemouth bass
A drop shot fishing rig is a powerful tool that you can use to target largemouth bass. It has been proven to be effective in catching a variety of fish species. This method works especially well in clear, open waters with shallow or deep structures. The rig also has the advantage of being highly sensitive and offering excellent bite detection.
There are several types of soft plastics to choose from. Some of the most popular include 3 1/4-inch YUM Wooly Bug Creature Bait, 4-inch Zoom Finesse Worm, and 4-inch Berkley Gulp Minnow. If you’re unsure which baits to choose, try mixing them up and see what works best for the waters you’re fishing.
In order to set up your drop shot rig, you’ll need a good hook, line, weight, and a leader. Ideally, you should use a light braided line. This gives your bait the finesse touch it needs to give it a lifelike motion.
To present your lure in a natural manner, you’ll need to pick a weight that matches the depth of the water. For example, if you’re fishing in deeper waters, you might want to use a heavier weight. You can use a cylinder weight or a round ball.
Once your weight is in place, attach a fluorocarbon leader to it. Your leader should be at least six pounds. Tie an Albright knot on the end.
It’s tricky around slimy or muck-covered bottoms
Drop shot fishing is not as popular as it was in my day. For a start, you’ll need a decent setup to get your share of the action. The secret to success is to have a plan, know your target fish and be prepared to make a few unsolicited casts. Those shads can bite like champs, after all. To help you on your quest, here are some of my best tips for catching more bass. Hopefully, they will inspire you to pick up a few new tricks. If you’ve never tried drop shot fishing, chances are you’ve already missed out. But don’t fear – there are more seasoned pros out there willing to teach you the ropes. With a few simple tips, you’ll be on your way to a better fishing day in no time. Plus, if you’ve got a good set of tackle and a good guide, you’re in for some tasty rewards.
As you can see, drop shot fishing is not as complicated as it seems. If you follow a few simple rules of thumb, you’ll have no trouble snagging that trophy fish. Keep in mind, the shads are a dime a dozen in many areas, so be sure to make a few early reservations. And don’t forget to keep your bait hydrated. While you’re at it, consider switching to a high performance rod and reel. You’ll be glad you did.