Drop Shot
The drop shot suspends a soft plastic bait above the bottom on a fixed line, keeping it in the strike zone longer than any other rig. Originally a West Coast technique, it now dominates clear-water and finesse situations nationwide. Works vertically over structure or on a long cast.
Setup & Gear
| Rod | 7' medium-light to medium spinning rod, fast action |
| Reel | 2500–3000 size spinning reel, 6.2:1 or higher |
| Line | 6–8 lb fluorocarbon main line or 10 lb braid + 8 lb fluoro leader |
| Weight | 1/8–3/8 oz tungsten drop shot weight (heavier in current or deep water) |
| Hook | #1 or #2 Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap, 6–18 inches above weight |
Best Conditions
Clear to stained water, pressured fish, cold fronts, post-spawn suspended bass, deep structure in summer
Seasonal Tactics
Target staging fish on points and drop-offs in 8–20 feet. Nose-hook a 6" Roboworm or Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worm.
Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Slowest presentation of the year. Dead-stick a 4" finesse worm at the bottom. Let it sit 10–15 seconds between shakes.
Use a Palomar knot and leave the tag end pointing up to keep the hook riding correctly. Most anglers tie it wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rod and reel do I need for Drop Shot?
7' medium-light to medium spinning rod, fast action. Pair it with a 2500–3000 size spinning reel, 6.2:1 or higher, spooled with 6–8 lb fluorocarbon main line or 10 lb braid + 8 lb fluoro leader. Use 1/8–3/8 oz tungsten drop shot weight (heavier in current or deep water).
What conditions are best for Drop Shot?
Clear to stained water, pressured fish, cold fronts, post-spawn suspended bass, deep structure in summer
When is the best season to fish the Drop Shot?
Spring: Target staging fish on points and drop-offs in 8–20 feet. Nose-hook a 6" Roboworm or Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worm. Fall: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
What is the biggest mistake anglers make with the Drop Shot?
Use a Palomar knot and leave the tag end pointing up to keep the hook riding correctly. Most anglers tie it wrong.
More Techniques
Want to know when to throw this?
Ask Hank about your specific lake, water temp, and conditions — he'll tell you exactly what to tie on.
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