Drop Shot Rig

The Drop Shot Rig started out being used by saltwater fishermen but was eventually brought to freshwater fishing by professional bass fishermen in the west. It worked great in highly pressured lakes because it was something the fish were not used to and had a natural look to it. It is able to float above the bottom by about a foot or more, putting the bait right in the face of the fish. This proved a success, so more and more fisherman around the country caught on to this method and started using it. You can use any bait with this rig; this includes plastic, live, or dead.

Now let's talk about how to set up the Drop Shot Rig.You will need a medium or light fast action rod and reel when using this rig.

Step 1:

With a Palomar knot, tie a small drop shot hook about a foot from the end with the hook facing up towards the end of the pole and stands out perpendicular from the line. Hook size #1 or #2 is preferred.

Step 2:

A drop shot weight should be tied on at the end of the line. 3/4 or 1/2oz should be fine.

Step 3:

Put a small finesse plastic bait on the hook or any live/dead bait you would like to use.

Step 4:

Once you have your rig ready, you will need to hold your rod off over the water. Then you will sink the bait until the weight hits the bottom. You want only the weight to be on the bottom. The best way to do this is to sink until you have slack in the line and then reel in the line until it is tightened

Step 5:

After this, you will move your pole up and down which is moving the bait ever so slightly creating a finesse look to your bait. Causing the fish to become interested enough to bite the bait.