James RickardDon't forget a drop shot rig
April 23rd 2011 01:07
Although it may be called a down shot or under shot, a drop shot rig is one of the most useful you'll find. While it is often associated with B.A.S.S., feel free to use it for different species and you'll probably be richly rewarded.
In the true form, drop shotting is a finesse technique that requires light line, often something like 6-10 lb. test, and a fluorocarbon line is preferable to a mono. Braids will work but they may spook fish. At any rate, if you're going very deep, something without stretch is desirable.
At first glance, a drop shot rig looks like any other bottom fishing rig but, upon closer inspection, you'll notice the the hook protrudes from the line rather than hanging in the usual manner. This is achieved using a Palomar knot. Although you can often use other treks to achieve results in fishing, this in one time you must follow prescribed directions and use a Palomar.
As proof of the drop shot's popularity, there are hooks especially made for drop shotting on the market. However, you can rig this using a regular hook and I've see it rigged with off-shank worm hooks.
For bait, soft plastics are employed to use the drop shot in its purest form. I've never tried live bait except for worms and bits of night crawler but, have used baits such as chicken liver.
After you bait up, drop your rig over the side of your boat, off the dock, or through a hole in the ice. This is another of those rigs you don't want to cast. Let line out slowly and when you feel it hit the bottom, give your reel a crank so no more line peels off and a fish can't make a run. When things settle, give the lure a twitch or two and hold on. If nothing happens give another twitch after about 15-20 seconds. If you're ice fishing, wait about 30 seconds to a minute.
Here's a video showing you how to rig a drop shot. Don't worry if you don't have a drop shot sinker like the video. Bell sinkers or pyramid sinkers often work well.
In the true form, drop shotting is a finesse technique that requires light line, often something like 6-10 lb. test, and a fluorocarbon line is preferable to a mono. Braids will work but they may spook fish. At any rate, if you're going very deep, something without stretch is desirable.
At first glance, a drop shot rig looks like any other bottom fishing rig but, upon closer inspection, you'll notice the the hook protrudes from the line rather than hanging in the usual manner. This is achieved using a Palomar knot. Although you can often use other treks to achieve results in fishing, this in one time you must follow prescribed directions and use a Palomar.
As proof of the drop shot's popularity, there are hooks especially made for drop shotting on the market. However, you can rig this using a regular hook and I've see it rigged with off-shank worm hooks.
For bait, soft plastics are employed to use the drop shot in its purest form. I've never tried live bait except for worms and bits of night crawler but, have used baits such as chicken liver.
After you bait up, drop your rig over the side of your boat, off the dock, or through a hole in the ice. This is another of those rigs you don't want to cast. Let line out slowly and when you feel it hit the bottom, give your reel a crank so no more line peels off and a fish can't make a run. When things settle, give the lure a twitch or two and hold on. If nothing happens give another twitch after about 15-20 seconds. If you're ice fishing, wait about 30 seconds to a minute.
Here's a video showing you how to rig a drop shot. Don't worry if you don't have a drop shot sinker like the video. Bell sinkers or pyramid sinkers often work well.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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