Bass Fishing Forum
Tips Articles and Ideas => General Tips => Topic started by: analfisherman on December 05, 2016, 11:43:55 AM
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Drop Shotting is mostly used by most as a finesse presentation.
Although great for this it can also be used for power fishing too!
Another challenge for drop shotting newbies is when fishing rock the sinker gets snagged often.
PLUS THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO DROP SHOT FROM SHORE!!!! ~c~ ~c~
(this is why I started using this as my go to set up)
*** Please check your local Fishing Regs. to be sure it is legal in your area or simply call your local DNR to confirm it's legality.***
Now assuming you are familiar with Drop Shotting........bottom weight with a center bait (usually plastics) attached above with a Palomar Knot.
This presentation can also be used as a traditional 'Drop Shot Rig' too!!!!!
So instead of using traditional Drop Shot weights I use a jig as the weight/sinker.
I use a NuTech...NuJig (https://nutechlures.com/ (https://nutechlures.com/)) because I've found it to be the by far most versatile jig.
It prevents snagging rocks as well as works through vegetation very well with out getting the veg. hung up on jig.
But use the jig of your choice, football head, grass jig, etc. but NOT A BALL HEAD jig and weedless works best.
Next choose your favorite plastics for the center bait.
Finesse worms, flukes (my favorite), swim baits, etc. In fact due to the recent rage on drop shotting many companies have specific drop shot plastics now.
Here's where things vary from traditional drop shotting!
You cast the rig out like a traditional jig set up.
As opposed to just dropping over the side of a boat.
Let the jig settle with a semi-tight or tight line.....you want to be able to feel the lightest of bites.
Now jiggle the rod tip and hesitate for like 20 seconds and repeat.
NEXT, hope the jig up with the rod tip starting at 2-3 o'clock position up to 12 o'clock position and repeat the jiggle and wait step. Continue until you get back to shore/boat.
Now if that isn't producing, drag or crawl your jig after the initial settle and wait after cast.
Vary speed on different casts just like you would a traditional jig with varied stops and hops and jiggles on the way back to shore/boat.
Hence POWER FISH it back.
The equipment I use for this:
7' to 7'3" Med. power FAST ACTION spinning rod
Weight
NuTech Jig 1/4oz.-3/8oz
Hook
Spin cast drop shot hook.....1, 2 1/0....varies based on center bait (highly recommend or use a similar tip drop shot hook...many on the market now......BECAUSE it GREATLY REDUCES LINE TWIST on cast
Center Bait
Favorite.....SK Caffeine Shad
Finesse Worm......I use hand poured but your favorite is best for YOU
Stick Bait whacky rigged....softer the better...I use Yum Dingers
I tie the hook generally 12"-24" above jig......longer can be used but the you have the line twist challenge.
Before casting BE SURE TO stop and let jig settle behind your back on an overhead cast......again helps prevent line twist'
Advantages
You don't fall asleep waiting for a bite. lo ;)
Can drop shot from shore
Let's fish tell you if they are bottom feeding or suspended
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Great tip Joe! ~c~
Most people really limit themselves when it comes to drop shot techniques, yet there are so many ways to use it. It makes a great bed fishing presentation for instance. :-*
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Joe,
Great tip but in the past I have had issues with the palamore knot. I found this one and it has never failed me and makes the hook stand out much better
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Joe,
Great tip but in the past I have had issues with the palamore knot. I found this one and it has never failed me and makes the hook stand out much better
Ya me too, that's why I now use the VMC Spinshot Drop Shot hooks now.
They also help avoid line twist when your shorebusting or long casting the bait.
Mustad has a no twist....Trokar now has a Helix Drop Shot Hook......Decoy has A similar......
But some I'm going to try next season (ya, WI. has hard water moving in) is the
Gamakatsu Swivel Shot G-Finesse Drop Shot .....It allows you to change leader length without re-tieing.
Before the swivel shot I used the Stand Out Drop shot hooks.
That knot you showed looks good though........AND CHEAPER. lo
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Now this is something that could put extra fish in the boat for me :-*
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Good idea Anal and it sounds a little like one of the river rigs I use to use for Walleyes that worked good.
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SELF PROMOTION TIME!
Don't forget to nominate AND COME BACK AND VOTE FOR ME IN THE TIP CONTEST! ;D lo ;D
Oh and in Aug. this year I caught a double one day Using a Caffeine Shad on the center and a NuJig as weight and caught a 20" smallie on the Shad and a 22" LGM on the NuJig.
AND LEFT MY CAMERA SAFELY IN THE CAR. :( ~xyz ~rant ::)
I can't even describe the rush of catching doubles of ANY SIZE.........they always seem to run opposite directions and you'll swear you got a 10+ pounder on.
Now if one is a SMALLIE........ :shocking: :o :shocking: :o
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SELF PROMOTION TIME!
Don't forget to nominate AND COME BACK AND VOTE FOR ME IN THE TIP CONTEST! ;D lo ;D
Give me an A (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/lipripper/All%20right/zzzcheerleader.gif) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/lipripper/media/All%20right/zzzcheerleader.gif.html) Give me a N (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/lipripper/All%20right/zzzcheerleader.gif) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/lipripper/media/All%20right/zzzcheerleader.gif.html) Give me an A Give me an L (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/lipripper/All%20right/mmzyoi.gif) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/lipripper/media/All%20right/mmzyoi.gif.html)
ANAL...ANAL he's our man if he can't do it no one can (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/lipripper/All%20right/cheerleaders.gif) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/lipripper/media/All%20right/cheerleaders.gif.html) ~roflmao ~roflmao
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"But some I'm going to try next season (ya, WI. has hard water moving in) is the
Gamakatsu Swivel Shot G-Finesse Drop Shot .....It allows you to change leader length without re-tieing."
I'm only asking this because I know there are no stupid questions here. ~sweat But, how do you attach your leader to the lower part of this hook? ~sweat Thanks
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You just thread the line through the larger part of the opening and pull it downwards into the narrow part. This way if your weight gets hung you can just pull and the whole leader will come out and you don't lose the hook/swivel setup.
Here's a little trick I came up with If you're using expensive flouro as your leader and don't want to lose the entire leader. Tie a small overhand knot in the flouro leader about 1/2 inch above the weight and one in the end of the leader that goes into the swivel. Snug this knot tight to the swivel. If your weight gets snagged and you pull, most of the time the flouro will break at the overhand knot above the weight and you will save $$ on the amount of flouro used. Of course you still lose the weight, but that is a risk with drop shotting anyway.
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I like this tip. I've seen it before but never really considered it until now. In the deep, clear lakes that I fish, I'm frequently torn between using a jig or a drop shot. Might as well use both! ;D I could see fishing it on some casts like you would a drop shot and other casts like you would jig. I think it would be interesting to see how many bite the opposite bait you're holding in mind during the retrieve. I could see the drop shot bait calling the fish in from afar while the jig gets the bite too.
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Hey ANGLERS.......I'm not seeing this tip getting nominated in the Tips Contest ........YET!
Don't make me nominate myself...........you know I WILL! ~roflmao
BassTrap....thank you for the comments.
I refer to it as 'Power Drop Shotting'.
AND DON'T FORGET TO GO BACK AND THROW ME A VOTE TOO! ;D
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Hey ANGLERS.......I'm not seeing this tip getting nominated in the Tips Contest ........YET!
Don't make me nominate myself...........you know i WILL! ~roflmao
BassTrap....thank you for the comments.
I refer to it as 'Power Drop Shotting'.
You mean you haven't yet. lo lo
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WELL, WELL.........SELFISH PLUG TIME!!!!!!!!!!!! ;) ::)
I was going to put more tips in.......but held off.
So you anglers know what the winnings go to.
SO I SHAMELESSLY REQUEST YOUR VOTE! ~roflmao
More important, THIS PRESENTATION WILL TRULY PUT MORE FISH IN YOUR BOAT/Possession!
Even if your VOTE goes to another TIP...........be sure to give this a try!!!!!!!!!!
If you have ANY QUESTIONS......feel free to PM me and I will GLADLY answer any and ALL questions.
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analfisherman
Many thanks for the tip. I never used dropshot rig before but decided to give it a try this year. I was thinking to use "G Finesse Swivel Drop Shot Hook" or a simple dropshot hook (first hook) and G Finesse wacky head 1/8 oz" (bottom hook).
I was preparing for this rig in the past 3 months, including tested it in a bucket to see how the 2 baits swims. As I often use Z man ElazTech so I have to choose a (hook＋bait) combination to keep the upper bait+hook suspending in water. The z man soft plastic is buoyant so I need a proper weight of hook to keep it suspended.
As I have not used it before, my thought is to let the 2 baits have a different falling rate and see which the fish will bite more.
My rig that will be tested:
A ML rod (daiwa steez stz 661mlfs; 6'6'')
Upper hook: "G Finesse Swivel Drop Shot Hook" + Z man finesse wormz.
Lower hook: "G Finesse wacky head 1/8 oz" + Z-man BatwingZ
The 2 tails of Z-man BatwingZ are heading up in the water. My only concern is whether the lower leader can securely attach on the lower part (needle shape) of the G Finesse Swivel Drop Shot Hook. Probably an overhand knot will be needed. Any suggestion?
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I am new here. I checked the contest link but it seems I am not able to vote.
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Bassun67 why can't you vote ~shade I think you should be able too.
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Bassun67, first off THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTIONS AND VOTE! (we'll figure that challenge out ;) lo)
Here's my thoughts on your question.
GREAT IDEA!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D
Now for the challenges I foresee.
The G Finesse Swivel Drop Shot Hook even though they tout the ease of switching to different depths....it was also designed to allow the sinker to release easier so if/when it gets snagged you don't loose the whole set up......just the sinker. (reason I use the VMC SpinShot hook)
So YES I would definitely tie a knot on the lower appendage of the swivel...I would probably use a cinch knot or something rather than just a 'overhand' knot.
Remember, your going to often get a double (2 fish) and trust me......they will swim opposite directions and the better the knot on lower part of swivel the better chance of getting them both in!
Next, have different weights of G finesse wacky jigs available or a mushroom head or shaky head jig along to test different drop rates and/or being able to 'crawl' the Wings along the bottom like a crawfish.
The reason I use a jig, usually 1/4 oz., is I want to see if the bass are bottom feeding or more suspended.
AND it allows me to 'power fish' the set. (I ignore that I have a suspended bait attached) and fish the setup just like I would a jig. (I refer to it as 'Power Drop Shotting')
I use a 1/4 oz. NuTech ProJig most often.
Next, you may want to experiment using a Midwest Finesse Rig (Ned Rig) using Bo's Crappie Jig https://nutechlures.com/index.php/crappiejig1-8.html (https://nutechlures.com/index.php/crappiejig1-8.html) as the bottom weight.
I'm going to this season, using a ShadZ on lower setup. (now MAYBE a BatwingZ too lo)
GREAT IDEAS, GREAT QUESTIONS!!!!!!! ~c~
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Neer mind I see you did vote. ;D
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My vote put you in the lead! Been drop shotting since San Diego, 2001, deadly in those deep clear reservoirs. Now that I am in Florida, I think this tip will definitely be effective. Thanks!
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analfisherman
Thanks for your suggestions. 2017 will be my DROPSHOT year! ;D ;D
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cport....Thank You very much for the VOTE!
Have a GREAT year fishing my friend!
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analfisherman
Just a thought. Have you had experiences about "mojo rig" but followed with 2 separate leaders with a hook behind? (photo: http://vbsf.ipbhost.com/uploads/monthly_02_2011/post-20255-004684600%201297786984.gif)
I believe it would be also interesting to try soft plastic lures with different buoyancy. I What do you think, in term of sensitivity of bites, ease of cast, etc? I will also try this year, too.
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analfisherman
Just a thought. Have you had experiences about "mojo rig" but followed with 2 separate leaders with a hook behind? (photo: http://vbsf.ipbhost.com/uploads/monthly_02_2011/post-20255-004684600%201297786984.gif)
I believe it would be also interesting to try soft plastic lures with different buoyancy. I What do you think, in term of sensitivity of bites, ease of cast, etc? I will also try this year, too.
Now you done it you gave Anal something else to research. lo lo
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I can't get pic up.
So I'll have to go by what 'I think' your talking about.
First a Mojo rig is a split shot rig with a thin cylinder shaped weight instead of a split shot.
Often refereed to as a 'Finesse Carolina Rig'. But you use bobber stops so weight doesn't slide.
Now a 'Double Mojo Rig' uses a three way swivel with weight above swivel and two different length leads & usually baits. (this is what I think your asking about, Double Mojo).
The concept and idea are GOOD........casting it...............A NIGHTMARE!
(If you elect to do it, be sure to use a real smooth LOB cast.....still will cause challenges though)
The challenge is the two leaders/lines continually get twisted around one another.
You spend more time untwisting lines than fishing.......and if you get a bass on one lure the twist becomes an even greater knotted mess.
I know this because I fish a river that has current for Smallies with a three ring swivel......one with a dry fly and one connected to a small swimbait jig head (1/8th oz.) and a 2-3" paddle tail minnow/swimbait.
Have I caught fish....yes.
But you are continually untwisting and worse yet.....after a fish or after casting a while you (I) end up cutting the leads and retieing a new lead/s on.
Maybe good for a trolling rig...which I've NEVER done....but a shorebusting rig..?????????
A Double Fluke rig, may work, which has a swivel that slides up and down the main line....instead of using two flukes you could use a jig or swimjig on main line instead and a fluke or Elaztec bait on the other line.
But this would be a cast and retrieve presentation so the baits are always moving.......else you'll probably run into the same nightmares mentioned above.
Lip....didn't even have to research this............well, actually I've been doing A LOT of research on Double Fluke Rigs yesterday......oh ya, that thread's coming soon!!!! lo lo
Hope I helped.
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Try this one Anal ;D It works lo lo
http://vbsf.ipbhost.com/uploads/monthly_02_2011/post-20255-004684600%201297786984.gif (http://vbsf.ipbhost.com/uploads/monthly_02_2011/post-20255-004684600%201297786984.gif)
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Lip, Thanks!
No idea why I couldn't get it up?????? (well I do......but I won't admit it :))
Any way, it's basically what I talked about but instead of a three way swivel the take snap swivels and connect them to a snap swivel (O-ring).
Which will definitly make line twist even worse.
Plus, the Parachute rig is an 'offshore' trolling rig, not meant to be cast.
But I like the way you think Bassun!!!! ~c~
Final SHAMELESS PLUG..........if you anglers have enjoyed and learned somethings from following this thread..........CAST ME A VOTE on the tips contest! ;D
http://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=133815.0 (http://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=133815.0)
Today or tomorrow is the last day to vote........I think!
Bottom line, there are some REALLY GREAT TIPS this year (every year) so check them ALL out because I guaranteed you'll find something to either help catch more fish or make your fishing time more enjoyable and place a VOTE for YOUR FAVORITE IDEA!!!!!!
THANKS,
Joe
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analfisherman
You are the best instructor! I mean it! ~sun ~sun
Alright, another question :-*. Though I am 50, as a young student in bass fishing (my 3rd year) ;D, what if I put the weighted hook above and leave a buoyant lure (z-man ElaZtech) at the bottom, using the same leader? Have you tried this? It's an opposite (weighted hook at the bottom) of your suggested rig.
I am asking is because I heard that dropshot is generally used when fish already identified by fish finder. The issue is I normally fish ALONG (slow electronic trolling) the shoreline of a lake where no boat launch (I have to lift the boat with my friend), lot of grass at the bottom and shoreline, and only max 9.9 HP small boat is allowed in that lake. To reduce the total weight on the 12ft Porta bote (folding boat), I have to bring as little as possible and often not to bring fish finder on board. I am used to cast the bait toward the edge of the shoreline, let it sink, retrieve the bait back and see if fish will bite. The boat is light weight that it's hard for us to stay in one place, even 15 km/hr wind can blow us away. ~sweat
Anyway, it will be interesting to try both ways (weighted lure UP and DOWN).
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Anal nope Voting closes: February 10, 2017, 12:27:54 PM so you still have some time to campaign lo lo
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Bassun,
The weighted hook will ALWAYS seek the bottom and the floating bait will always rise.....no matter how you rig them.
I shorebust A LOT....so no electronics to help (Now my Hobie Kayak is loaded with electronics)
but shorebusting...nada.
This is why I developed and learned the 'POWER DROP SHOT' technique.
You can 'finesse' fish it if you want and STILL up the chances of getting bit.
But the REAL ADVANTAGE is you can power fish it and cast and drag the jig slowly across the bottom with a 'few' pauses to shake and wiggle it BUT this technique is a GREAT SEARCH BAIT technique!!!!!!!!!
You can even fish it like a Carolina rig (which is a great search presentation) but Carolina rigs are a pain to shorebust with.......ESPECIALLY IN GRASS!
Where as a JIG is great in grass/rock/gravel.....all most anywhere.
I'm going to be talking soon about it, BUT google 'Double Fluke Rig'......this set up is GREAT for fishing over grass and shallow waters......AND A BLAST TO FISH!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D
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Thanks for this tip! I will give it a go this spring.
Do you often get strikes on the jig as well as the top lure? If so, what would you say the ratio is?
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I've probably gotten a 'double'.....6-10 tmes in the last couple years.
Ratio of Jig to Center Bait........educated guess (from memory)......
Power Fishing it........60-70% jig....BUT I USE NuJigs, and they just flat out attract Bass. ;)
Traditional 'finesse' drop shotting...........probably pretty close to 50/50.
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analfisherman
Thank you for your detailed comment. I will try them all! lo lo
"double fluke rig" seems mostly used on water surface (youtube videos). In the lakes I fish, fish normally stay more at the bottom (cold in Canada, Ha! ;D). I will try to make the baits heavier and let them sink more quickly.
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I like the idea sorta like a two for one for one option. :-* I will have to try it this season.
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I love drop shot rigs, gotta try this one out, it has me intrigued!
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