The drop-shot technique is a proven effective method of consistently putting a variety of fish in the boat, especially bass. Drop-shotting is also such a simple and easy way to catch bass, which makes it a great method for the first time angler and even the experienced angler.

The drop-shot is simple, but there are a few key points to remember.

Starting with the Hook

The drop-shot hooks have a bent eye, pointing away from the hook gap. This is important as the hook is tied directly to your main line, using a Polymar knot. This will ensure that your hook is in a horizontal position, which is a must for drop-shotting – this makes your bait seem alive and more natural, as opposed to having a leader line for your hook which would just make your bait hang lifeless.

Making it Sink

Once your hook is on, tie on a sinker about 2 feet below the hook to complete your drop shot rig. All you need to do now is add your bait.

Adding Bait

Using artificial minnows work great, but don’t be afraid to experiment. My favorite bait is a Berkly Power Minnow or Berkly Gulp Minnows.

Just Drop it Down

Now, you simply drop your line straight down and begin to drift. This drifting movement will ‘swim’ your bait along in a ‘finesse’ fashion, which trigger fish to strike as they see an easy meal.

No Drift Situations

If you are fishing from shore or have no drift, then just toss your line out and slowly retrieve it back, ensuring that your sinker always maintains contact with the bottom.

A Few More Tips

If it’s legal to fish with two rods in your area, than the other advantage of using a drop-shot rig is that you can use this as a ‘hands-free’ second line. Just drop your line straight down to the bottom and then put your fishing rod in a holder, the drift of the boat will do the rest as you fish with your other line.

One last tip, which most people do not do when drop-shotting is to tie on 2 hooks. Use your Polymar knot and tie on your first hooks, then about 1-2 feet below it tie on your second hook in the same fashion. Then tie your sinker 2 feet below that.

This method of drop-shotting is extremely effective and allows you to also cover different depths, keying in on certain fish strike zones.

Have you ever tried Drop-Shotting?

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Be sure to use these simple and effective tips when drop-shotting and you’ll be sure to have a great day on the water!

‘till next time, good fishin’
Ivo