Droppin' On Bass
By Mike Frisch
Some would lead you to believe that drop-shot fishing for bass is a somewhat high-tech endeavor complete with tiny baits, light line, and requiring lots of finesse on an angler’s part. While there is something to be said for the finesse aspect, I find the drop-shot a simple rig, one anglers of all experience levels can have success with!
A drop-shot rig involves tying a hook “inline” with a tag line trailing below that hook. A weight is then tied on the tag’s end. A bait is threaded on the hook and the weight is dropped to the bottom with the bait suspended above. The angler fishing the rig can use the fishing rod to manipulate the bait, imparting fish-enticing action.
Most drop-shot fishing involves the use of smaller “finesse” plastic baits presented to finicky bass. This is especially true for largemouth fishermen who often break out drop-shot rigs when no other baits seem to produce. Smallmouth fishermen, on the other hand, often have drop-shot rigs tied up regardless the aggressiveness the fish show.
For example, in my past tournament fishing days, I usually had a drop-shot ready when pursuing largemouth, just in case an especially finicky bite was encountered. Now, much of my drop-shot fishing involves smallmouth bass, particularly when the fish are holding in mid-depth or deeper waters. In these situations, I often “see” fish on sonar and drop the rig down, fishing vertically.
Regardless the bass species targeted, there are some keys that up the odds for droppin’ success. First, this is often a light-line/small bait deal where the invisibility of fluorocarbon line helps. My preference is for 8-pound Tactical since, not only is this line invisible to the fish, it also handles well on spinning reels and is strong.
The simple Palomar knot works well for tying hooks in line, and I like leaving about an 18-inch tag below the hook. Several drop-shot specific hooks are on the market, with those in sizes #1 and #2 often preferred. I use Tour Grade Tungsten Drop Shot weights since these dense sinkers enhance feel, are small in size for less drag, and are easy to attach. The ¼-ounce size weight gets the most play in my boat, though I adjust depending on water depths fished.
When finicky largemouth or deep-water smallmouth are my targets, I often select a small bait like a KVD Dream Shot or KVD Drop Shot Half Shell. These baits quiver and shake with the smallest of rod movements.
The final component to drop-shot fishing is the use of the right rod and reel. Medium light power, extra fast action rods around 6’10” long make great drop-shot rods. Lew’s has several rod models that work well for this technique, including some designed specifically for drop-spotting. Pairing one of those rods with a Team Lew’s Custom Pro Speed Spin reel makes an excellent combination, as these new reels have silky smooth drags perfect for fighting big bass on light line.
Big bass are fun to fight for any angler. As stated earlier, however, this can be a simple to fish technique. In fact, I often break out drop-shots when kids are in the boat as they can drop them over the boat’s sides and the baits often get bit as the boat slowly moves along. This works especially well working along weed edges. Regardless the size of the fish hooked, bass on light line and spinning gear provide a sporting fight for kids and others. And, northern pike, panfish, and even the occasional walleye hit drop-shot rigs too!
If getting more fish to bite is your goal this coming season, consider the drop-shot. Using the riggin’ tips just provided can, in fact, probably lead to more fish-fights in your boat this summer. As always, enjoy your time on the water and remember to include a youngster in your next outdoors adventure!
Mike Frisch hosts the popular Fishing the Midwest TV series and is a co-founder of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s School of Fish. Follow Fishing the Midwest on Facebook to see more from Mike.
PHOTO– The author and smallmouth bass that f