Tom Gursky
|
|
I am an old dog thats ALWAYS looking at new tricks... 
I have read about Drop Shotting and think it could be an awesome mid-Summer approach to big Smallies that are holding near deep points and structure here in da U.P. 
I have some 6'9" - 7'0" MLXF spin rods... what do I ned for a basic pkg to start drop shotting?
Line? Hooks? Sinkers? Presentation?
I'd appreciate advice from those out there that are experienced "Drop Shot" devotees! 
--------------------
Tom Gursky~Northwoods Adventures Guide Service
GameHide / St Croix Rods
BfishN Tackle Field Staff / ["May all your trophies be worthy of the Good Book"
|
Fishthumper
|
|
The rods you have should work great for drop shotting. As far as line goes I like either Flurocarbon in 6 or 8lb test or fireline with a Flurocarbon leader. The hook choice is endless. Most of the time I use a size 1 ( size 1 not 1/0 ) widegap worm hook. Or a size 6 circle hook. The weights can be as simple as a few splitshot or I really like the weight with the V swivel clip on the end. This type makes it much easier to change weight if the wind picks up or you move to deeper water.The one tip I would give you is that when shakeing the rod tip remember you are trying to work the bait on a slack line and not work the weight. If you are feeling the weight when shakeing it, you are lifting or shaking to hard. The other tip is that when a fish picks up the bait, do not set to hard. Most of the time I simply start reeling. It is a really fun way to catch bass. Best of luck to you.
|
phishirman
|
|
I prefer a shorter rod than most and its because I never really "cast" the rig but I more or less pitch it out since I generally am trying to catch the fish I am seeing on the locator.
rod: 6'2" mxf
line: fireline with a 6' hunk of 8 or 10lb fluoro
hook: Owner Mosquito tied with a palomar leaving a foot of tag end. Run the line back through the eye of the hook to ensur the point stays up.
weight: almost always a 1/4 ounce round drop shot weight. If its blowing I'll go as heavy as I need to keep contact with the bottom.
There are times when the fish prefer the rig casted out and just drug along the bottom but more often than not, I'm fishing the rig within 12 feet of the boat while targeting specific fish I am seeing on the Lowrance. flip it out let it hit the botton, shake it a few times. let it settle. shake it again. let it sit. if nothing has taken the bait, I'll reel it up and flip it out there again.
|
old rat
|
|
A key item that I heard from Al Linder, if you are fishing below the boat.. the hook should be 10 inches from the sinker..
if you are casting 18 inches because that puts the bait about 10 inches up from the bottom as you are dragging it back to you..
hook should be pointing up..
|
Aaron Carrell
|
|
Hah, funny this should come up on here. I just spent the last 2 days gathering info regarding drop-shotting, and granted i've never done it yet (will this weekend) I did get some good suggestions. I have no comment regarding your rods, but several guys HIGHLY recommended these stand up hooks (see pic).
I have also heard the same thing about using lighter line (6-8lb Flouro) as well as being sure to keep that weight in contact w/ the bottom when shaking. Hopefully that helps a little bit. Sure looks like that would kick the crap out of tieing just a normal hook and not necessarily having it stick straight out like this "stand up" hook would.
Anyone here have input regarding these hooks?
|
phishirman
|
|
Quote:
Anyone here have input regarding these hooks?
they aren't nearly as sharp as an owner or gamakatsu and if you tie your knot correctly and run the tag end back through the eye, you won't need em
|
AlvinMack
|
|
Quote:
Quote:
Anyone here have input regarding these hooks?
they aren't nearly as sharp as an owner or gamakatsu and if you tie your knot correctly and run the tag end back through the eye, you won't need em
I couldn't agree with you more. I use the Owner downshot hooks. For weights I really like the tungsten weights even though they are pricier, especially when you have to retie a few times. As far as line goes I have veered away from straight mono or fluro and use ultra light braid and tie fluro leader using the reverse uni knot. I'm finding when adjoining super lines to fluro/ mono that this one has served me pretty well.
As far as what type of rod, well that could stir another debate just on that topic. I went from spinning to baitcaster and now back to spinning. I really have had good luck with the shimano crucial drop shot rod. Not sure what others have for an opinion on this, but I dont like my rod to load up real fast drop shotting as I pretty much just use a reel hook set which is why I like this rod because of the taper of the action.
|
Brady Swanson
|
|
I have also looked into these standup hooks and have gone back to using gamakatsu. I prefer to tie a palomar knot and found it to work well for keeping the hook in position. I use spinning gear with a 7' MF fenwick techna av and 6-8lb mono. I prefer to use the longer rod as I tend to fish the rig in a more horizontal manner, slowly walking baits down the edges of docks and boat lifts while stopping to shake occasionally. I also like the v slotted weights which allows me to adjust weights and depths quickly. This is what works for me, hopefully it can be of use for you or any one else reading.
|
Jim K
|
|
I do use those stand out hooks and IMHO they are great, so do at least try them, and decide for yourself. The key may be in the hook set, or I should say the lack of hook set. Once you feel (and you do with 8lb braid and 6lb mono or floural leader) the hit, don't set the hook, but just start winding in. Most often the hook winds up on the middle top lip of the fish. By the way, I'm fishing LMB not smallies, I suppose that could make a difference. One thing I do that I don't read much about others doing is to cast away from the boat, and it works fine for me. You'd think the angle would hurt, but it doesn't seem to be a problem to me. I usually use the rig on very small specific targets, like a small well defined point. I've had many occasions of throwing something else like a t.r. worm or jig worm with no results when the bite is just off a bit , and then throwing the drop shot and getting bit immediately.
--------------------
Good Fishn' to Ya!
|
Jason Cyboron
|
|
Any of the set ups mentioned above work. I like to preach using the correct rod for the job. Many of the pros will agree that the differences in technique specific rod are worth the money, however just starting out us what you have. I mostly use the standout hooks. Although with smaller baits I'll use Gamakatsu dropshot hooks. They both work great. In clear water you will want to use flouro line. I like Seagar the best on my spinning tackle. I hear a lot of talk about shaking. Don't over work the bait. I know on the ultra clear water on Table Rock Lake excessive shaking or over working the bait will not draw strikes. You'll have to experiment with the technique. Most of the fish down don't go for shaking. Hold the bait still. The boat movement bobbing up and down creates plenty of action.
Jason
--------------------
Jason Cyboron
jason.cyboron@in-depthangling.com
WWW.CYBORONFISHING.COM
|
Tom Gursky
|
|
WOW!
Thanks guys for the great info! I am in the process of putting together some orders for hooks... 
What about plastics? What do you prefer? 
--------------------
Tom Gursky~Northwoods Adventures Guide Service
GameHide / St Croix Rods
BfishN Tackle Field Staff / ["May all your trophies be worthy of the Good Book"
|
Blue Fleck
|
|
Alvinmack drop shots a 10" Power Worm. Methiolate 10" Power Worms. 
--------------------
The Graphic Artist Formerly Know as “Thomas E. Donaldson”
Thomas E. Donaldson - HuDo Graphics
Boat Lettering, Decals, Logo Designs and MUCH MORE!
--------------------------------
Send me a Private Message or E-mail for FREE work quotes!
tom.donaldson@in-depthoutdoors.com
|
tracking bass
|
|
I would try a 3" or 4" ringfry or baby ringies. with the slow fall, that might work pretty slick. otherwise a yum dinger or senko 4" and also try rigged whacky style.
shane
--------------------
there is nothing more thrilling that seeing a kid smile after catching a fish!
www.freewebs.com/tracking_bass/
|
Jim K
|
|
I use a Roboworm 4" body shad most of the time. Aaron's magic is a great color. But if the bite is off a bit, try shortening up the drop line to about 5" and wacky rig a 4" Senko type bait in a green pumpkin color. But again, I am fishing for largies.
--------------------
Good Fishn' to Ya!
|
phishirman
|
|
I just put almost 48 pounds of fish in the boat over a 2 day tournament (6 fish each day) on an XPS dropshot minnow. I've also had a lot of success with Robo Worm Sculpins
|
AlvinMack
|
|
Quote:
Alvinmack drop shots a 10" Power Worm. Methiolate 10" Power Worms.
|
duckilr
|
|
For those of you drop shotting alot, soley vertical or long line as well??
--------------------
"Kyle"
www.kyleschauf.com
|
duckilr
|
|
I take it from the lack of response, shotters are only going vertical?? Or long lining and want to be all hush about it  ?
--------------------
"Kyle"
www.kyleschauf.com
|
Jim K
|
|
O.k. doke.
I for one haven't used the d.s. in a vertical situation yet. All I've ever done has been to cast it, and I mean cast it as far from the boat as I can. I guess I started doing it that way because I just didn't know better, but it works fine. I'm casting it into 4 to 14 fow in a lake that has about a 5' clarity factor. I'd be interested in hearing from others, just how shallow do you dare fish it vertically in how clear of water?
--------------------
Good Fishn' to Ya!
|
Drop Shot set up...
