Drop Shottin' Clear Lake

[Doug Hodel]

OK, the only drop shot rod that I own is a Lamiglas rated for a max of 10# line. Is that line to small for Clear Lake?

thanks in advance

[Dewayne]

No.

8-10# line is perfect for Clear Lake. For me though drop shotting is a technique I use when conditions are tough. I want the light line as by the time I resort to drop shotting I know the bite is tough. You can use heavier line, but if you have the correct rod and hook set 8# line will do fine in most conditions.

Of course you can use heavier line on the rod also if you prefer to go in that direction.

[Doug Hodel]

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

Now hopefully I can catch a few and learn a lot.

[Gator]

Not too small at all. I fished a small lagoon at Clearlake last night and caught 5 in about 20 minutes on a dropshot. Used my standard dropshot rod and 6 lb. Yo-Zuri Hybrid line.

[Doug Hodel]

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

Now hopefully I can catch a few and learn a lot.

[Calistar]

Gator,
How's that Clearlake bite? Still hot? I'm tryin' to get up there (hopefully this Friday while the Elite guys are there). Hopefully my boater buddy is up for it...

[Gator]

Couldn't tell ya but for the 20 minutes I was out last night. I caught 5 all about 1 1/2 - 2 pounds off the bank in a lagoon.

I am gonna head out today for a while if this freakin wind will stop blowin.

[Riplip]

Dropshot don't work at Clearlake...Don't do it!

Gator was only catchin CJ's trained fish...even I can catch those...

[Gator]

Funny - he couldnt even catch his trained fish last night - I think he only caught one to my 5

[Riplip]

I believe CJ has trained his fish to bite for visitors until $$$ is involved...builds false confidence....OOPS!!! There goes that word again!

Doug, 8lb test is perfect on CL...

[Gator]

Less Skilled - Hah!! Ask him who caught more fish today.....I'll let him tell ya...

[Larry Hemphill]

If you are drop-shotting docks or very rocky areas, it's risky business to use 8 or 10 lb test - IF you hope to land one of the big ones you might hook now. Spring and late fall call for 12 lb test, again, if you are hoping for a big one. In heavy cover, when the water warms a bit, your 8 lb test will be mince meat in most cases. You might get by with 10 if you are very skilled and don't panic. Open water drop-shotting is different - 8 is ok if you prefer. I would still use 10 to be safe, especially this time of year.