Dropshot question

[SloppySeconds]

I've playing with using a football jig for my dropshot weight recently. Using a palomar knot for the upper hook, I then tie the jig on the bottom, instead of clipping on a weight. It seems like I get a lot of break-offs on the palomar if the jig gets bit or snagged. Is there a better way to rig this double set-up instead of the usual palomar knot? Is there a better knot to use in this case?

[mark poulson]

Any knot will be a weak spot. Try using heavier line.
I saw Ralph Wells catch a 28lb striper on an ice jig he used as the weight on a light drop shot rig, so I know it works.

[SloppySeconds]

The line might be part of my problem. I'm using 12# Vanish fluoro, and that stuff seems to be pretty hit-and-miss for me. I just don't want to go too heavy, since I'd like to keep some action on that upper bait, and fish some clear water deep.

I think I might try a couple clinch knots to the eye of the upper hook, and use some better fluoro or just go to maxima.

[Oldschool]

Figure about 75% knot strength for the main line on FC with Palomar knot tied properly and 50% or less for the tag end. Vanish has had trouble with knot strength issue from the beginning, suggest changing brands use the newer 100% FC. The snell knot works as good as any knot for drop shotting with a jig as the weight, as both line ends are equal strength. Premium mono will give you better knot strength vs FC. SD jam knot is a good FC knot, difficult to tie for your application.
Use a line dressing or spit to lub the knot before clinching it tight.
Tom

[elfish16]

i fish this rig all the time and love it! caught MANY big fish on it. I use the Bass Pro XPS and Yamamato Sugoi lines and this isn't an issue. I never fish more than 12lb on both if I am fishing a drop shotted rig of any kind. Also...like Oldschool said, if you use straight mono the knot strength goes up and is very solid...I will use Maxima 12lb if I use mono.

[toddmc]

I don't know if there is a knot out there that is meant to be pulled from the tag end. I do know Vanish is not the best line to use. I used a lot of it in the early days and a less than perfect knot with Vanish is a disaster. Everybody has their favorite, but I believe Trilene 100% has the best blend of all qualities. This is compared to the dozen or so fluoros I have tried.

[Oldschool]

Everyone has their favorite line. Sunline Shooter Metan 100% has good knot strength compared to other brands I have used.
The snell knot doesn't require pulling the tag end to tighten, just leave the tag end long enough to tie on the jig using SD jam knot or whatever you have confidence with. There isn't any panacea's with fishing line and knots, it's all trail & error.
Tom

[FinesseKid]

I think that is a great technique you are using, but knot strength is a problem because, in theory, the weight is designed to break off when snagged up on the drop shot rig. It is one of the things that make this design so beautiful and effective. To change that would be a non sequitur I would think.

I agree with the other guys in this case though, go with a different line. I use FC Sniper 5lb on my dropshot. Knot strength is pretty good too!

Hope this helps.

[Dwayne]

Like Old School said, make sure you wet the line befor you tighten and go slow so you don't burn the line. Also, DON"T pich the line together and try to put both ends through the eye at the same time, this will weaken the line and you will break off on the littlest snag, I did this many times till I learned this was the problem.

[lcates]

snell the upper hook on i use this knot for my drop shot and for halibut when i run my hoochies never had a knot break