Delta dropshotters: do you cast/pitch your bait?

pFunk · Post by **pFunk** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 2:33 pm

Any information on this technique in the delta is appreciated. I've tried it several times, have caught exactly ONE fish on it, so I am calling in the experts...

Do you cast/pitch your drop shot rigs on the delta when you are in relatively shallow water? If so, is there a maximum distance from the boat you will cast to so as to not negate the vertical presentation of the bait? If you cast relatively far, do you just let it sit and shake it? Or do you retrieve it?

Many thanks in advance...

-funk

Dewayne · Post by **Dewayne** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 2:45 pm

I cast, pitch and flip it. I do not worry about a vertical presentation, it is just suspended off the bottom or the weeds. I work it slowly and drag it across the bottom, drag, sit, shake presentaion. Sometimes I am 5 feet from the boat, sometimes 75 feet. I treat it no different than I would a T-rig.

I will say this though you have to take the time to develope confidence otherwise you will not fish it slow enough.

g-man · Post by **g-man** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 3:26 pm

Wow I was wondering the same thing. I'll have to give that a try. Thats some good info right there Dewayne. thanks.

leatherneck77 · Post by **leatherneck77** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 4:06 pm

During the BASS Delta event, Aaron Martens was pithing a dropshot up to the tule line on points and was wacking them pretty hard.

Tornado Dave · Post by **Tornado Dave** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 11:41 pm

The only thing that I would add to Dewayne is that if I am pitching, I shorten the drop to about 12-15" and if I cast and drag, I am usually 2'+ on the dropper to take the angle of the line into account.

If you haven't tried them, the smallie beavers work excellent for drop shotting.

TD

big_gorilla · Post by **big_gorilla** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 8:29 am

I always use a short leader unless there is a lot of grass. I would say 8 to 12".

It may not be the cast/pitch or flip but how you are working it.
Make sure you are shaking it with slack line, this will keep your bait in one spot longer. Most guys like to shake on a tought line and when you do that you are moving the bait alot which may take you out of the strike zone faster then you want.

You can't go wrong with drop shotting a 4 or 6" Robo worm.

Good luck!

Dewayne · Post by **Dewayne** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 8:40 am

I am normally 3-8".

Big Rick KFOG · Post by **Big Rick KFOG** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 9:00 am

I like to count my shake time, then at least double that for the wait time. That forces me to let it sit, that's when you catch fish. I also run about 6 inches below the hook to the sinker, and will wacky rig the worm. And a cast with a spinning rod is how I fish it.

That's at Clear Lake, not the Delta.

Marty · Post by **Marty** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 9:38 am

Let me share this with you â€“ There are times (in open water and around docks but not pitching to the tulles) that I donâ€™t use the standard drop shot weights.

I use medal beads that I buy at the hobby store. The ones that are used to make bracelets and necklaces and weigh about 1/8 of an oz each. I put 3 to 5 of them on depending how deep the water is or how windy it is. The reason is obvious â€“ trying to provide a little noise in the deep grass to attract the Bass to my bait â€“ a lot like a rattle on other baits. I set up the rig as usual then I add the beads and tie off with a very small color plastic bead (I like red â€“ there is no reason for a color bead but I did not want to waste a lead weight).

If you are fishing a tournament with me you canâ€™t use this â€“ just kidding

â€œOâ€