Drop Shot Rig

[birdi23nls]

Hello,

I am new to the site and wanted to introduce myself (hi, I'm Jared)as well as ask a couple of questions.

First, I have been resistant to dropshotin' and am going to give it a try, really for the first time, this year. I have always just texas rigged worms and have been successful, so I just tended to shy away (the reason if I ever fish tournaments, I won't be any good). Granted, in retrospect, this was probably not a good idea I know. Well anyhow was wondering if someone might be willing to give me some info on a quality set up to get started.

Should I use a spinning rod to dropshot (i've heard that it is the norm)?

How light of a rod do I need to purchase? Let's say Lamiglas, what power rod is ideal?

Also, is using light line and small worms a must, or is that just the choice of most anglers that I have read write on the subject? If so, how light of line should I put on the reel?

Finally, I would like to purchase a good combo soon, but would like to stay under $200 dollars or at least around that mark. I'm looking to buy used if possible on this site and others, but if I can't find anything soon, will probably just go and buy new. Any suggestions?

[NoCAL]

I do a lot of dropshotting. I use a baitcaster in the delta but everywhere else I use a Lamiglas Dropshot special. Any of the lighter spinning rods from the majors should work. Shimano, Powell, and Dobyn's all have very good dropshot spinning rods. You can get one for less than $150 then add a Shimano Sahara or Pflueger President in the 2500 size and you are ready. You don't have to dropshot with finesse worms. You can use anything, a smallie beaver, a lizard, a craw, in the Delta I use 7" Roboworms. It is a great technique and not just for deep fish. Last March I caught a 9+ lber in the Delta on a MMIIRoboworm tight to the tules in about 2' of water.

NoCAL

[185vsfrog]

It depends where you are going to use the dropshot. Is it going to be clear impoundments where lite line is necessary or will it be something like the california delta where a little heavier is better. I have a couple of drop shot rigs. First, I have a setup for the delta which is a medium/heavy type. This rod is a dobyn's 764 casting rod with a 7:1 reel with 14 lb flourocarbon. I use this setup in the Delta where there are big fish and hi probabilities of getting wrapped up or getting dogged into tullies. In lakes where lite presentation is more important, I use a megbass F3-610GTS Arron Marten's Limited rod on a 2500 sized spinnign reel with 4 - 6 lb Flourocarbon. Another good rod for this is a Dobyns 701 spinning. This rod is rated 4-10 lb line. Check out the new line of Dobyns rods coming out this month! They have a product preview on tackletoure.com and the rods should be out this month! They are awesome and a great buy for the money.

[tunaman]

Hello,

I am new to the site and wanted to introduce myself (hi, I'm Jared)as well as ask a couple of questions.

Hello Jared, and welcome to the site!

First, I have been resistant to dropshotin' and am going to give it a try, really for the first time, this year. I have always just texas rigged worms and have been successful, so I just tended to shy away (the reason if I ever fish tournaments, I won't be any good). Granted, in retrospect, this was probably not a good idea I know. Well anyhow was wondering if someone might be willing to give me some info on a quality set up to get started.

Nothing wrong with the dropshot, under the right circumstances... a whole lot of money has been won with the technique. And don't just limit your thinking... it is a great finesse technique, but can also serve up bigger baits ("bubba shot") - it is only a rigging technique, and is only limited by your imagination.

[quoteShould I use a spinning rod to dropshot (i've heard that it is the norm)?[/quote]

Mostly, although I know many who use baitcasting gear, and I do myself when I can get away with heavier line. Spinning gear serves up really light line well, and the newer reels have pretty decent drag systems. But you can't beat the systems on the baitcasters - smooth and powerful. As dropshotting is typically a finesse technique, power doesn't usually come into play and real light line (or leaders) are the norm. However, if you're fishing a waterway that doesn't require ultralight line, you can upsize and use a good baitcaster with great results.

How light of a rod do I need to purchase? Let's say Lamiglas, what power rod is ideal?

Can't speak for Lamiglass with regards to the dropshot, but while a good dropshot rod is fairly light, I find the best have good backbone and a soft, sensitive tip... the tip is the key, as you need to be able to detect the softest hits but still be able to get them turned and to the boat. I personally use a G Loomis DSR822 as my main dropshot rod, seconded by the Daiwa Cielo dropshot rod with the titanium tip, and they work extremely well for my needs.

Also, is using light line and small worms a must, or is that just the choice of most anglers that I have read write on the subject? If so, how light of line should I put on the reel?

Light line and small baits is typical, but not necessary. I know folks who dropshot full-sized Senkos (done it myself a couple of times), brushogs, lizards, etc. It mostly depends on the circumstances, and what the fish tell you they want to eat.

As far as line goes, it really depends on where you're fishing and what you're fishing around. If you're fishing the heavily-pressured impoundments such as those in Southern California, you will likely have to drop down to at least six pound test flourocarbon, if not four or five pound. If you're fishing something less pressured, or a spot lake for instance, I'd recommend eight pound test. If you're fishing the Delta or Clear lake, or another big-fish body, you may need to go to ten or twelve pound. Also, if you're fishing around heavly wood or boulders, you may need to upsize a bit.

You may also want to look into using braid as your main line, with a flourocarbon leader. I use either ten pound Power Pro or Spiderwire Stealth braid, and can adjust my leader as appropriate (typically anywhere from 4# - 12#). You can use a short leader, or for myself I usually use three pulls (approximately 3 yards) or flourocarbon, attached with a uni-to-uni knot. The advantages are many, but among them is the fact that you don't suffer the effects of line twist (braid still twists, just doesn't wrap around the tip) and you can size up or down on the fly.

Finally, I would like to purchase a good combo soon, but would like to stay under $200 dollars or at least around that mark. I'm looking to buy used if possible on this site and others, but if I can't find anything soon, will probably just go and buy new. Any suggestions?

I'm sure you can find numerous rigs that will fit your budget and serve the purpose well. At times, the dropshot is almost necessary to get bit... it is a really good tool to add to the arsenal.

Good luck!
Roger

[birdi23nls]

Thank you all for your replies, and they have been very helpful. Just to answer the questions on what areas I fish...I mainly fish motherload lakes: Don Pedro, New Melones, and McClure.

Thanks Again

[Marc]

Jared,

Welcome to the site.

Dropshotting is an entirely different presentation of a deadly lure (plastic worm) that makes it a useful tool in your fishing arsenal. It is well worth the time to learn, and you will be surprised to learn it is much more versatile than most people realize.

For most situations with clear water where bass will feed mainly by using their sense of sight, the Dropshot should always be considered. Clear water situations, especially in still water like those you fish, are ideal for using light line to fool more bass into striking. Realize that in clear water and open water situations like you are fishing, bass have plenty of time to closely inspect your rig prior to committing. You are not looking for a reaction strike in most cases with a dropshot (although this is another deadly variation of dropshotting that can be employed). Also, since you are fishing open water with few obstructions, you can play a hooked bass with little fear of it burying into heavy cover and breaking your line.

So I am pointing out that you should have a rig that is suited for 6-8 pound test fluorocarbon line, and capable of casting light weights and using small hooks and small worms.

On a limited budget, I would recommend the Lamiglas Certified Pro XS 661. It is a one-power rod, but has more backbone than most 1-power rods, yet is great for 6-8 pound test. This is also a great rod for using tubes and small grubs and splitshot rig as well. If you can afford a Lamiglas Drop Shot Special that is another rod that will be excellent.

Make sure you get a decent reel like a Shimano 2500 series, use quality line, Gamakatsu Drosphot Hooks, and QuickDrops dropshot sinkers so you don't have line twist problems that plague beginning dropshotters.

ciao,
Marc

[Marc]

Jared,

Welcome to the site.

Dropshotting is an entirely different presentation of a deadly lure (plastic worm) that makes it a useful tool in your fishing arsenal. It is well worth the time to learn, and you will be surprised to learn it is much more versatile than most people realize.

For most situations with clear water where bass will feed mainly by using their sense of sight, the Dropshot should always be considered. Clear water situations, especially in still water like those you fish, are ideal for using light line to fool more bass into striking. Realize that in clear water and open water situations like you are fishing, bass have plenty of time to closely inspect your rig prior to committing. You are not looking for a reaction strike in most cases with a dropshot (although this is another deadly variation of dropshotting that can be employed). Also, since you are fishing open water with few obstructions, you can play a hooked bass with little fear of it burying into heavy cover and breaking your line.

So I am pointing out that you should have a rig that is suited for 6-8 pound test fluorocarbon line, and capable of casting light weights and using small hooks and small worms.

On a limited budget, I would recommend the Lamiglas Certified Pro XS 661. It is a one-power rod, but has more backbone than most 1-power rods, yet is great for 6-8 pound test. This is also a great rod for using tubes and small grubs and splitshot rig as well. If you can afford a Lamiglas Drop Shot Special that is another rod that will be excellent.

Make sure you get a decent reel like a Shimano 2500 series, use quality line, Gamakatsu Drosphot Hooks, and QuickDrops dropshot sinkers so you don't have line twist problems that plague beginning dropshotters.

ciao,
Marc

[birdi23nls]

I just found this on the Bass Pro Shop site...do you guys think this rod would be good or is it to stiff? It is the Johnney Morris signature series 7' Medium action. The specs say it will handle 4 to 12 lb mono and 1/8 to 1/2 oz. lures. It is on sale for a pretty good price but if it is to heavy of a rod then I should pass.

thanks

[mr.bass91]

birdi23nls,

If you mainly fish Pedro, Melones, and McClure you absolutely have to add the drop-shot to your arsenal. Spotted bass are completely stupid for the drop-shot. I fished Melones last week for the first time in over a year and found that most of the active fish were holding in 40-50 feet. Can you catch them using other methods, sure but the drop shot is to me the best deep water technique to use. Much easier to drop shot in windy conditions than to try and drag a jig or throw a texas rig. Ater catching a few fish off a spot I then proceed to use bigger baits to try an get larger fish, baits like Senkos, brush hogs and beavers work great and produce better quality fish. As far as tackle goes I have a couple rods I use but I mainly go to a Loomis PR8400s, its got a Med-light tip but has plenty of backbone. I use the IMX model but for around 150 you can get the GL2 model which is also good. I would spend the majority of you 200 bucks on the rod, make it a seven footer whatever brand you prefer. You can get a pretty good spinning reel for around 50-75 bucks. In the Motherlode lakes I will typically use 6-8 pound Flouro but I sometimes use 10 pound especially while night fishing. Good luck, and be sure to spend plenty of time on the water experimenting and refining your dropshotting skills.
By the way I am sure the JM 7 footer in a med action would be fine and if the price is good go for it.

[mr.bass91]

birdi23nls,
I Forgot to mention to check out the warrenty on that Jonney Morris rod. If it is like their other rods it only comes with a one to five year warrenty. If you are close check out the Dobyns rods at Escalon Tackle, I was there last week and he is closing out all the older Doybns rod for up to 50% off and they still have the lifetime Warrenty. Last week he still had a couple Dobyns drop shot rods in stock, they are $170 dollar rods and he is selling them for under 100. Check it out or call him at 838-6722.

[Vince Borges]

If you want to step up a lot in quality here is a perfect drop shot rod. If you are going to the Sac ISE. stop by and check them out.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/descpage ... -PUMS.html#
Extreemly well balanced, super light, and the perfect tip for drop shotting as well as shakey head.

Take care
Vince

[Oldschool]

Drop shot by defination is a finesse presentation; finesse being being defined as precise. You are not covering a lot of water searching for bass when finesse fishing, you locate the bass with your sonar unit and precisely drop the worm in front of the bass. The bass are usually in deeper water on structure that may have some cover or may not. The fact that you can drop shot any lure doesn't mean it's the most effective presentation for every lure.
The big difference with DS verses TX rig is the hooks and weight used. Start by using top quality hooks; Gamakatsu or Owner drop shot, mosquito or down shot hooks; size 1 for nose hooking worms up to 6", size 2/0 for Texas skin hooked up to 7". You can use a variety of worms, Roboworms are a good product.
Round ball shaped drop shot weight in 1/4 oz with 6 to 8 lb mono or fluoro should work well where you fish. You will need medium fast action bass rod, your Texas worm rod may be a little too heavy to get a good feel of what is going on. Baitcasting or spinning is really a personal preference. Lamiglas Pro cert rods are as good any on the market and better then most.
Don't over fish the drop shot rig, small movement is all that is needed, once the weight hits bottom.
Tom

[mvanguilder]

Jared, I guide on the motherlode and use St. Croix rods, they make a dropshot rod. 6"9' Avid spinning or casting or the legend tournament series dropshot. 6-8lb test will do on the lakes just fine. Go to the Bait Barn in Waterford and Manny will set you up with the right gear. www.baitbarn.net

www.fishwrangler.net
www.berserkbaits.com

[carlos]

Jared, if cost is an issue for you, check out St.Croix Mojo bass rods. It's their new line of rods that range in price from $90 to $120.

[birdi23nls]

I just called escalon and they have a couple of of the doyban rods that you were talking about, i'm going to try and go tomorrow and check them out...for 50% off, that seems pretty good. If no dice, I may check out the Johnny Morris rod. I just bought a Johnny Morris baitcast combo and it is one heck of a rod and reel, but the warrenty issue is a bit of a turn off. However, I heard that most of the limited lifetime stuff is a bit misleading. I heard alot of guys don't get there rods replaced for free unless the are g-loomis? Is this true in your guys experience. I have a lamiglas certified pro but havn't had to replace it yet...so I don't know.

[mvanguilder]

St. Croix is lifetime warranty on Avids and above anything lower is a 5yr. warranty. Have them at Escalon show you the St. Croix rods. Promise you won't be sorry.

www.fishwrangler.net

[mr.bass91]

St. Croix Makes a good rod as Mike pointed out but I do not think you can go wrong with the Dobyns for 50% off. If he still has the Med. action rod I think that would be a better overall drop shot rod than the Med. light. I do like a Med. Light once in awhile but if you are fishing deep and need to step up to a 3/8 ounce weight or a larger bait than a 5 or six inch worm it won't work very good. If you get any days off during the week shoot me a PM and maybe we can hook up and break your new rod in at Melones. You can catch a bunch of fish up there right now on the drop shot, its a good time to get a feel for it.

[birdi23nls]

Yeah, I will check out the st. croix while i'm there, I know they make good stuff... and Mr. Bass I would love to hook up but unfortantly it dosn't look good (trying to save some days up for when it gets hot)...I'm a teacher in the Merced area but live in Turlock, where are you located? We should talk though, it sounds like I can learn some stuff from you...and trust me, I need it.

[mvanguilder]

Jared I live near Turlock and could help you out. Here is my email address mike@fishwrangler.net. I work in Lodi as a Firefighter, fish motherlode lakes, delta, Clear lake, and a few other areas.

Mike Van Guilder Jr.

www.fishwrangler.net

[birdi23nls]

Alright, you guys have been really helpful and I don't want to beat this dead horse in the ground, but one more question. I was going to head to escalon but dude sold the rod sooooo... I'm thinking of going the Johnny Morris direction, I am very happy with the baitcaster combo I just got for $224 on sale. I know the warrenty sucks but I'm trying to talk myself into buying something a little cheaper. They have a spinning combo on sale right now for like $179, but not sure on what would be the best action because I have got different opinion from different folks. I'm sure that a lot of this is preference but given the lakes I mentioned (motherload lakes) would you guys go with the 7' medium fast tip or the 7' medium light fast tip model? I'm maybe the most indecisive person I know so I might change my mind again, but but but....

Thanks again guys for the help...

[Marc]

Jared, I hope I don't add to your confusion, but I want to point out that unless a person uses the exact model rod you are asking about, none of us can tell you with certainty that you will like a "light action" or a "medium-light" action, or any other action by its description.

Rod ratings are highly misleading, and I'm sorry to say that even the same manufacturer is inconsistent in the designations they give rods. You have to understand there are a lot of reasons for this, such as different series of rod models are not intended to be compared to other series. Let me explain...Lamiglas makes a "Flats Series" of rods, and many other series of rods, like the Certified Pro bass rods. A "Medium Light" action Flat Series rod is very different than a "Medium Light" Certified Pro Series. Confused?

I have never used the Johnny Morris series rods for dropshotting, so even though I can tell you with certainty what Lamiglas rod models I would recommend, I have no clue what action Johnny Morris rod would serve the same function.

I would highly recommend you hook up with a local that is willing to show you the ropes on dropshotting, and you delay your rod purchase until you have confidence that a model recommended by a friend is really a good choice for you. I know when you have the money to buy there is always a sense of urgency to make a purchase, but you could easily buy the wrong rod choice and be sorry about your purchase, no matter how good of a deal it is. Warranty and name and design are all important considerations, but in the end a rod is a good chunk of change, and you should make sure it will make you happy...fishing is all about being happy.

My best suggestion...try before you buy.

ciao,
Marc