What is a Dropshot Rig?
A dropshot rig is a type of fishing rig commonly used in freshwater fishing to catch species such as bass and walleye. It consists of a hook, a weight and a line.
The hook is tied to the end of the line, and the weight is attached to the line a few feet above the hook.
The angler casts the rig out into the water and allows it to sink to the bottom. Once the weight hits the bottom, the angler lifts the rod tip to bring the hook off the bottom and then drops it back down again, creating a “drop shot” motion.
The angler can then reel in the slack line and repeat the process to impart an enticing, darting motion to the bait.
The goal is to entice fish to bite the bait, which is typically a soft plastic worm or grub. The dropshot rig is considered to be a finesse technique, as it allows anglers to present the bait in a very subtle and natural way.
Dropshot Tackle
- Dropshot Hook
- Dropshot Weight
- Soft Plastic Worm or Swimbait
How to Rig a Dropshot
- Begin by tying a Palomar Knot with a 12 to 30 inches long tag end (depending on how high you want the bait off the bottom) and pass end of loop through eye of hook.
- Tie a loose overhand knot with the hook hanging from the bottom of the loop formed.
- While holding the overhand knot between thumb and forefinger, pass end of loop over the hook. Slide loop to above eye of hook.
- Pull on both standing line and tag end to tighten down the knot onto eye of hook. Now feed tag end back through hook eye from above.
- Attach a small weight to end of line desired distance from hook and trim tag. Attach bait to hook.
How to Fish a Dropshot
Here are the basic steps for fishing with a dropshot rig:
- Choose your rod and reel: A dropshot rig requires a sensitive, lightweight rod that can be used to detect even the slightest bite. A spinning reel is typically preferred for its ease of use and smooth drag system.
- Select your line: A lightweight, fluorocarbon line is a good choice for fishing with a dropshot rig, as it has low visibility and good sensitivity.
- Tie your hook: A size 1 or 1/0 hook is a good starting point, but the size of the hook you use will depend on the size of the bait and the size of the fish you’re targeting. Tie the hook directly to the end of the line.
- Attach the weight: A small, egg-shaped weight is typically used with a dropshot rig. Attach the weight to the line a few feet above the hook.
- Add your bait: A soft plastic worm or grub is a popular choice for fishing with a dropshot rig. Thread the bait onto the hook and adjust it so that it is hanging straight down from the hook.
- Cast your line: Cast your line out into the water and allow the weight to sink to the bottom. You can also use a variety of techniques to control the depth at which your bait is presented, such as adjusting the length of the line between the weight and the hook, or using a sliding sinker.
- Drop the bait: Once the weight has hit the bottom, lift the rod tip slightly to bring the hook off the bottom, then drop it back down. Repeat this process to impart an enticing, darting motion to the bait.
- Reel in the slack: As you drop the bait, reel in the slack line so that you maintain contact with the bait at all times.
- Watch for bites: Pay attention to any changes in the line or rod tip, which may indicate that a fish has taken the bait. Set the hook by quickly reeling in and lifting the rod tip.
Remember, fishing with a dropshot rig is a finesse technique that requires patience and sensitivity. Be sure to adjust your rig and techniques as necessary based on the conditions and the type of fish you’re trying to catch.