Post by eriequest on Dec 27, 2008 15:48:22 GMT -5
The drop-shot rig is a relative newcomer to the world of walleye and bass fishing, at least it is to those who us who live anywhere outside of the West. Drop Shotting originated in the deep, clear reservoirs of the western United States where it was used to entice finicky walleye and bass. The technique soon spread to the southern reaches of the nation where it was just the ticket for filling limits of bass. Largemouth bass fishermen quickly caught on...the success of big-name tournament anglers rocketed. Soon, some of the biggest names on the BASS series, started wielding spinning rods, tiny hooks and light line with regularity....the Drop Shot Rig
But walleye & smallmouth bass? You bet and trust me, we believe it and use it when conditions are right for it's use...on our Lake Erie walleye & smallmouth bass charters. It works! The drop-shot, for those unfamiliar with it, is about as simple as fishing gets. It features a small octopus-style hook, a light weight line and your choice of finesse plastics or "live bait". Regarding the fishing line I use...this is a light line technique and 4-10 pound test is usually the range used. Typically, I prefer to use 8 pound test. Fluorocarbon line has also gained in popularity with dropshot anglers and some people use fluorocarbon up to 12 pound test.
Tying up a drop-shot is easy. First, start with a quality hook. You'll be using hooks much smaller than you're used to and quality hooks are extremely important. Use one that's tack-sharp and fish will stay stuck. Capt Rick's favorite choice is the Gamakatsu's drop shot hook or Eagle Claw's Octopus Hook,# L7226BP. Hooks sizes vary slightly depending on the plastic you're attaching to the hook. For small, finesse-style worms, I'll use a size 1. For drop-shotting "live bait"... gobies, worms, minnows, and softcraws...I like a 1/0. Next, tie the hook to the line using a Palomar knot, leaving an extra-long tag end of about 6-16 inches.
Finally, attach a drop-shot or "bell sinker" weight to the "open" end of the line. Use can purchase a specially designed Drop-Shot weights (specially-designed weights that feature a small swivel with line-pinching eyes) or use a 1/4 oz bell sinker, also known as casting sinkers.
Just pass the line through the eye, pull up and the line will cinch in tight. You can add a simple overhand knot to keep the weight from pulling free.
Especially, when fishing the open waters of the Great Lakes...like Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair or even the famous, Dale Hollow , where some of the biggest walleye and smallmouth bass in North America roam...the Drop Shot Rig catches the biggest of the big Bronzebacks & Walleye!
Trophy smallmouth bass, caught with a Drop Shot Rig, using "live" bait, aboard the Erie Quest, in the distant Canadian waters of Lake Erie
But walleye & smallmouth bass? You bet and trust me, we believe it and use it when conditions are right for it's use...on our Lake Erie walleye & smallmouth bass charters. It works! The drop-shot, for those unfamiliar with it, is about as simple as fishing gets. It features a small octopus-style hook, a light weight line and your choice of finesse plastics or "live bait". Regarding the fishing line I use...this is a light line technique and 4-10 pound test is usually the range used. Typically, I prefer to use 8 pound test. Fluorocarbon line has also gained in popularity with dropshot anglers and some people use fluorocarbon up to 12 pound test.
Tying up a drop-shot is easy. First, start with a quality hook. You'll be using hooks much smaller than you're used to and quality hooks are extremely important. Use one that's tack-sharp and fish will stay stuck. Capt Rick's favorite choice is the Gamakatsu's drop shot hook or Eagle Claw's Octopus Hook,# L7226BP. Hooks sizes vary slightly depending on the plastic you're attaching to the hook. For small, finesse-style worms, I'll use a size 1. For drop-shotting "live bait"... gobies, worms, minnows, and softcraws...I like a 1/0. Next, tie the hook to the line using a Palomar knot, leaving an extra-long tag end of about 6-16 inches.
Finally, attach a drop-shot or "bell sinker" weight to the "open" end of the line. Use can purchase a specially designed Drop-Shot weights (specially-designed weights that feature a small swivel with line-pinching eyes) or use a 1/4 oz bell sinker, also known as casting sinkers.
Just pass the line through the eye, pull up and the line will cinch in tight. You can add a simple overhand knot to keep the weight from pulling free.
Especially, when fishing the open waters of the Great Lakes...like Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair or even the famous, Dale Hollow , where some of the biggest walleye and smallmouth bass in North America roam...the Drop Shot Rig catches the biggest of the big Bronzebacks & Walleye!
Trophy smallmouth bass, caught with a Drop Shot Rig, using "live" bait, aboard the Erie Quest, in the distant Canadian waters of Lake Erie