Looking for Drop Shot Setup Recos/Help

[dan61psu]

I decided I am going to "learn"  the drop shot technique for the upcoming season, call it my New Year's Fishing Resolution :).

That being said, I have never tried it, so I figured I would enlist the help of those who have become veterans with the technique.  What sort of products/setups would you all recommend? 

I know the basics of how to rig it, and to use a lighter line/softer rod, but am unsure about other stuff like terminal tackle, plastics to use/avoid and other details. 


Any help is appreciated, but I do not expect any trade secrets to be exposed :).

[bassboogieman]

I DON'T like light action rods for bass - noway.  Nothing less than a Medium for me, but that's my personal preference.  That said - I would recommend a GOOD QUALITY 7'-0" Med., fast actioned spinning rod as the drop shot  bite is a lite bite usually, small hooks, light weights, small baits, etc.  You will want to feel everything going on with a drop shot setup and it requires a sensitive rod, it's the most important thing in my opinion.  Fast action will give you the soft tip to work the rig, and a good spine for fighting the fish.  If you don't want to buy a good rod (and in a Medium, fast actioned rod it will serve other presentions), the technique becomes more difficult (again that's my opinion - you could proabably fish the drop shot on a surf rod, but it won't be as successful).  A decent reel and 6# fleurocarbon line and you're ready to go.  The 7' rod is also an advantage when using the lighter test lines, as the rod will absorb the shock of fighting fish up from the depths.  I don't use it a lot, would probably used it at Oneida, but not much locally as other stuff works better for me.  Pillager does a good bit of drop shot, and shakey head which would utilize the same rod (at least I'd use the same rod).  I think he also uses braid and fleurocarbon leader, which is another option, but I don't like braid.  He OBVIOUSLY will have something to say...........

[docirv]

As you can all assume I had purchased a Loomis (really? no kidding, what a shock) drop shot spinning rod. It was way too soft and light for my tastes and so I sold it on ebay. I just use a regular Loomis 6 foot 6 inch medium weight rod. A lot of this specific rods for specific techniques is bunk. Before investing any money in a rod just for drop shotting I would suggest that you use a spinning rod that you already have that is about 6.5 to 7 feet and medium action with a bit slower tip. I could always lend you one of mine but whenever I do lend rods they tend to get thrown over board.... :30:

[dan61psu]

good start.  I think i have the appropriate rig for this already...a 7 ft spinning medium action...

I am curious about using flouro vs. braid with a flouro leader.  Ill wait for Ciarletta and others before choosing a course of action.

If you can't tell, I am bored and looking to prep for the upcoming season already :)

[docirv]

You know me when it comes to line, braid. But I do use a fluourcarbon leader of about 8 pounds when I drop shot.

[dan61psu]

How do you like Braid with spinning combos?  I hear it can be a royal pain...but I see you guys do it alot...so im confused?

[bassboogieman]

Braid - I don't like it at all for the applications we have in this region.  Only time I would consider braid would be down south in HEAVY vegatation.  I haven't come across anything that a good fleurocarbon or co-polymer won't handle in this area.  If I was consitantly pulling 6# + bass out of heavy grass I would give it consideration, as that's the exception up here I don't feel the need.  Other dislikes:  Very limp, tends to loop especially on spining gear.  Will cut in to any backing line unless you put some electrical tape between layers.  Very visible, ok in stained water, clear water you definitely need a leader, another knot.  Braid floats, I don't want a floating line on sinking baits, I much prefer a fleurocarbon or co-polymer.  IT'S EXPENSIVE and while it last a full season or more it does fade and turns a gray/white.  Many inconsistancies among brands of braids, as to the coating, roundness, etc. You'll have to find one you like and stay with it.  The new Suffix is supposed to be round and stay round.  Braid has NO stretch - very bad when using treble baits, again MY opinion, and I think you will need a softer rod to compensate.  If you hang a bait on braid - it's a major Bitch to get it back, you'll most likely have to cut it off (it's pretty expensive cutting of a few yards on each hang-up.  Don't try grabbing braid and pulling on it to free a hang-up, you'll bleed profusely.  Finally - using line above a rods rating is asking for trouble, i.e. breaking a rod.  Using 50# - 60# braid on a rod rated for 25# line, will stress the rod on a hook set or worse - on a snag.  I've seen many complaints about rod breakage, especially when using braid.  If you're like Doc, and buy Loomis rods you can bust them up all season and get a free replacement.  Sounds like the automobile industry should try that - run your car into a tree and get a new one.  Another piss and moan story there.  But give it a shot, so many swear by it.... me, I swear at it.  You may actually like it.

[dan61psu]

I love it for my Jigging rod.  The feel you have of the bottom is outstanding, and it casts like a dream, plus backlashes are pretty easy to remove.  I will nto use it for spinner bait and cranking thouh.

I have toyed with the idea of throwing it on one of my spinning combos to see if I like it better with plastics...

[docirv]

Piss and moan all you want but I have great results with braid on all my reels. I do not use 60 pound test like a lot of the pros do in heavy cover. I like 30 pound for most applications. I find that braid lays flat on my spinning reels and I have no trouble with it. As far as breaking my rods, the braid is not the problem, I am.... I step on them, I get them caught under rod locker covers or cleats...... and if you do not like the cost on the Loomis and think it is due to the unlimited warranty and guys like me taking advantage of it.... then do not buy them and quit complaining about it....  :13:

[dan61psu]

I think I'll give it a shot with a rig for a while and see where it takes me.  I also use no more than 30# test with Braid.

[bassboogieman]

quit complaining about it....

Will NEVER happen.  Complaining is my mission in life, ESPECIALLY if it results in getting a rise from someone else.........................

You didn't disappoint me........... took the bait - hook, line and sinker all the way in to the gullet.  :grin:  :grin:  Another successful post.  I also copied and forwarded your comments about the poor quality of Loomis rods to them.................... you're unlimited warranty may just have been cancelled  :wink:  From what I understand you were already on their "watch list" because you break so many.  They thought you were a 6 '-6", 300 pound gorilla, rather than the blind, clumsy doofus we all know you to be....................  :grin: :grin:..................... NO offense, mind you  :rolleyes:

I have to go to work now....... more abuse to follow later.............. :wink:

[docirv]

Gut hooked me again....  :11:

[fishaddict1426]

never used braid in my life. always put it down,but after borrowing shillins rod one day i am converting from mono. felt way more bottom than ever. pretty cool stuff. as far as a drop shot......... i think that the rig looks wierd, but alot of people use it. i probably will never use it because i dont have the intrest to learn. good luck with it.

[Eli]

With Braid, if you get snagged and can't get the lure free, don't cut off the line.
I wrap it around a boat cleat a few times and use the trolling motor to pull it free.  Have found myself dragging a tree once but it often gets your lure back without cutting your fingers off.  Might need to replace the hooks.

[bassboogieman]

Gee Eli, you are good for more than an appropriate cartoon.  That's a darn good idea with any line.  I've sliced my little finger several   :rolleyes: times (yes, I AM A SLOW LEARNER - well maybe just hardheaded) on mono and now with the Yo-Zuri Hybrid - it will cut you to the bone without much effort.  I will try and remember that tip, maybe my box of bandaids will last an entire season now.