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Some anglers believe that some rigs for bass are only for experts. However, dropshot is an easy technique that ensures success. Learn how to fish a dropshot for bass and you will try it every time you are on the lake. Novice anglers can learn this rig within minutes with the help of some gear to set up everything.
Contents
How to Fish a Dropshot for Bass
A dropshot rig is the setup of the lure and hooks on the line, with a weight a few feet from the lure so that your lure sinks into the water, and the weight is not prominent. So at first glance, the rig looks like a line, with a hook and lure at the lower end and then a few feet of the line with a leader and a weight at the end.
- Learning to fish a dropshot rig will require anglers to learn a few things beforehand:
- The selection of suitable lures
- Tying a Palomar knot
- Tying the weight with a leader so that it stays away from the bait
The setup is as simple as this, although some people get overwhelmed by the idea of finesse angling. Drop shot for bass is not only about the setup. It also includes the technique of fishing that will yield good results.
The Correct Dropshot Gear for Bass
If you have been fishing for bass already, there is nothing new that you need to purchase for this setup. You will have most of the gear that works well with this rig. However, selecting the correct gear from all the kinds of things you have in store is crucial.
The Rod and Reel Combo
A fishing rod and reel combo is the most vital part of the dropshot fishing experience. You can select a medium to fast action rod and reel and you will be able to maximize the chances of catching big bass every time you use this rig.
The idea is to allow the gear to be sensitive enough to catch a small-sized bass while also being ready to handle a big fish. The reel can be any of the ones that you use for freshwater angling, which is compatible with a fast or medium action rod.
The Line for Dropshot
The fishing line that will be most effective while using this kind of setup for bass should have low visibility as you do not want the fish to come near, see a heavy line, and swim away. The rig will not work with a heavy braided line, so select a line of six-pound test fluorocarbon and use a leader with it.
The Hooks
Bass fishing success relies on the correct use of lures and hooks. For bass fishing, the most suitable sizes of hooks are 1, 1/0, and 2/0. Select one of these sizes and ensure that you use a dropshot hook. These hooks have a larger circle and allow the lure to move freely and naturally.
The Sinkers
When you are using this rig for bass, the concept of using a weight is to keep your lure in the water, a few feet above the floor. Anglers can select a crimped weight to clip onto the line however, if you are comfortable with tying a weight, that will also get the job done.
The selection of the sinker is crucial and depends on the type of water too. If it is windy and the water is moving, you can use a heavier weight. Otherwise, the most suitable sinker can be around 0.75 oz. as it will not move around in the water, and your lure will look like a small fish swimming above the lake floor.
The Lure
The artificial bait that you use for rigging is important. It is this little plastic piece that can help you get the most out of your fishing trip. Many types of lures are available, and bass come to bite any of them that moves naturally and looks real. However, some additions might bring in a big fish quickly:
- Added smell
- Rattles for sound
- Imitation of a worm or small fish that bass eat
Bass will come to bite anything that looks like the fish or worms that they prey on, and if it is imitating a live creature and can create some sound or give off an enticing smell, the catch will be yours! Bass fishing is not only exciting after you get the fish hooked, but it is also fun to create a setup that will attract this species.
Setting Up the Dropshot
After collecting all the equipment that you need to make the rig work, it is essential to learn how to get it all rigged for success. Following a few steps only will prepare you to cast the lure and retrieve it with a big catch hooked within minutes.
- Pass the line through the eye of the hook and extend it up to a foot’s length to attach the leader
- Make a loop and bring it back from under the hook
- As you hold the hook, tie the Palomar knot with the other side.
- Wet the line and make the knot tight
- At the end, ensure that the line at the end of the hook is almost 16 inches, or a foot at least.
- Use a plastic worm or shad or any other lure with the hook
- Lastly, attach the weight at the very end of the line
When the setup is ready, the fun part of casting the bait begins. The adventure of catching bass is attractive to all anglers and when they know that a big catch is coming up, the thrill of the sport increases. Using this presentation for bass makes your fishing adventures end in big catches and that adds to the adrenaline rush!
Various Methods of Dropshot for Bass
You might think that since you have set up the rig, all it needs to do now is sink into the water and a big fish will come in. The presentation, or way of using the dropshot is an integral part in bass fishing and there are various strategies, or presentation techniques to improve your fishing style.
Current Fishing Dropshot
If you are bass fishing in a lake with a heavy current, the setup will be effective if you use a heavier sinker so that it can take the current strength and stay in one place. A regular weight can move around in water if the current is heavy.
Once you have the correct weight attached at the end of the line, the current does most of the work. As the weight sinks to the bottom, the worm or fish-shaped lure will wiggle in water like a live creature and that makes the bass come in fast.
Cover Fishing
Bass hide in plantation covers, and this kind of setup can make its way into the water if you use a spinning rod and reel. The vertical drop of this gear makes it easier to drag the weight along until it stops due to an obstruction. At this point, shake the line so that the lure creates a commotion.
Dead-sticking and Dragging
If you know where the bass is present in the lake, you can try dead-sticking the rig, which involves sinking the weight, then giving it a jump with a slow retrieval. Gradually, the lure will be moving slightly up and down and then forward. If the bass is around, you will not have a lot of time between casts because of the fast catches!
Dragging is as simple as it sounds. Let the weight drag along the bottom of the lake, and the lure moves as if it is swimming forward. This technique works for bass in all kinds of waters. If you use a lure that creates sound or has a smell, it will work faster.
Conclusion
Anglers who want to learn how to fish a dropshot for bass can do it in easy ways and get big results. You need the correct gear, line, and lures for using this rig. However, the technique of fishing also adds to the efficiency of this setup.