Nothing beats the excitement of feeling a fish take the bait, but it helps when you’re properly prepared with the right technique! The drop shot fishing rig is an effective and versatile technique that can help you improve your success rate.

Together we’ll learn all the tips and tricks needed to master the craft of how to tie a drop shot. So let’s jump in and give our skillset (or nets) a boost!

What Is a Drop Shot Rig?

A drop shot rig is one of the most popular techniques used by professional and recreational anglers. It allows you to place a bait below the surface and target fish swimming at different depths. This allows for a more discreet presentation, as your line won’t be detected as easily when the bait isn’t floating right under the water’s surface.

The rig uses a longer-than-average leader. This feature allows the line to pass freely through the guide of your rod without disturbing the habitat around it. 

For those looking to get into competitive fishing, a drop shot rig provides an incredibly versatile tool. It can be used with small finesse baits as well as heavier jig-style baits. As a result, it’s perfectly suited to targeting any species of fish in various scenarios.

How to Tie a Drop Shot: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tying a drop shot is an essential skill for any angler looking to catch bass, trout, and other species in shallow water. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tie a drop shot rig:

1. Start by selecting the right hook for the job. Your hook should be lightweight, with a wide gap so it can hold bait securely. A size 2 or 4 hook is often recommended for most drop shotting applications.
2. Cut off about 8 inches of monofilament line (or fluorocarbon if you prefer) and tie it to the eye of the hook with an improved clinch knot. Make sure your knot is tied tightly. You don’t want any slack in your line that could‌ come undone while fishing!
3. Now take another 3 – 4 feet of monofilament or fluorocarbon and thread this line through the eye of the hook. Create a loop at the end of this long piece of line and use a Palomar knot to secure it firmly around your shorter piece of line. Make sure not to leave any slack in either ends or knots. This will form what is called the “tag” end.
4. After you’ve secured your tag end, take two barrel swivels and attach them both through one end of the tag end loop. One should be on each side of your hook shank (the part between the hook point and eye.) Secure these swivels by using another improved clinch knot on each side. Make sure they’re both evenly spaced apart so as to not impair lure action once dropped into the water column.
5. Now take your main fishing line (the thicker one) and attach it to one side of the swivel with an improved clinch knot. This may be a uni-knot depending on personal preference. The uni-knot provides a more secure hold than an improved clinch. Either way, make sure it’s tight!
6. And finally, add some weights onto your main fishing line wherever preferred. The weights are usually 4 – 5 feet above the hook.

Are you looking for extra protection against snags and fouling from weeds or branches? A rubber sinker stop can be added just above your leader line. This provides reassurance that you won’t lose lures from underwater snag-ups.

How to Fish With a Drop Shot Rig: Drop Shotting for Beginners

Once you’ve tied the drop shot rig, it’s time to start fishing. 

Before getting started, it’s important to choose the correct weight for your rig. For most situations, 3/16 or 1/4 ounce weights work best. Heavier weights should be picked when fishing in deeper waters or when using heavier lines.

Drop shot rigs are used to target bottom-dwelling species like bass, walleye, and catfish. When fishing with a drop shot rig, choose an area that you think may hold fish and cast your line out. 

When the bait hits the bottom of the lake or river, give it a couple little jerks before allowing it to settle back down. This will make the bait look more realistic and can help draw attention from nearby predators which can be hiding near structures like rocks, logs, or docks. 

Be sure to use a slow retrieve so that the bait stays on or slightly above the bottom for long periods.

One of the benefits of drop shotting is that it allows anglers to move their bait with minimal effort. Simply move the rod tip up and down in small motions while keeping tension on the line at all times. This motion makes it look like your bait is trying to find food near ‌an attractive structure for many species of fish.

Another way to make your drop shotting more effective is by using different colors and sizes of baits. Try experimenting with different types of worms or minnows. These will help you determine which type works best in each situation you’re in.

Final Thoughts

Just like any other fishing rig, any skilled angler should learn how to tie a drop shot. A drop shot fishing technique is incredibly versatile and effective: it’s best for targeting finicky fish species, such as bass or crappie. It’s also a great way to present your bait in murky water.

The key to success when using a drop shot rig is experimentation. Varying the size of your bait, weight, line type, and leader length can all have an impact on catch rates. Spend some time experimenting with different configurations and techniques until you find what works best in your chosen body of water.