By Hunter Hatcher/DWR
What is a drop shot rig?
The drop shot rig is a well-known technique among bass anglers for good reason. Bass anglers across the country have been using this technique to catch smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass for years. The drop shot technique is used to suspend a bait above the bottom with a weight at the end of the line. This gives the bait a natural presentation and can trigger bass to bite.
How to rig a drop shot…
A drop shot rig can look intimidating at first, however, once you understand how the rig is tied, it’s very simple. Start with tying a size 1-2 drop shot hook on to the end of your line with a Palomar knot, leaving about a foot of tag on the knot (this tag length can change depending on desired depth). Next, we tie on the weight using either a Palomar or Improved clinch knot. Size of the weight depends on how deep you plan on fishing, we typically recommend ¼-ounce weight for shallower fishing and all the way up to ¾-ounce for deep water fishing or water with current. Lastly, take your desired soft plastic bait and place the hook through the nose of the bait. After you have completed all of these steps, you are ready to go fishing!
Photo by Meghan Marchetti/DWR
Best baits for a drop shot…
Bait selection for the drop shot rig can be very essential in order to find success on the water. Color, size, and bait profile are all key factors when selecting your bait. The type of bait you select can also be heavily dependent on the type of forage in your body of water. Soft plastic minnows or shad imitations can work well in our larger lakes that have good populations of baitfish. Creature baits and craw imitations can work well in our river systems. A good place to start would be a five-inch straight worm in a green.
Drop-shotting in Virginia…
In Virginia waters, the drop shot can shine in places like Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Anna, and the deeper holes of the James and Shenandoah rivers. Anglers often target smallmouth and largemouth bass using six- to 10-lb fluorocarbon lines, especially around submerged rock piles and brush in the summer and fall. Small shad or minnow-style baits work exceptionally well in clearer lakes, while worm-style plastics stand out in more stained or pressured environments.
Photo by Shutterstock
Pro Tips
- Use spinning gear with a sensitive rod and light line to detect subtle bites
- Shake, don’t drag—let the weight sit on the bottom while gently shaking the rod tip
- Watch your line—drop shot bites can be very subtle, especially in deeper water.
- Adjust leader length depending on where the fish are positioned in the water column
Final Thoughts
Drop shotting may seem simple, but its effectiveness lies in its subtlety and precision. Whether you’re facing tough conditions or just want to refine your finesse game, the drop shot rig is a reliable and rewarding method. With the right gear, patience, and presentation, it can turn a slow day on the water into a memorable one.
