What are drop shot / drop weight rigs?

[Gunga Din]

I've seen them in the catalogs but don't know anything about them. I often do something similar by using a heavier jig and tying a light, small jig higher up the line. But could someone explain this rig, when it's best to use it. How it's rigged, etc?

Thanks.

[crash]

All the rave with the Bass crowd, drop shoting is a finness techniqe placeing the lure (usually a plastic worm or ring worm) above the weight so the lure stays above the bottom or cover. The usual rig uses a loop in the line 2-3 feet (can be more, or less) above the weight (usually a split shot). The advantages is the lure stays in the strike zone longer and any hang ups result in loosing just the split shot.

[Backwater Eddy]

Them Bass freak's stole the idea from us catmen!

:)

[Sunshine]

I would also add to the conversation by stating that "drop shotting" is advantageous when working murky or muddy bottoms. At those times where the normal plastic bait would be difficult to find by the fish. This keeps the lure up above where it's more visible.

It also works well for inactive fish because you can impart action to the worm by jigging your rod tip gently causing the worm to "dance" while keeping it stationary and hopefully in the fishs' face.

[Goldpig]

I'll just add a little to the previous posts. Drop shotting typically is rigged with a very light wire hook (2/0). It is tied such that there is a tag end of approx. a foot with split shot at the end. The most popular plastics are 3" tubes or custom poured finesse worms.

[Sunshine]

Don't forget French Fries!! They also work well with this setup.

[Goldpig]

McDonald's or Zoom? :)

[Gunga Din]

Thanks for the description--I can think of few ways I could use this rig. Looks like you need to fish it vertical or at a slow drift?

[leechboy]

It sounds similar to a Dubuque jigging rig. Is that right?

[Iowa Eye]

In addition to vertical fishing try casting a drop shot rig to weed pockets (eyes and bass).

[Goldpig]

I have had very good success using it much like a Carolina rig. I will increase the number of split shot or weight and drag it as fast as possible while maintaining contact with the bottom.
But you are right, it is mostly a vertical or slow drift presentation.

[MIKE]

TIED IN A WAY YOU SAY CAN YOU DESCRIBE HOW TO MAKE THIS LOOP OR TAG? IS IT AN ADDED LINE OR THE MAIN LINE? SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED>>> FISH HARD >>>>>

[franklin]

Dear Gunga Din:

We used drop shot rigs with success last year fishing for bass. Drop-shotting for walleye should be an excellent method when finesse is called for. The drop shot rig is accomplished by tying a small hook (circle)from 6" to 2' up`from the weight. Use a palomar knot and leave a long tag down to your choice of sinker. Some tips: After you complete your knot, take the tag end a put it back down through the eye of the hook...that makes the hook stand out straight. Use light, thin diameter line. Choose a style of sinker that resists snags in a vertical position. Try a snap swivel at the end of your line..it will stop your sinker and you can use the snap to secure you rig to your rod when not in use (works when snags aren't too bad). Live bait should be effective as well as small plastics. Your goal is to make your bait be as weightless as possible. Maybe Bill Binkleman would have approved!

Here are some websites for more information:
Iovino.com (diagram shown)
Snakebitecustomfishing.com (articles)
Yamamoto.baits.com (check Inside Line magazine)