What is Drop Shot Fishing? All You Want to Know

What is Drop Shot Fishing? All You Want to Know

Drop shot fishing might have caught your attention after hearing other anglers brag about their incredible catches. Now that you’re interested in learning more, you can decide whether or not you want to give it a try. So, let’s talk about what is drop shot fishing.

The majority of perch fishing techniques are far less technical than dropshotting. In contrast to most other common jig techniques, it frequently calls for special knots, uncommon gear, and a completely different retrieve style. But it’s not as difficult as it first seems.

What is Drop Shot Fishing?

A Finesse Technique?

Drop shot fishing is regarded as a finesse technique because of the light gear that is generally used. It is often used for catching bass.

Using a weighted leader that is intended to sink to the bottom and suspend your bait, the drop shot technique is used. This can help you get to the target area where the fish are likely to be and can make the bait seem more like natural prey to the fish you’re trying to catch.

Unlike other styles of fishing, the hook and bait on a drop shot rig are around 12 inches up from the end of the leader, with the weight being positioned at the end.

The depth of the water where you intend to fish and whether you plan to cast far or vertically will typically determine the length of the leader you need. Usually, braided line will be tied to fluorocarbon line for the leader.

Rods and Reels

Drop shot fishing mainly requires light gear, similar to finesse fishing gear so a light to medium rod of around 7 foot, with fast to extra fast action. A lightweight to medium spinning reel can also be an ideal choice and can work better than baitcasting reels for this style of fishing.

Lines

The line you use should also ideally be lightweight. A leader line of 6 to 8 pounds of fluorocarbon and a braided line of about 10 to 20 pounds can be a good combination. Additionally, your hook should be light and the proper size for the bait and line you intend to use.

Drop Shot Weights

Although there are many different weight shapes available, drop shot rigs frequently use cylindrical or teardrop-shaped weights, with cylindrical ones being the best option for fishing in weedy areas or against strong currents and teardrop ones being a good choice for the majority of other drop shot fishing techniques.

A lot of the time, a weight that’s around ⅛ ounce up to ¼ ounce can be a good size for drop shotting but some anglers may prefer heavier weights, for example if the water is a lot deeper or if there’s a strong current that might push a light weight off the bottom.

What is Drop Shot Fishing? All You Want to Know
What is Drop Shot Fishing? All You Want to Know

Why Try Drop Shotting?

The likelihood is that you know someone who has tried drop shotting, even if you haven’t. This method of perch lure fishing is spreading like a brush fire throughout the fishing community.

Drop shotting or light lure fishing for perch is engaging, dynamic, simple to master, a lot of fun, and best of all, you only need a small amount of tackle to reap the benefits. It’s also great in the winter when you might only have a short window of time to go fishing.

With drop shotting, unlike other types of fishing, all you need is a small, extremely light rod and reel, a pocketful of terminal gear, and a few tiny lures. Kit you can keep in the trunk of your car!

Drop shotting or light lure fishing for perch is engaging, dynamic, simple to learn, a ton of fun, and best of all, it requires little gear to reap the benefits. It’s also great in the winter, when you might only have a short window of time to go fishing.

Although it also works in stillwaters and rivers, locations like canals are ideal for testing out this deadly strategy. Visit one of our suggested venues if you’re unsure where to go.

How to Drop Shot?

The idea is that, once the rig is in the water and the weight is on the bottom, the angler will be able to give the tiny lure movement by gently flicking the rod tip and working it in any location for however long he pleases.

The key to drop shotting with a lure is to avoid retrieving it like you would a spinner. To encourage a take, instead, keep the weight on the bottom and gently move the lure. This has the advantage of enabling you to entice fish in very confined spaces or close to features where predators like to conceal themselves.

You can adjust the depth at which the lure sits by moving the special weights, which are available online or at most reputable tackle shops, anywhere underneath the lure. Approximately 6 to 8 inches from the bottom is a good starting point.

  • WHERE TO FISH

Canals: Drop shotting is a great activity in your nearby cut. These are the places to look for because they are full of amenities like locks and marinas. When fishing, focus on areas near boats and the bank itself because most predators prefer to hang out there.

Rivers: For drop shotting, slow-moving rivers like the Thames, Soar, and Weaver are ideal. In order to stop the flow, you might need to lift heavier weights. Hotspots include islands, slack areas, and lock cuttings.

Check your local commercials because some of them may allow drop-shotting during the winter, Stillwaters. You never know what might be hiding in specimen carp pits or other stillwaters like park lakes. Look for features like overhanging trees and drop-offs.

What is Drop Shot Fishing? All You Want to Know
What is Drop Shot Fishing? All You Want to Know

Dropping Out…

Drop shot fishing can be a great way to catch fish, especially when your other tried and tested methods don’t seem to be working for you. It can be a great technique to try all year round and a successful way to target fish that may not be feeding as actively.

Which drop shot rig is your favorite? Tell us about it in the comments section. If this is your first time trying drop shot fishing, please let us know how it goes. Remember to spread the word so that others can give it a try.

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