Drop shooting is now extensively used for bass fishing, originally a saltwater fishing technique. Since the high-pressure lakes in the west functioned so well, it rapidly became increasingly famous and now a highly prized and commonly utilized perch fishing method.
Better news: It’s easy to rig! The technique is rather basic, although lively and dynamic, which requires little equipment.
If you are a rookie or simply unskilled in the use of a drop shot rig for perch fishing, learn the ropes with these simple instructions.
What Is A Drop Shot Rig?
Your hook is hung over a weight with a drop shot. It’s a simple notion with big implications.
Unlike typical worm fishing, the weight – rather than your line – takes the punishment of the base. You will notice that more bass often yields right there.
There are other advantages associated with the drop shot plant. You may vary the height of the hook for weeds and other plants as much as you like to run between the hook and the sink.
This enables you to exactly determine your depth. The worm is free to do its job since its weight is tied to the line rather than your hook or bait.
When Is A Drop Shot Rig Needed?
When you fish in choppy or pressure water, use the drop shot rig. The weight takes the bait and keeps it stable for curious fish. The one on the bottom does not affect your feelings of the line because there are no weights between the rod and the hook.
The drop shot rig is also perfect if you’re in the cover since the wear-and-wear section of the line doesn’t lie between you and the bait – or lure – that you employ.
Besides, the rig may be utilized everywhere with bass or other fish in deeper seas. Make sure you target gravel or rock-coated bottoms.
It can also be used around the bushes and even fished on the coast by simply casting your line and letting it fall until it reaches the ground. Reel the tile till it’s tight and shake the drop shooting rig when you feel the hit.
2 Main Methods To Tie A Drop Shot Fishing Knot
Compared to other types of knots, it is faster and easier to tie a drop-shot fishing knot. Learn how to bind this node with the following simple steps:
The Twist Knot
- Cut the length of your bait down from the bottom of the water, depending on how high or low you would prefer.
- Slide it into the hook eye from the top, then into the tag end of the line. Pull the track in till you have a lot of track.
- Put a loop on the end of the tag.
- Pinch the looping line’s overlapping section.
- Take the hook and put it in the loop. Pull it down.
- Repeat step #4 a few times according to your line thickness. Usually, 3-5 times is plenty.
- Once finished, tighten the knot a little on the end of the tag. Keep the hook in position and away from the line.
- Pull the primary route to fully tighten it.
- Repeat steps 6 and 7 several times until the node is tight and secure.
- Humidify the line to make the train safer and tighten the knot back to the ends.
- Once done, the hook that is linked to your line is completely horizontal.
- Put the drop weight on the end of the tag and the hook on the bait.
Watch this video for presentation:
The Classic Knot
- Cut a line length to your specifications.
- Fold the route to the middle or half of the rope and place it in a hook direction with the end pointing to the left of the hook.
- Tie a Palomar along the end of the tag, but do not strain the knot immediately.
- Then put the hook through the looped end of the line.
- For enhanced safety, moisten the line on the looped portions.
- Tighten the knot gently by pulling the main line. Do the same for the end of the tag.
- Pull the knot carefully.
- After it’s tightened, take one end of the main line and place it through the eye of the hook. However, pull the hook horizontally all the way.
- Add the falling weight.
Check out this video for model knot:
FAQs
1. How to tie on a dropshot rig?
Start by threading your hook onto the line and tying a Palomar knot, leaving a 12–18 inch tag end. Pass that tag end back through the hook eye so the hook stands out horizontally. Then attach a drop shot weight to the bottom of the tag line. This keeps your bait just off the bottom, where fish can see it easily.
2. How to tie a dropper rig?
A basic dropper rig starts with a strong mainline. Tie one or two dropper loops (about 12–18 inches apart) along the mainline, then cut one side of each loop to create a short leader for your hooks. Finish with a sinker at the bottom. This setup is perfect for targeting multiple depths at once.
3. What are the common mistakes with dropshots?
The biggest mistakes are tying the hook backward, setting the weight too close to the hook, and using line that’s too heavy or too visible. Also, many beginners overwork the bait — subtle movements usually catch more fish.
4. How far should the weight be from the hook on a drop shot?
A good rule is 12 to 18 inches, but you can adjust based on fish behavior. Shorter leaders (6–8 inches) work when fish are hugging the bottom, while longer ones (2 feet) help when they’re suspended.
5. How to tie a dropper rig for snapper?
Use 40–60 lb monofilament for the mainline. Tie two dropper loops spaced about 18 inches apart. Add strong, sharp hooks to the loops and finish with a heavy sinker at the bottom. Snapper often feed near the seabed, so make sure your rig keeps bait close to the bottom.
6. How deep should I drop shot?
It depends on where the fish are holding. In shallow water, 5–15 feet is often enough. In deeper lakes or saltwater, you might go 20–40 feet or more. Use your fish finder or watch for signs of fish activity to pick the right depth.
7. What is the best knot for a dropper?
The Dropper Loop Knot is the classic choice — it’s quick, strong, and keeps hooks standing out from the mainline. For heavy saltwater rigs, a surgeon’s loop or perfection loop can also work well.
8. How to tie braid to mono?
Use a Double Uni Knot or FG Knot. Both are strong and slim enough to pass through rod guides easily. The FG knot is especially good for saltwater and heavy-duty setups.
9. How to assemble a dropper?
First, tie your mainline and create one or two dropper loops. Add hooks to the loops and attach a sinker at the end. Make sure the hooks face away from the line so they present the bait naturally.
10. How to correctly use a dropper?
Drop the rig until the sinker hits bottom, then reel up just slightly so your bait is suspended. Keep the line tight but not too tense. Fish will often nibble lightly, so stay ready to set the hook with a gentle lift.
11. How to tighten a dropper post? (bike-related)
If you’re talking about a bicycle dropper post, tighten the seat clamp and adjust the cable tension. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for torque specs to avoid damage.
12. What is the best dropper post? (bike-related)
Brands like RockShox Reverb, Fox Transfer, and PNW Rainier are reliable and smooth. The best one depends on your riding style and budget.
13. How to tie the best drop shot rig?
Use a light fluorocarbon leader (6–8 lb) with a size 2 or 4 drop shot hook. Tie a Palomar knot and pass the tag end through the hook eye so it points up. Add a drop shot weight about a foot below. Pair it with a soft plastic bait that mimics natural prey.
14. How to attach a dropper rig?
Attach your dropper rig to the mainline with a strong swivel or tie it directly with a knot like the improved clinch. A swivel helps reduce line twist, especially in saltwater.
15. How to tie droppers for sea fishing?
Use heavy mono (50–80 lb) and tie dropper loops about 18–24 inches apart. Add circle or J-hooks to the loops and a large sinker at the bottom. This setup handles current and heavy fish better.
16. What is the best knot for tying droppers?
The Dropper Loop Knot is still king for sea rigs, but the Three-Way Swivel Knot is great when you want stronger connections and less tangling.
17. How to set up a fishing line for saltwater?
Start with a strong braided mainline, then tie on a mono or fluoro leader using an FG knot. Add your rig — whether it’s a dropper, Carolina, or fish-finder rig — and match hook size and weight to your target species.
18. How many wraps for a dropper loop?
Typically 6 to 8 wraps give a strong, reliable knot. More wraps make the loop bulkier but stronger, while fewer are quicker but slightly weaker.
19. What is the best rig for saltwater fishing?
The Fish Finder Rig and Dropper Loop Rig are the most versatile. The fish finder is ideal for bottom feeders, while the dropper excels when targeting multiple depths or schooling fish.
20. What are popping corks used for?
Popping corks create noise and surface commotion to attract fish like redfish, trout, and snook. They suspend your bait just below the surface, mimicking struggling prey.
21. Does line color matter for saltwater fishing?
Yes, but only slightly. Clear or light-colored leaders are less visible in clear water. Bright mainlines (like yellow) are easier for you to see, but always pair them with a clear leader for best results.
22. What is a common hookset for this drop shot configuration?
A roller set allows fishermen to feel the morsel after which the rod may be lifted and reeled. The small wire hook may easily glide into the mouth of the fish. If the hook becomes too firm, it can bend out and you’re going to lose your catch.
23. What is the best type of line for drop shot?
The line you select is a vital component of your configuration. Choose wisely, otherwise, you’d become annoyed with the twisting line while fishing.
A light braided line with a fluorocarbon leader line of around 10 ft to 20 ft is the ideal type of line for drop-shotting.
24. Which equipment do I need to fish for a drop shot?
If you’re drop-shot fishing, use the spinning gear. It allows the bait to fall directly down to the ground and will not flow back.
Conclusion
All in all, a drop shot rig system is perfect whether your cautious fish needs an elegant presentation or merely your bait is close but not on the bottom. Easy to bind and easy to use, it will probably improve your repertory and rapidly becomes the favorite method for fishing.