Originally, this odd ball tactic was developed and heavily used in the saltwater fishing industry to keep bottom-feeding creatures (such as crabs, etc) from devouring the bait. Recently, this fantastic rig has grown into the bass fishing market, and then dwindled up north for walleye fishing. These rigs work well during drift-fishing situations also.
What does a drop shot set-up look like? Easy....
Picture, if you will, your standard run-of-the-mill fishing line. At one end you'll have the hook with some bait, a fishing lure, or nothing at all (god knows why). Just a bit up the line you might have a split-shot lead weight attached. Simple, elegant, effective. Now lets take a look at our drop-shot-rig, and notice the difference right away....
At the end of your line, you WON'T attach the hook. Simply attach your weight (actually this is done last, and I'll explain 'why' in a bit). Some people prefer specific types of weights for this, however I've examined everyones personal lead-based-buddy's and came to the conclusion that it really don't matter.... as it shouldn't. The point of the weight is to keep the bait down, and to be able to feel the bottom. Next, about 12" to 36", you'll have your hook. Strange? Yes... but let's look closer.
Once your rig is tied (explained later on), you'll lower it into the water, paying close attention to where the bottom is. If you've fished enough, you'll be able to tell, as it comes with practice. Now, once the lead hits bottom, stop. Every-so-often, twitch the rod. This will make your bait 'dance' or 'wiggle', enticing your target. From underneath, the bait appears to be a natural 'food' just hanging out in the water, above the forage on the lake/basin floor. Completely irresistible to a hungry fish looking for a quick and easy snack. Many tournaments are being won with this type of rig, and for obvious reasons. People claim that this set-up has caught fish when nothing else will. But enough of the chatter.... lets get you hooked up!
Tying - Fishermen can use any style of hook, line, rod, or knot to make this rig. It's very simple. However, one company (TTI Products) has created a hook, specifically to this type of fishing. I'm excited about this, as this design eliminates the potential problem of tying hooks on upside down, sideways, or just all weird. See below -
TTI Products Stand-Out Hook.The eye of this hook is at the bottom, where the remaining line passes through, and a lead-weight is attached. At the top will be the source (rod) of line. Notice how this hook quite literally stands-out on it's own. Pay close attention to the tie-loop. It's NOT recommended that you use your standard fishing knot, and virtually impossible to utilize a snell-hook knot. The highly-recommended fishing knot is the Palomar Knot. Why? I believe this one works well as the tye is double wrapped, so it won't allow the line to easily pass out of the hooks bend/hole.
These hooks come highly recommended by intense fishermen as they take the trouble out of getting your hooks just right. The downside is the tying. With practice (a lot of practice), you'll be able to create your own flawless-rigs on the fly, in just a few minutes. You can buy these hooks at Cabela's, Daiichi's site (TTI Products), or if you want to buy in bulk, you may get them from Hagen's fishing tackle manufacturer.
No matter what you're fishing for, this rig is worth giving a shot!
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