Drop Shot Bass Fishing – An advanced technique for nailing Sowbelly Bass!
When spawning is over it becomes more difficult to catch those huge bass because they stop attacking out of aggression. Fortunately, the drop shot rig, when fished correctly, will trigger that reflex in those lunker bass. While the tips here will increase the quality of your catch, the quantity of your catch will always be determined by how well you can read the water. Of course the best strategy in general, whether by boat or on foot, is to not stay too long in one spot, you can cut down on wasted time by being able to tell if what you’re looking at is likely to be holding bass.
The drop shot rig presents your bait on the bottom. Tie a hook, any type (I prefer the Octopus style) from a size 4 to 2/0 depending on the bait you are using, but be sure to leave at least a foot of extra line beyond the no. The usual knot requires a dovecote tied so that the hook gap is facing up. Google this as what we are discussing here is technical and not so much rigging. Add some weight to the bottom, about twice what your bait weighs. When fishing drop shot it is highly recommended that you use a good fluorocarbon line. Visibility, or the lack of it, is paramount to provoking that slab to take the bait. You can drop any bait, live or artificial, but I prefer to start with a Senko-type bass worm (the bigger, thicker ones). The traditional drop shot technique calls for hooking the bait with the nose. However, I have found that the wacky rig has a higher connection rate. To manipulate your worm, simply hook it in the middle!
It will take a bit of learning, but soon you will be able to tell exactly where your weight is moving when you get back in line. There’s a very distinct sensation to being bitten, but don’t be discouraged if you can’t tell the difference between bouncing off rocks and being picked up by bass. When you’ve mastered that, it’s time to take the next step: do nothing. It sounds counterintuitive, but the best way to catch big fish is to barely move your bait, especially if you know there’s a fish where you’re casting. Many bass professionals will disagree with this approach, but give it a try. Set your bait in place and then very subtly bounce the tip of your rod. It bounces a bit more. And then it bounces some more. This technique really requires patience, as the bass will likely ignore you for some time before playing. But when you do, it will have been worth it! Be sure to build up some tension on the line before setting the hook. This tip applies to all fishing activities, but is particularly important with the drop shot if you want to keep your conversions high.