Which technique could this be? It’s the technique that has become known as “drop-shotting”. It is extremely effective when fishing gin clear waters or waters that have extreme fishing pressures on them.

There are many ways of creating a drop-shot rig, but I have found that by using the inexpensive split-shots as weights, normally found on bluegill and crappie setups, that this technique becomes more affordable, and easier to rig and learn.

I also like to use small hooks, such as size 2 Gamakatsu Off-set worm hooks. These are a light-wire hook, that still have enough backbone to hold up against the biggest bass, but with constant pressure, can be straightened out, so that break-offs come down to a minimum.

The trick in rigging a drop-shot is to make sure that you have enough of a tag end, to run back through the hook, so that you will be able to adequate distance between the placement of the hook and the placement of the weight. Normally, I suggest having close to 10” clearance between the hook and weight.

Normally, under most conditions, I will tie the hook using a Palomar knot. Double your line and run it through the eye of the hook. Then, tie an overhand knot. You should now have a loop as the tag end, which you now run back over the hook. Now, cinch the knot down, making sure to lubricate it (with saliva or water). Now, all that you should have left is the 10” tag end, which you will now run through the eye of the hook. Once this is done, “flip” the knot so that it’s sitting on the top of the hook eye. You want the hook to sit perpendicular to the line.

Once you are done with the hook, now you can place the split shot on the line. Normally, I leave a good 3” inches from the bottom of the tag end of the line and where I set the weight. I have found that this does two things. First off, you are less apt to hang up in gnarly cover and secondly, it makes the weight become sort of a rattle, especially when fished against rocks.

Now that your drop-shot rig is complete, it is now time to decide which lure you are going to use on it. Remember, this technique is tailored to smaller lures, ranging in size from 3”-5”, however, don’t be afraid to experiment with larger lures. This technique is new to the eastern states, and sometimes, the fish you are targeting have never seen it. A larger lure could produce larger bass for you.

There are several lures that can be used on this rig, such as jigs, worms, lizards, tubes, etc.

I suggest that you use a 5” Finesse worm, from Bummer Baits. My favorite color is copperhead. Not only does it mimic the natural color of night-crawlers and red-wigglers, it also mimics colors found in crawfish. Experiment with the colors that you use and don’t be afraid to switch colors in a drastic way, to keep the bass from becoming lure shy.

Drop-shotting is not a technique that is difficult to pick-up, as I have found that most bites are very hard. Upon occasion, you will find a bass that only moves the line off to the side, and this is where I recommend using a line that shows up well for you, but vanishes under water. I exclusively use Triple Fish UV (Ultra Visible) 12 # test. It has 4 neon colors woven into the line, and it’s very visible above the water, and is hard to see under.

Choosing a rod and reel combination is very important. I suggest getting a spinning outfit, that allows the rod to have a wispy tip, for shaking the lure, and a reel that has a high gear ratio, so that if a bass is in gnarly cover, you will be able to get him out of there, quick. A 6’6” rod is excellent, and I personally use a Quantum Torsion coupled with a Mitchell Avocet reel.

When choosing a reel, get one that has at least 4 ball bearings, as this will ensure maximum smoothness.

As this technique is picked up and used by more anglers, making subtle changes in the technique will consistently put fish in the boat for you.

I hope that this gives you the information that you will need to pick up the drop-shot technique with confidence and begin using it to fill the livewell with limit after limit of fish.

As always, tight lines and be safe!

John R. Pulliam