BUYER'S GUIDE: DROPSHOT FISHING! (WORMS, RODS, AND TERMINAL TACKLE)

[@BassHead1322]

You guys aren’t on another level, you’re on another planet!! Thanks for all the info. One thing you haven’t covered recently is travel rods. I would like to see a travel rod episode with the price points. I’m sure T.W. Would have had a sale when the other rods were on sale. You guys live the life so we count on your experience and input. Thx again guys.

[@nickcautrell2514]

Guys I love your videos. Been subbed for a while and have learned a lot over the past year. I don't want to sound negative, but when you're going through the individual baits and describing them, you really need a close up of them. I can't see what they are. And that would really help during the discussion. I know you guys are usually good about putting links in the description and it would add time with editing but it would really make it a lot easier on the viewers if there was just a momentary close up. Again love the videos looking forward to the next one.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks for the feedback, Nick! In our regular videos, we may be able to implement that, it's a great idea. 👍🏼 Unfortunately, In these daily buyer's guides, just being honest, there's no time left in the day to overlay images... we have to rely heavily on those links to provide close-up images and color options.

[@nickcautrell2514]

@tacticalbassin oh no, I totally get it. For every one of those you got to go through the video and insert an image over that portion of it and that while that one individual one doesn't take that long, by the time you do 20 or 30 through a video you've got a fair bit of extra time involved. With just the two of you it's hard to do but if you had a third person that could zoom in on that and just hold it up in front of something later colored would work without having to go back and edit it.

[@Agile47509chicken]

I had the same thought, but figured it was due to this reason. Thanks for all you do, and for this explanation!

[@ryancraft9566]

This is my favorite time of year. Blue jeans and sweatshirt weather, the fish are chewing, and I get to enjoy my morning coffee watching the TB Boys every day of the week while shopping for new tackle. Honestly, how many more boxes can you check ✅. Keep em comin guys. #burnpause

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Ryan! We appreciate the support! 7 day a week videos are a little rough but this weather is sure nice!

[@richardblake4777]

You guys are the greatest, thanks for what you do.

[@MariaMcdonald-tv9zg]

My favorite way to catch Smallmouth.❤

[@tacticalbassin]

It works so well, its hard not to like!

[@terranceleonard68]

And I learned about the dropshot from watching you guys videos thanks for the great content and information I feel like I am in a fishing class when I watch you guys videos because I listen also it like taking a bass fishing course

[@garyplowman5838]

Great video guys like always explain everything like pros that you are. Thanks guys 👍🏻

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you Gary!

[@jessieosborne3576]

Drop shot is my go to fitness technique.

[@tacticalbassin]

That's a great choice!

[@WildBillHabiki]

I had an SLX 6-9M drop shot rod for 6 years. It was a great budget rod, never failed. But sadly this year I stepped on it and broke an insert so I went to TW looking for another one. Oops, sold out so I started looking at all brands. A LOT of 6-9ML rods were sold out but I landed on the Lew's rods and saw the Lew's Custom Lite 6-9ML for about $170 and jumped on it. Wow what a nice rod. It is light and very sensitive. I would recommend it for those who want something under $200.

[@depalebe]

Great job on the tackle coverage like always. I watched the Ned and drop shot videos. I was thinking about the presentation that sits inbetween the Ned rig and drop shot, the Jika rig. More action than the Ned rig and less than the dropshot. I love the Jika for Great Lanes smallmouth using Ned and Drop shot baits. I have made sizes from #4 to 6/0. Thanks again.

[@jasonwilliams8875]

I have both the expride rods they are awesome for the money. I run a vanford on my spinning love it.

[@tacticalbassin]

That's such a great combo! You can't beat it for the money!

[@shorefishingontario]

My bread and butter technique, I love when you guys make these videos! What was the color of that Missile Magic Worm?

[@MikeSagraves-si8eg]

I’m surprised a 4 1/2” or 6” Robo Worm was left off your buyers guide. It’s been the standard for years. Great colors. I get the 6” Missile Baits is a Robo Worm just branded under Missile Baits. I think it was a missed opportunity.

[@tacticalbassin]

These guides are largely driven by trends in our own fishing, and this year the Missile has absolutely taken the cake. There are some amazing colors there that work day in and day out.

[@WildBillHabiki]

and the Roboworms are $5 for 10 while the Missile Baits are $11 for 14. I will never not have Roboworms on my boat. Why change? Anyway they try new baits, can't recommend the same baits over and over I guess.

[@jaredtremp4708]

@tacticalbassin another awesome video! I have been running the Megabass Levante Whipsnake for a few years and really like it but want to step up in sensitivity. Would the 6’10” ML Expride be a decent step up from the whipsnake or would you recommend taking the leap all the way to NRX+? I don’t really ever fish over 1/4 oz weight and primarily nose hook or run a lighter hook Texas rigged. I’m in AZ primarily fishing for Largemouth.

[@youtubzkoz]

My all time is a mosquito light owner hook and a roboworm fx sculpin, they brought it back and I've bought 38 bags so far. One of the best for bed fishing. Catch hundreds off beds every year with it. Pairs perfectly. Wish they brought black blue back. It was killer.

[@tacticalbassin]

That is such a sneaky little bait! We use it for hover rigging as well, its such a fish catcher!

[@831BASSTACTICZ]

Alright, guys, give my wallet a break 😂it's been getting slammed 7 days a week 😂😭 I'm like ok it's been a week of buyers guides I won't need anything I see dropshots this morning and nearly yanked my hair out 😂😂😂😂

[@tacticalbassin]

Whoops! There are still more to go too! Stay in your budget and enjoy the rest of info, there's some great knowledge coming in the days ahead!

[@831BASSTACTICZ]

@tacticalbassin will do ! And man, I can't wait. we haven't even hit some of my favorite reaction baits, yet 😅I listen to the audio on your videos on the water, always learning and soaking in the knowledge. Thanks, guys !!!

[@Tallnerdyguy]

I finally bought my first g loomis glx jwr rod only because the dsr rod was sold out, and wow. Love drop shot

[@freddyj5845]

Would like to see buyers guide for tubes. I just purchased St. Croix Elite 7’6 spinning rod. Most expensive rod I’ve ever purchased lol.

[@tacticalbassin]

I'm not sure that we'll make it to tubes before running out of time, but I can assure you that if you're patient, we'll address it in depth, in the near future.

[@youtubzkoz]

Caught a 17" crappie this year on the Dice! GIANT SLAB Slayer! 🎉

[@princemichael49311]

Great bait

[@brianpierson7708]

The dice is awesome. FYI A biologist said that bass fry from crack out the egg to 1” - 1 1/2” long feed on plankton and under a microscope they look like the dice and so the bass remember eating the plankton and how they grew from eating it and that’s why they work. Sounded crazy until you blast em on it and there you say maybe he’s right.

[@tacticalbassin]

Who knows! Maybe there's something to it, maybe that's completely silly. Either way, they eat the dice. 👍🏼

[@yummygogolak]

Finally! I've been waiting the entire year for you to mention poop baits!

[@tacticalbassin]

😂

[@leomortimer2565]

I watched both your ned rig video and this drop shot video and want to ask for your advice, if I wanted one rod to do both drop and ned rig which Shimano Expride B spinning rod would you recommend? The 6'10" Med Light or the 7' Light action? Appreciate any advice you could give!

[@mikelanning5148]

When power shoting, how long of a leader do you normally use? Thanks

[@terranceleonard68]

Really new to the dropshot just started use last year in the winter and in the summer on those Really hot days and straight caught them still learning more about fishing with a dropshot Really trying to figure out when to use it when it in the right moment if that makes sense

[@Zexyis350]

I catch the most during spring and summer. You can throw drop shot year round but fall and winter tends to slow down on bites.

[@terranceleonard68]

@PaoWeezy91 thanks for the information I will keep that in mind

[@nickcautrell2514]

Just curious what your guys thoughts are on using floating jig heads with a drop shot.

[@codem0de]

Hi, I'm Cody and I'm addicted to Exprides... My 6'10M expride is about to get a twin brother. That is definitely my "if you could only have one rod"... rod. So why not get two? What rod model do you have the most of in your arsenal / garage?

[@tacticalbassin]

That's 100% one of the rods that you can easily own two of! The models that Tim and I tend to own too many of in the Expride casting line are the 6'10" Medium, 6'10" Medium Heavy, 7'2" Medium Light, 7'3" Extra Heavy, and 7'7" heavy. On the spinning side... I just took a really deep dive into the 6'10" solid tips, both the medium and medium heavy 🤤

[@jdubya3498]

I got the “don’t worry about coming to the thanksgiving dinner if you’re just gonna watch those two fishing guys all day. There’s no way there’s that much fishing talk to talk about” Huh? Fishing talk to talk about? “ you know what I mean” Lol TB has officially gotten me dismissed from thanksgiving

[@tacticalbassin]

😂 We're so sorry!!

[@jdubya3498]

@@tacticalbassin somehow I’m sensing some high end sarcasm

[@I.like.fishing.60]

I HAVE A QUESTION!!! I’ve been throwing the 6in magdraft recently and I’ve been getting absolutely chomped during the day and night but can’t manage to hook up. Am I doing something wrong or do I just keep putting in the work?

[@kyzxoyt9369]

are the dobyns champions xp rods good i was thinking the 732 for this but im not sure. i was torn between that and a pheonix m1 bc they are both on sale unless there is a better option for around 150-200 right now please help if u guys can

[@markpaulson1346]

Hey guys, I've got a 7'3" ML/F Shimano Zodias rod with a 3000 Vanford that I'm not currently using. Would that combo work for dropshot? What # test braided line would you suggest for that? Thank you!

[@chaseohlson4340]

Would love to see you guys try a strike king baby z too dropshotted with a neko hook (may have won we some $$$ this year)

[@tacticalbassin]

Very interesting! Thanks for the tip!

[@MrChrisman051]

I recently picked up the Cashion Icon 6'10" ML-F per your recommendation. Looking forward to my first BFS setup! Im conflicted on line selection for it. Initially was considering 10-15lb braid to a 7lb fluoro (sniper) leader (based on other videos). After watching this video, I'm having second thoughts. What would you recommend for the best all around line setup for the BFS I mentioned? Thank you, love the content!

[@tacticalbassin]

If you intend to throw topwater in the mix, you need braid to leader. If you don't, I'd go straight 7 lb fluoro

[@MrChrisman051]

@tacticalbassin you guys are the best. I can't tell you how much I truly appreciate the feedback. I do not intend to throw top water (yet), I'll likely stick to dropshot, light Texas, light spinners...etc. Seriously, thank you guys immensely for what you do and the help! Lifetime fan here.

[@831BASSTACTICZ]

Im not even kidding right as matt pulled out that little xzone stealth series bait i said 1/16- 1/32 oz even little ball head jig and stroll that thing and matt comes along and says " you wouldnt think" 😂oh man ive been watching these guys for YEARS now im starting to think like them 😂😂🎉

[@tacticalbassin]

Bwahaha you've got the sickness too!

[@831BASSTACTICZ]

@tacticalbassin 🤣🤣this stuff is worse then the dang corona virus man I'm telling you hahaha

[@robertkuzak9311]

The bellow shad baits smell like popcorn to me a weird popcorn I might add. I had a good success with that bait on a free rig this summer

[@Justin_Mooney11]

Slightly burnt popcorn

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! I could get that out of it, in a weird way.

[@austinmundy6116]

7’ Light on video. 6’10” medium light in description. Have a preference between the two?

[@tacticalbassin]

Whoops! Now you know each of our preferences 😆 A lot have been caught on each, but lately, that 7 footer has been hard to beat!

[@keenanmoore264]

Anything I can do to get my nose hooked drop shot baits to stay on? Sometimes they only last 1 fish.

[@gregchilders7643]

I use the gamakatsu 03207 hook . It is a small shank octopus hook with a slice on the shank (salmon egg hook)

[@brandonsmith606]

Sweet one more thing I can use my 6'10" M for lol I have the exact setup. You guys should mention that, that combo weighs 10.4 ounces 😂 I weighed mine

[@tacticalbassin]

That's awesome! Super light weight AND affordable!

[@idontstunt2613]

Have you guys tried any solid tip rods for dropshotting if so how did yall like it

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes, we've used them in a pinch a few times. That hinged tip actually works really well.

[@normsweeney3116]

I'm surprised that you guy's didn't mention any"BFS" stuff lol.

[@tacticalbassin]

There's a dedicated video coming 😉

[@erk678]

😎❤️🎣👍

[@fernandopizano703]

Did you forgot the gary yamamoto shad shape worm guys😢

[@leepao6302]

Although FYI, did you guys know that the Dice start out as a joke from O.S.P; right ... 😂

[@thomashoy5484]

Any dropshot video that leaves out the reaction-innovations shiver shot, scope shot, and flirt worm (see electric shad, Spanish fly, spring break, smoked grape) is incomplete an, frankly, lacking. Matt n Tim, try ‘em and I guarantee you’ll add em.

[@tacticalbassin]

We've fished the Shiver Shot and Flirt worm for years, however if you've seen a flirt worm in underwater footage... it wouldn't make your cut for this video either. Not all baits are created equal, and not all are perfect for every technique. 👍

[@thomashoy5484]

@ interesting. I’ve put a bunch of wierd-ass stuff on the end of my mosquito hook, and so far, the shiver shot seems to outperform just about everything. That said, I have used smallie/scentsasion(sp) smashers and bomb shots for years and I never get on a lake without ‘em. I’ve only recently started using the flirt worm for dropshot, and mostly if something else is getting ignored, but they have been pretty solid lately (I’m more of a Matt fisherman, and I grab my dropshot rod if I -gotta- do it.

[@chrischilds4141]

Love all the content guys but still waiting on an answer to why the Berkeley Flat Worm never makes your drop shot vids? On that note, I don't think I've seen anything Berkeley. Care to address this? I can only assume the tackle warehouse links don't provide a commission to you unless I see a legit reason. Again, not trying to throw shade, just pretty obvious you're omitting one of the GOATs.

[@chrischilds4141]

PS, no answer is answer enough, I know you see this. PPS - if you have any influence at Tackle Warehouse, please let them know they've lost this international customer with the way they have structured their sale again this year. I'm not going to pay multiple international shipping fees for multiple orders, it completely steals the value of the sale. (I know, why would you do a favor for some CDN chirping you about Berkeley lol)

[@tacticalbassin]

The flat worm has been in DOZENS of our videos through the years. Two different Swamp Lords was in a video last month, power worms, the Dredger... so many baits have been included in content. You're looking for something that isn't there, the Flat Worm just plain didn't make the cut in our personal fishing this year.

[@chrischilds4141]

@@tacticalbassin Okay, I appreciate the response and really do love the content, I've learned a lot from you guys. Probably my northern smallmouth focus that has me in disbelief it isn't on the list but that's cool. I've tried the smallie smasher on your reco and find it to be a knockoff that doesn't work as well. I understand it has more movement, suits different conditions etc, but still. Keep up the fine work, I'm limiting my only Order to a reel or two in a couple days. Purchased the Daiwa Tatula 70 SV TW on your reco as well a year ago. Better advice I have not gotten, instantly my farthest throwing and favorite reel. Will be getting another for sure. Thanks guys, I do appreciate you!!

[@tacticalbassin]

@chrischilds4141 There's no question that flatworm carries a ton of momentum in smallmouth country! Sorry to hear the Smallie Smasher didn't have the same success rate on your waters. Regarding the knockoff portion, I'm almost positive both products were launched at the same time, though I could be wrong. I'm so glad to hear the reel panned out for you! We've got several reel specific videos ahead, once the final segment of the sale begins. We hope to see you there!

[@vb9300]

Sorry fellas, Im investing 500.00 in megabass this year, come on 22nd

[@831BASSTACTICZ]

I've been taking a dive into all the megabass gear, and man, I've been highly impressed sleeper craw been doing it for me

[@vb9300]

@@831BASSTACTICZ Yep, time to get the 110, +1, +2, jr+1 in some different colors and a few other things ive been wanting from megabass...and SWIMBAITS..Ill check that out

[@jimmypage279]

Megabass makes amazing rods, however nothing they make beats the 822 for dropshot.

[@Malysandacz]

Video after video with links to tackle shop tells me one thing -retailers are in trouble. Market is oversaturated, economy is bad and people don't have spare money, this is reality.

[@tacticalbassin]

We've done these videos on this same schedule for many years, at the request of our community. However, the rest of your final assertions are solid and is why we never encourage anyone to spend outside their means.

[@jasonlopez4855]

The cube are good but not strong plastic at all. Need z-man plastic to be the money shot because I live strong plastic like my fish. Strong rod and bait 🙃 nice but they won't to make money fast if they fall apart 😮 this is week. Make them ⁉️🤷🏼 way not -dice 🎲-

[@GR8smallie_angler]

You may have to re do the video, Or darken it. The sun behind you, puts a high resolution/fog around everything. We can’t even see the baits

[@darrellgrant7615]

The Dice is the biggest ripoff in fishing. Just make your own with damaged senkos. If you make your own plastics just cut up your sprues.

[@brandonrussVOLS-FAN-4-LIFE]

1st

[@dennisederer3594]

Thank you for an excellent seminar on my most successful go-to presentation. I appreciate how much time and money TacticalBassin invests to help anglers make informed decisions on tackle and equipment purchases.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you Dennis!

[@midwestfischerman]

Well Matt and Tim, I'll be reviewing all your Buyer's Guides again when the TW Memorial Day Sale rolls around. Why? My ride died.🤦🏼‍♂️ So, I'm buying a new Ford pickup today. The most pertinent Buyer's Guides for me this November turned out to be Car and Driver and U.S. News Cars. That wasn't planned. But hey, who can complain about getting an awesome new Ford truck, right?🙌🏻😊🛻🎉

[@midwestfischerman]

Well, I do have one complaint. Tracking down this truck in stock and then lining up the truck sale and the financing have cost me several 60°F days on the water over these past few weeks. November, 60°F+ days, northern Illinois. Those golden days are few and far between. Now, the weather later this evening, snow flurries.🌨😞

[@tacticalbassin]

Oh no!! It never happens at a convenient time! We feel your pain! I had to do two different transmissions in my Ram this year 🤦‍♂️ At least you'll be loving that new ride when it's over!