Dropshot Fishing | Everything You Need To Know

Ready to learn to drop shot? Do you already dropshot but want to fine-tune your equipment? This video covers EVERYTHING from the baits, to tackle, to rigging, in one shot. Its a full seminar so get ready to learn!
Tim breaks drop shot fishing into 3 categories. He breaks down "nose hooking", "wacky rigging", and "Texas-Rigging" independently and explains the differences in gear for each style.
Nose Hook Dropshot Baits...
Keitech 2.8" Swimbait: bit.ly/2ab7s8v
Megabass Hazedong: bit.ly/2CIwgzt
Jackall Crosstail Shad: bit.ly/2Crq8eP
Yamamoto Shad Shape Worm: bit.ly/2kpP4wF
Strike King Dream Shot: bit.ly/2aAoUoR
Strike King Half Shell: bit.ly/2iR9awm
Roboworm Alive Shad: bit.ly/2kDNeYw
Roboworm 4.5" Fat Worm: bit.ly/2awYSxM
Wacky Rig Dropshot Baits...
5" Senko: bit.ly/2axAmNS
Jackall Flick Shake: bit.ly/2bi3Gse
Daiwa Neko Slim: bit.ly/2kH4KuC
Zoom Trick Worm: bit.ly/2aWkG7E
Roboworm 6" Straight Tail: bit.ly/2asZyH3
Texas- Rigged Dropshot Baits...
Reaction Innovations Flirt Worm: bit.ly/2CMB33J
Yamamoto Kut Tail Worm: bit.ly/2iXlzPu
Roboworm 6" Fat Worm: bit.ly/2awYSxM
Nose/Wacky Hooks...
Owner Mosquito Hook: bit.ly/2fqYFCR
Owner Mosquito Light Hook: bit.ly/2zQVKx3
Gamakatsu Dropshot Hook: bit.ly/2mh8975
Trokar Dropshot Hook: bit.ly/2ahxJOr
Texas-Rigging Hooks...
Trokar Straight Shank: bit.ly/2z2MJMM
Owner Offset Worm Hook: bit.ly/2D9Pmj0
Owner Rig N Hook: bit.ly/2BnniXN
Gamakatsu EWG Hook: bit.ly/2d07gvp
Weights...
Tungsten Tear Drop Weight: bit.ly/2oy7i24
Tunsten Skinny Cylinder Weight: bit.ly/2kppo3p
Lead Tear Drop Weight: bit.ly/2BjFCp3
Line Options...
Power Pro Braid: bit.ly/2g9c2GV
Sunline SX-1: bit.ly/2tn8EzQ
Sunline TX-1: bit.ly/2slSOoV
Sunline Sniper Fluoro: bit.ly/2p7fxju
Seaguar AbrazX: bit.ly/2aaBBDX
Seaguar InvizX: bit.ly/2oVsG2Y
Sunline Assassin: bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Maxima Ultragreen: bit.ly/2ae97J9
Gear Storage...
3600 Bass Mafia Casket: bit.ly/2BM2FIr
3700 Bass Mafia Casket: bit.ly/2fg5ouM
Plano Waterproof 3640: bit.ly/2oPAPG2
Nose Hook Dropshot Combo...
Rod- G Loomis GLX DSR 820S: bit.ly/2A6HH3O
Reel- Shimano Sustain: bit.ly/2v5ovAm
Line- 12 lb Sunline SX-1: bit.ly/2tn8EzQ
Leader- 6 lb Sunline Fluoro: bit.ly/2p7fxju
Wacky Rig Dropshot Combo...
Rod- Megabass Destroyer Addermine: bit.ly/2B7NyFj
Reel- Daiwa Certate: bit.ly/2hjRZXg
Line- Power Pro Hi-Vis 10 lb: bit.ly/2g9c2GV
Leader- 6 lb Sunline Fluoro: bit.ly/2p7fxju
Texas Rig Dropshot Combo...
Rod- G Loomis GLX 853C: bit.ly/2gqziwT
Reel- Shimano Aldebaran 50: bit.ly/2fdX1Uy
Line- 20 lb Power Pro Braid: bit.ly/2g9c2GV
Leader- 15 lb Seaguar AbrazX: bit.ly/2aaBBDX
________________________________________________________________
Need Apparel?
Get Tacticalbassin Gear (Hats, Hoodies, Sunshirts): Email [e-mail] for details.
Sun Mask: bit.ly/2vgSsh4
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: bit.ly/2vgTOst
Light Fishing Pants: bit.ly/2foDx10
Horizon Sweater (Water resistant, great for layering): bit.ly/2gTC1oB
Anhydrous Rain Jacket: bit.ly/2uIWf5V
Anhydrous Rain Bib: bit.ly/2xxLDbW
_________________________________________________________________
Equipment We Recommend...
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Wire Cutters: bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero5 Camera: bit.ly/2iwZqqU
ElectroSamson Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Promar Net: bit.ly/2dh9xQP
________________________________________________________________
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[@lojofishing]

This was especially helpful for somebody like me who doesn't drop shot very much!!! Thanks boys!!!

[@ajword81]

Trying to figure it out myself. Glad to see you recommend it. Love your channel.

[@bradreid6057]

Tim, excellent and long overdue! I think everyone would like to see some more "on the water" video covering this and other finesse presentations. *** Hey! For presentations with aggressive fish, you mentioned your hook height above the sinker . . . I think you said 9" to 18" depending on circumstances. For whatever height you choose, try attaching a small split shot 1/3 the distance above or below the hook. So, if you are using a 9" drop, put a split shot at 3" above or 3" below the hook. Since the drop shot is typically fished on a line with a bit of very light tension, making it taut to feel the bites and hold the bait out parallel, if you have the split shot on and drop your rod tip, the bait will "bob" up and down to different heights off the bottom. Do this slowly. Positioned 3" above and drop your tip and it'll look like the bait is dipping down more head first . . . like it's feeding off the bottom; and, 3" below for the split shot, and it just lowers and raises the "flag" (parallel bait presentation) through a bit more water column. Works well when bass are really picky . . . might bite well hugging the bottom, or maybe they want it a foot higher. Brad

[@fishsnatcherstv6292]

Great video Tim!! This is undoubtedly the best drop shot video I have seen. Lots of great info, I will definitely be trying out some of these tips and baits. Thanks as always and feel better brother.

[@daverice8304]

Reely appreciate the video, Tim - huge commitment to make such a video when you have a cold. I grew up fishing salt and fresh water in Alaska and fished brackish water in S.E. LA for 6 years but just trying to learn bass fishing. There are a lot of techniques to learn and your videos help a lot. No BS, just a ton of good information.

[@mecheledawson4262]

A ton of great information on the drop shot techniques...thanx Tim! Greatly appreciated!

[@nikowright9543]

Thank you guys both for everything you teach. My bass fishing has elevated greatly from the help you guys per vide and the education you give in all videos. Thank you again so much.

[@testme504]

Thanks Matt for doing this video even though your not feeling well. I appreciate all the effort an detail you put into this video. Hope you feel better. Tight Lines

[@Interp66]

So much great information! I'm glad you posted it!

[@poststalone1496]

Yet another reason to love this channel, you guys listen to the subs. Thanks Tim!

[@jango565]

Learned a ton, thanks for powering through being sick to get us a great video.

[@ChrisPowellFishingTV]

Good info!! I got to step up my drop shot game! Thanks for the tips! 👊🏻👊🏻

[@hammerrough4204]

Almost 100k . Keep up the quality content. Thanks for being sick and doing a 30 min vid Tim!

[@denverwilliams22]

Love these longer unedited vids! Keep em coming.

[@jameswoodard4431]

Awesome vid bro thanks for taking the time to explain everything! I appreciate it for sure!

[@richshackelford5793]

Good stuff Tim, Get well soon. Merry Christmas Tim, Matt and family's. Thanks for the buyers guide videos.

[@zachshott7833]

LOVE the Super in-depth videos guys!

[@paprman]

Enjoyed the video, very informative. Never have used this technic and thought I should add it to my fishing technics this year. Also good to get some idea of bates to pick up.

[@nate3836]

Just a heads up if anyone likes the Bass Mafia box he uses the Cabalas waterproof box is the same box, literally blemish for blemish and half the price.

[@joegross5902]

great video. helped a ton. would love to see more videos from on the water actually using this technic. again thanks and get to feeling better. God bless you both and all your loved ones.

[@sandman7914]

Great video Tim, thanks a lot fishing in NJ you need every technique. I've been bass fishing for over 50yrs but still learning, there are only a handful of solid teaching channels on KZbin and TB is about the best. Ya I am also aware of your tournament days, very impressed. thanks again,

[@mikeg5523]

Hope you get better soon Tim! Appreciate the excellent advice to further my drop shot skills. God bless

[@raneyoutdoors9676]

This video is the one every bass fisherman should watch!!! Amazing video!!

[@brianlee9074]

Thanks for the video Tim. Good info on the drop shot setups for each of your applications. Keep 'em coming! lol

[@sunwukongmonkeyking5561]

My favorite #1 KZbin channel!!!

[@CBALLZ666]

Thanks for the drop shot video Tim!!!! Hope you feel better!!!!!

[@stevenjudd8631]

Very informative and easy to understand, thanks Tim, couldn't have been at a better time I'm north fishing for winter smallies on the Susquehanna river!

[@mburke1211]

Great video Tim! I learned a lot.

[@barneywitherington6043]

Tim, thank you very much for the informative video. Am just beginning "drop shotting" and your info certainly should help. Hope you recover from the URI promptly and hope you get some rest.

[@ryanlittlefish2427]

This video was very helpful!

[@roymyers3067]

Thank you for the knowledge you guys share, i learn alot, hope you are getting well

[@NamathCB]

Great vid! Your the best Tim, Mr Finesse.

[@rcaircraftnut]

Just found your channel. Great job man. I grew up on Clearlake. Live 30 min from Broken Bow lake now. Keep up the great content.

[@timothyhardesty6955]

I love these videos so much info and I love to learn

[@mikegrieshaber169]

Thanks for the great info!! Hope your feeling better...

[@mikeprice8995]

Thanks Tim good stuff learned a lot!

[@nawinchester]

Great video. Waiting for you guys to do a detailed finesse fishing video. Love to see a video of you guys hitting the water using finesse equipment and techniques.

[@joshsabota9875]

Thanks for some tips and tricks on the finesse side of things. Get to feeling better

[@kylehenderson2257]

Really liked the video! would like to hear more about the action you give the different lures with a bit more detail. Keep'em coming

[@sammyh5006]

Great pointers! Drop shot is by far my most confident rig for SoCal bass.

[@CMSKA1]

I like your information on the drop shot with a swim bait I’m going to give it a try today

[@bigredbass7898]

Thanks Tim. This helps a lot buddy. Im still not good with this and needto spend time with it.

[@jeffventura8900]

Great informative video, I have always used roboworms but you made a great point about cold water and how much action the bait puts off. I'm definitely gonna switch it up next time I go out to something with less action. I do it with my swimbaits but never thought about that with my drop shot. Thanks Tim.

[@williej.allenjr.510]

Nice detailed video Tim. You've given me a few clues to why I'm not catching fish consistently with a drop shot. I hope you're feeling better!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks! Doing great now :-)

[@weouchhere9338]

Tim this was wicked helpful, I am loving your emphasis on drop shot fishing.... get matt to the dark side haha!

[@MarkPolsky]

Great info! Thanks sir!

[@janthorsen8859]

Very good tutorial!

[@DeltaBassBuster]

Alberto Knot!!!!!! I love that knot and easy too.

[@stoneysdead689]

Fishing a drop shot from the shore means your line is at an angle when your casted out- not really straight down like when you drop it off or make a short cast from a boat. This means if the hook is standing out from the line like it's supposed to it's got the bait pointed sorta head down- swimming in a a very unnatural posture. Buy- if you use the three way swivel- your main line coming in- the drop with the weight on it- and another shorter 6-8" drop with a drop shot hook tied to it- now your bait will run parallel to bottom, horizontally, like it's supposed to. The swivels can be tough to find though- you want the kind that lets the drop with the hook on it rotate all the way around the main line without twisting it. Matt Steffan does a video on it on his channel- good stuff, it really works. It's only necessary of you're casting out a long ways like from shore or if you're sitting up shallow in your boat casting out into the lake or something, If you're in a boat making short casts in deeper water the angle of your line is so steep it doesn't matter.

[@zeangelinofishing961]

Awesome vídeo! thank you!! I´ve had awesome experiences fishing a zoom superfluke jr. on a dropshot, texas riggued with a n1 hook on tree stuff, and nose hooked with a n2 mosquito hook on open water! Just thought I would share, imo a superfluke jr on a dropshot is a sure fish catcher on those lakes with allot of baitfish ;)

[@ufcguruofficial714]

Another great video! I use a dreamshot and Yamamoto shad as well or Berkley Gulp minnow.

[@ufcguruofficial714]

Get well Tim!

[@shakespearo]

I loved you on The Wire!

[@strasbertos]

Saw this one coming 👍👍

[@igotnothing2657]

Thanks for toughing out this video for us. I take it that half shell /or half sweet beaver good for pre spawn up until the spawn

[@dickiehoskins9835]

Awsome video Bro! 2018 will be my drop shot, learn alot, I will have to try the heavier drop shot for the bait cast I fish mostly stain water

[@bastiwulf]

Nice video :) Thank you for those informations

[@RobertKearl-Outdoor-Adventures]

Tim great advice my go to drop shot rig is a medium heavy fast action on a 7'1" rod 1/4oz weight with a gama wide gap finess worm on 8lb p-line

[@MarkNJBass]

Good stuff Tim! What! Matt hates drop shotting so much that he has you do the video when you're hacking up a lung? Thanks for fighting through it...much appreciated! Mark

[@victorpapaiz7364]

Great video! Seems like I've been the only guy drop shotting keitechs on Erie the last couple years... Guess the secret's out now! Get better soon, eh!

[@MoneyBass]

Drop shot aka video game fishing has won tournaments for me. *Catching Bass for Cash*

[@thomasrobey9851]

great video. nobody talks finesse unless the bite gets tough most people want to "power" fish. but you can make a good day out of fishing with a spinning rod and some patience.

[@keenonmoore7651]

Ive always been told the way you put the worm on doesnt matter ima try this set up! Thnxs alot of info

[@gregellingson7584]

Good stuff thank you!

[@kenbremer940]

Hey Tim, great video. Have you guys ever tried power shotting? Same concept but beefed up weights and hook for casting gear. Also can be used around heavy cover weedless for finicky fish. Hope ya feel better!!

[@9009matorres]

That gamagatsu with the dream shot by kvd killed it for me today. Fished it on 10 lb braid with about 10 ft of 8 lb flouro leader.

[@jimw1518]

Thanks Tim

[@respincycle2582]

Yes finally

[@markinthemix6055]

This is my go to page for info. If l could add just one thing... we need more closeup shots of the baits and ESPECIALLY during rigging. Closups of rigging and this page would be complete. Blessings to ya and get well buddy.

[@Stratollac]

Thanks for another great video, Tim. When you’re nose hooking or wacky rigging, how do you decide on weight? Are you always going with the lightest you can get away with under the conditions? Or do you find that you can get away with a little more weight when you’re working on the bottom because you’re working the worm on a little bit of slack?

[@robertrodriguez4587]

Have you seen the nose hook Aaron Martens does? He actually buries the head in the hook, so the hook point is right at the head of the bait, in the center. It makes the worm stay in line with the hook, instead of moving around the hook. It comes through Cover well too. Anyway, loved your in depth. The drop shot is so versatile.

[@jell-oputin8036]

Nice work , cough drops ✌🏻🎣

[@virginiaowen]

Did you see in the bass master magazine a picture of a guy that had one of your hoodies on Great vid saved me this winter and spring

[@kellymason4190]

As always very informative. I can tell this is his wheel house. Thnx Tim. 🤙🏻

[@brandonsovick8057]

Great video man, hope you're feeling better. I don't drop shot but feel like I should try. One question I've always had...why the weight on the bottom? Why not use a little finnese jig??

[@dakotajones7984]

Great video! I hope to improve my drop shot game tremendously in the coming months using some of these tips... Have you guys ever played around with using multiple hooks on a drop shot? Like having one at say 6” from the weight and another around say 18”? I have had decent luck before with it, but I’m not sure it’s significantly better than using just one hook... thoughts?

[@logicalrationalfishing7481]

I watch all of your videos, especially on finesse (mainly what I have to do on our river system), but I have to be VERY careful with the Owner light's, same as the Gama's. If I use 10lb braid, the Mosquito and SS/DS hooks are good to go, but I have to use lighter 6lb fluoro or 8lb braid with light drag on the "light" versions to not bend them. On the other hand, the Trokar's you mentioned seem to handle up to 20lb braid just fine with a stout drag.

[@KingKillersKastleKKK]

Uni knot baby!!!

[@HB-ti7ec]

Nice video. Try learning the FG or PR knots for tying braid to mono and fluorcarbon lines.The Fg knot is 80-90% strength and the PR is 100%. Good luck and Tight lines.

[@davidnewcomb2431]

Drop shot is key year round here on Lake Lanier in Georgia!!!

[@bennettkudder9802]

Great vid as always. Ive been using the gamakatsu "swivel shot" hooks with the built in swivel for dropshotting. I know i would probably get more/bigger bites on hooks without it. Do you have a stance on those hooks? Do you not use them for that reason? Thanks and feel better. Merry Christmas.

[@michaelvillanueva9703]

Get better Tim! Thanks for the tips. With the 2.8 Keitech, am i just soaking that in the water with the tip down with little to no shake? I have the bluegill 2.8 and plan on trying it out in a reservoir off the shore. Have had amazing luck there with the baby fluke jr

[@larrybrickman5882]

Thanks for the drop shot education. From ur local hotdog guy on the delta.

[@tacticalbassin]

Long island Larry ! We appreciate you watching the videos and I'm sure we'll see you soon!

[@haymanwoo2107]

Thanks for all the important details most people won't tell you. What weight sizes for different depths, bottoms, and baits do you suggest?

[@socalbendo6563]

So I see that this video is from last year, but I’m just getting to see it. I personally live in SoCal and throw a dropshot a lot in the reservoirs around me, but I’m a very different way. I throw a 7’ Med. Heavy spinning rod with an exposed hook Mustad 2/0 Blue Worm Hook, yes I know, very unusual, but it gets hung up especially fishing places like San Vicente with all those dang zebra muscles. I haven’t ever tried the Texas rig or smaller, more finesses, exposed hook setup either. I’m afraid with the smaller exposed hook that I’ll be loosing a lot more baits because of fish biting the tail and not completely eating the bait. Any tips or things you guys might change with the way I fish a dropshot? Thanks for all your guys’ help through these videos, I can honestly see a difference in the way I fish just by getting all this new information from your videos. Keep up the great work, and please reply back if possible. Happy Holidays!!

[@KelShep07]

Have you ever used a Neko rig on a drop shot? Great video, thank you for the info!

[@x21blaze21x]

Dude, your sweatshirt looks cool.

[@fisherofmen9897]

Thank you for the great information! I'm not sure this is the right place to ask or request this but I will anyway. I live in the South East and the lake I fish the most is a highland reservoir that is deep, rocky and clear. I would like to see a video about fishing tubes especially in the winter for smallmouth. Im interested in the internal jighead and exposed hook. Can you help out? Thanks again for all your great information.

[@gypsygypsy7185]

Caught. A 7 pounder couple days ago on a drop shot

[@ethanfriesen5843]

You should try nose hooking a TRD and pretty much dead sticking it when the water gets really cold. I fish Lake of the Woods in Canada mostly so a very different environment than you guys but the SmallMouth were absolutely killing that presentation in water temps less than 55. I think it was the absolute lack of action that that bait gives, but it was working for me even better on the drop shot than Ned rigged.

[@fresnocascabel7571]

Another worm to wacky rig on the drop shot is a 4" senko. Use a white 4" senko in the Fall, looks like a dying shad.

[@tacticalmayo879]

I live in lake havasu water is super clear any tips for clear water. Thanks love your vids

[@ScottGrizzly2]

Hey I’m sure you’ve talked about this but tackle bags, especially ones when tournament fishing. What’s too big, quality, smallest platform/ biggest capacity. When you guys go to get into another anglers boat. How do you prepare?

[@benpearse4298]

Personally I like to use a little bigger weight when using a wacky style drop shot because it sinks slower wickey style and if you can get an extra 30 -40 casts in a 8 hour tournament it could make a difference

[@toddl5424]

Tim, awesome, great video. How long is your flourocarbon leader? I don't mean from the hook to the weight, I mean from the hook to your bloodknot where you join the braided and fluoro? Nobody ever really touches on this. (I am using Hi visibility braided if that matters)

[@gypsygypsy7185]

For all the guys who use drop shot a lot try a 2 foot leader or 18 inch from bait to weight. If you fish docks and you have some grass or some type of vegetation. That bait when you have a tight line will stay above .... and you can drag it and those bass in cover can look up at that worm shad what ever swimming along moving along and will crush it also that bait now has a longer fall ... you'll get that dying bait fish profile seeing when you dip your rod or let it go slack Something you can't get as much with a short leader I always fish with a. 18 or 2 foot leader around docks or open water I get less snags more versatile when going slack also great for wacky rig. Your bait will stay in the strike zone longer

[@gypsygypsy7185]

Also when you drag your drop shot with a 18 or 2 feet leader your worm will not be as close to bottom say a 12 inch leader try it out

[@rickhouser9310]

You should sell a drop shot kit!!!

[@meganboose9226]

I took a rubber bobber stop put on my line then put the drop shot hook on then another bobber stop with the weight at the bottom. with the bobber tops i can slide the hook up or down the line where ever i want it and the stops keep the hook standing out!

[@kanheezy]

Great video! I had a question with regards to braid to floro. I use a Shimano chronarch 151HG. How much length of braid should I put and how much leader should I use? Is there a standard I can use for spools of different size? Thanks!

[@ridered6153]

Great Info. TB is the best educational channels on KZbin. Thanks you for everything you guys do. Anytime im looking to dial in a technique or make a purchase i always turn to your channel. Would be awesome to see some collaboration videos. In a recent Scott Martin live video he mentioned wanting to come west and hook up with u guys. Hope you guys have a Merry Christmas.

[@christianchavez5308]

Have you or Matt tried the Gary Yamamoto sugoi floro. Amazing finesse line I put it past Segar or sunline. Try it out?

[@kenmaylin4744]

you killed the alive shad !