Dropshot Fishing For Bass - Beginner To Advanced Tricks!

From Beginner to Advanced, we're covering EVERYTHING you need to know about dropshot fishing.
Whether its the first time you're learning how to rig a dropshot setup or you're hoping to understand when a shad shaped bait works better than a straight tail worm, this video is for you.
Tim breaks down the fine details of dropshot fishing including bait selection by category and action, when to use each style, how to rig them, and exactly what gear you'll need to get the best chance at landing the bass you've been looking for. You can watch this video, pick a plastic worm and go catch fish with confidence, or you can jump all the way down the rabbit hole and understand the exact details and adjustments that can turn a good day into an epic day!
Below is a breakdown of all the gear discussed in the video. Tim has organized it by bait style to keep it as simple as possible.
Nose Hook Dropshot Baits...
Damiki Armor Shad Jerkbait: bit.ly/2VQ7g6o
Zoom Fluke: bit.ly/2OFjvjx
Jackall Crosstail Shad: bit.ly/2Crq8eP
Yamamoto Pro Senko: bit.ly/2vXUKln
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
Drop Shot Swim Baits...
Keitech Swing Impact Fat Swimbait: bit.ly/2ab7s8v
Megabass Hazedong: bit.ly/2CIwgzt
Damiki Armor Shad: bit.ly/2KtPDAT
Keitech Easy Shiner: bit.ly/2bxJK6H
Wacky Rig Dropshot Baits...
5" Senko: bit.ly/2axAmNS
Jackall Flick Shake: bit.ly/2bi3Gse
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
Daiwa Neko Slim: bit.ly/2kH4KuC
Nose/Wacky Hooks...
Owner Mosquito Light Hook: bit.ly/2zQVKx3
Gamakatsu Aaron Martens TGW Drop Shot Hook: bit.ly/2zGX441
Trokar Dropshot Hook: bit.ly/2ahxJOr
Texas-Rigging Hooks...
Owner Cover Shot Worm Hook: bit.ly/2ISr7bR
Gamakatsu G-Finesse Worm Light Hook: bit.ly/2VEmoEb
Trokar Straight Shank: bit.ly/2z2MJMM
Gamakatsu EWG Hook: bit.ly/2d07gvp
Weights...
Tungsten Tear Drop Weight: bit.ly/2V2B63h
Tunsten Pencil Weight: bit.ly/2UY7cgx
Lead Tear Drop Weight: bit.ly/2BjFCp3
Line Options...
Power Pro Braid: bit.ly/2g9c2GV
Sunline SX-1: bit.ly/2tn8EzQ
Sunline Sniper Fluoro: bit.ly/2p7fxju
Seaguar InvizX: bit.ly/2oVsG2Y
Sunline Assassin: bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Maxima Ultragreen: bit.ly/2ae97J9
Tims High-end Drop Shot Combo
G. Loomis NRX Spinning Rod 822DSR: bit.ly/2dX9zjv
Shimano Excense Spinning Reel: bit.ly/2iMtscV
Tims Budget Spinning Drop Shot Combo
Shimano SLX 7' Med Lt: bit.ly/2AdvIC1
Shimano NASCI Reel: bit.ly/2g278cC
Tim's Heavy Baitcast Dropshot Combo
Megabass Orochi XX Casting Rod 7'5" Braillist: bit.ly/2OSVNwH
Metanium MGL: bit.ly/2ezIBfB
________________________________________________________________
Need Apparel? Tacticalbassin Gear is in stock! Get your hats, hoodies, and sunshirts by emailing [e-mail]
Sun Mask: bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: bit.ly/2vgTOst
Light Fishing Pants: bit.ly/2foDx10
Reaper Hoodie (Hoodie with Warm Face Cover built in): bit.ly/2yRURSd
Horizon Sweater (Water resistant, great for layering): bit.ly/2gTC1oB
_________________________________________________________________
Equipment We Recommend...
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: bit.ly/2pAkXr2
Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: bit.ly/2CMF1NP
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/2fvjcFB
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
Hero7 Camera: bit.ly/2RsLpjB
ElectroSamson Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

[@Williamqtlowrey]

Is this video super dark or is it just me ?

[@crowman5936]

Nope it's darker than normal.

[@tacticalbassin]

Make sure your brightness is turned up but Yeah the sun setting behind made for less than desirable lighting. Tried other spots but the wind was blowing 15-20. Thanks for watching.

[@KC-fo8gj]

Just you. I think you watch too much fishing videos. LOL JK

[@christinamarie3232]

Williamqtlowrey that’s driving me nuts too lol

[@timkelly633]

Yeah a bit dark and purple. Good content though, like the black tail tip.

[@codyphillips977]

We appreciate you brother! My angling skills over the last 3 years have gone from 0 to 💯. Thanks guys

[@17DEAD17DEAD]

Awesome to hear that I'm trying and failing at fishing

[@jeohvanydelgado7125]

I just tried the dropshot Wednesday and I fell in love with it ! It’s one of my favorite set ups now

[@CallahanHarry44]

Great comprehensive video Tim! Do appreciate all you and Matt do. In 55 years of bassin I never tried the drop shot because never new for sure how or when. Now I do and now I will.

[@dennisnicholson952]

In case you're interested, Tim, the lighting in this video was somewhat low which made what you were showing a little hard to see. Others may not have had a problem but I did. I just thought that I would bring this to your attention. Thanks, however, for another informative upload.

[@tacticalbassin]

Yeah the sun setting behind me made for crappy lighting. The choices were either really blown out or darker. Thanks for watching

[@williej.allenjr.510]

Well done man... You just showed me a few new ways to fish the drop shot and I'll be playing with those techniques today. Keep 'em coming!

[@billsherk9198]

I learned how to fish on a drop shot nine years ago,yes I started late. I only started because my son wanted to go fishing so I went on KZbin and we went to Bass lake and we both got some and I’ve been hooked. Great info as always 🎣📸🐟

[@brandenmyerson2841]

You guys love to give away all of our secrets! Haha luckily that's how we know you're honest and real! Thanks for another awesome video!

[@WillSelby]

Thanks for the info Tim.

[@bombzgoboom2]

Thank you so much.. I've trusted your videos for years already and this dropshot one needed to be updated brotha! Hahaha nobody wants to feel like they're getting "old information" by watching outdated videos Thanks again you guys are effing great

[@SlimboJimbo]

Great video as always, that baby bass tip is definitely a good one, I’ll have to try that out, keep up the good work!

[@brianlee9074]

Great video Tim. I use the drop shot most often up here in the PNW. It works great. Just used a Googan drag and drop, green pumpkin pearl color the other day in the Willamette. Landed a smb within minutes.

[@michaelperez9137]

I just tried this for the first time yesterday, and used it again today, and I crushed it!!! I can’t believe I refused to use this before. I will have a dropshot rigged on my kayak at all times from here on out, I am truly in love with this technique now lol

[@BassBrothersFishingDMV]

Excellent video. Very informative Tim.

[@rkmrbig]

Excellent video. Since this was also for beginners, you should have shown what a drop shot weight looks like and how to rig the hook and weight on your line. There are a couple of tricks to set it up correctly that beginners will not know. Appreciate all the video that you and Matt put together. Keep up the good work. Take Care.

[@rrrr635]

Thanks Tim.

[@ata1421]

Hell tim, my son and I both our PBs was on drop shit with number 4 hook and 8lb test and have 7lb and two 6lber. People listen and follow what he said and you will get it. Quality and quantity.

[@dillpickle4558]

Half way thru the vid n you have shown me so much. Just wanted to say thankyou for the time and effort you two put into these videos.

[@fishnfever4528]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@Phillyfisherman]

Thanks for braving the mosquitos to make us another great vid. Definitely going to try that swimbait pendulum trick

[@WesleyKennedy]

Love the videos guys! You are an important part of my Monday/Wednesday/Friday morning routine! Could you do more close-ups with the baits and how they are rigged? I generally watch by way of Smartphone.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Wesley! Will do

[@shawnbates5083]

Thanks Tim that was informative

[@old-timeangler5356]

Thanks, I think I will give "drop shot" a try.

[@ScuffedThumbZFishing]

Really enjoyed it. I always have it tied on.

[@shaunroberts9361]

Thank you. Great VLOG.

[@damondunaway950]

Ounce again......... Key dropshot tips for us mortals.....Thanks Matt!

[@TresSeis]

Here in Mexico we love fishing Drop shot it catches big fish SALUDOS TIM AND MATT

[@WillAnderson3rd]

I'm from California. I am very familiar with dropshot...It's probably the only technique I've really perfected and I hate that fact. I'm pretty good on crank baits and swim baits. I want to get better at jigs, but often times I'm getting completely skunked and I go dropshot and then start catching fish. I feel like it's the only thing I have confidence in. I know I'll catch a bass dropshot fishing

[@flavioviana]

Awesome video Tim!! It was one of the first techniques I learned and use constantly and it's the one my kid uses on every single outing. The sweet beaver cut in half is a true killer and a great way to save a few bucks!👍👍

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks man!

[@ivanlaz5113]

Gamakatsu G finesse is so good the barb is small but I never lose fish when they jump because it gets them hooked so good Very good hook

[@jessefoust7826]

Your guys are awesome with great information!!!

[@rayabel1116]

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST,,THANKS.

[@mynamejef7963]

Love drop/power shot fishing, slays in my local lakes since the bottom is mostly grass where there is bank access

[@bigcountryoutdoors1870]

Awsome video once again guys tight lines from Arkansas

[@mathieudufour5099]

Amazing video and amazing chanel.👍I use Medium light xfast rod for drop shot and work really well.

[@andrewboyce7268]

I know this is an old video, much appreciated. I am actually trying the drop shot for the first time this weekend. Its been so hard recently, I am going to switch it up.

[@michaelteaby1160]

I’ve been fighting this style for years! It’s time to give it a try!! This video is the reason why!! THANKS TIM!!!!

[@lukewilson1867]

Best fishing channel ever!

[@hle414]

Man I just want to thank TaticalBassin for all the teaching videos. I fish by myself a lot so learning different tactics for different conditions are on KZbin. Awesome video guys

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you! Glad the videos are helping.

[@davidhidalgo5662]

You guys are so good for this sport. Those of us that didn't grow up fishing for bass can learn everything we need right here on your channel. Thanks for all you do. Still waiting and wanting to see what states you guys are traveling to and when.

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome David! The states are all up in the air with all the different storms hitting everywhere.

[@H8er-Maker]

Great tips, I prefer stand-out hooks for drop shot, takes out guess work for correct presentation. Here's a Japanese rig I've been using with success- use a weight w/line tie in front of Texas rigged plastic.

[@johnschroeder4412]

This is exactly what I will set up for my eight year old. Maybe it will give me a break from pulling bluegills off of worm hooks. Thanks guys and safe travels

[@PHFishingBiking]

👍Great info once again!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks!

[@vinylpop]

G-finesse drop shot hooks are my go to. They are super sharp and I like how the dull finish keeps the hook from reflecting light. One bait that you didn’t mention that kills most swim baits for the drop shot is the Megabass Hazedong shad. Either size. I catch them back to back on those even on a tough day. They work so good I usually lie when people ask me what I’m using. Great video, thanks !

[@bassinbilliards6279]

I used the SLX with the Nasci and it was awesome. I put the Stradic on it now and the Nasci back on my Shimano Clarus which is the most balance set up I've ever used. It's literally at contact with the reel and hand.

[@G_Machine_Joe]

Thanks again for the great info. Never drop-shotted but where I fish it's a technique I NEED to learn. Perfect timing on the video! 👍🏼 By the way, when will TB apparel be available again on your site? I can't find any links.

[@davidnewcomb2431]

Thanks for responding to my message!!

[@tacticalbassin]

You are welcome!

[@actwins2147]

The robo worm is so good that is my favorite drop shot bait. I like wacky riging and nose hooking it the morning dawn is the bast color

[@FishingFreshies]

Sick Vid!!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks!

[@JohnDoe-nm3ni]

Great video was wondering which line size do you use blood knot or uni uni knot

[@nawinchester]

Great video Tim!! How to hang in there with the bugs biting and swarming.

[@ShaneJMcNair]

Keep you some Listerine in a spray bottle to spray around your area to keep mosquitoes away... this helps and is inexpensive too...

[@seizedcarcass8440]

I really like the max scent flatworm abs the flat nose minnow. I also like the smaller easy shiners. 2 or three inch ones just flat get bit! The roboworm is something I’m going to try out soon.

[@escalade8759]

Avon's Stay So Soft Lotion will keep the bugs away. You have me fighting Mosquitos just watching and I'm in doors!🤣 The Drop Shot allows me to fish other setups while waiting for a hit on the Drop Shot.

[@jeffjones6211]

Hey, I live in Colorado and don't have any lakes near by. Pretty much small pond fishing is what is available. Also have a lot of vegetation in the ponds so weedless is a must. Water clarity is pretty good most of the time. Also most ponds are only shore fishing. What baits and methods would you recommend for large mouth.

[@codyshannon24]

I'm in Colorado too. Weedless drop shot (rigged with an ewg 1/0 owner hook, not a typical dropshot hook) has caught me more fish than anything else. Also standard texas rig!

[@argyles65]

Catch most of my fish on a drop shot using mosquito hooks and robo 4.5 inch curly tail worms. Great vid thanks

[@zachshott7833]

I wish Strike King would make the half-shell in a magnum size. I like putting it on a shakey head as well and a bigger size would be killer!

[@NotAYoutubeChannel99]

Thanks again for an awesome video :) as someone relatively new to soft plastic techniques like dropshots, neko rigs and shaky heads, could you do some videos physically demonstrating the technique? If you already have... my apologies in advance, will run down the video, but if not - it would be much appreciated :) thanks!

[@WildBillHabiki]

Just love how you guys put the links in the description not to mention the in depth breakdown. Thanks. p.s. I think I am going to get an SLX spinning rod. I bought the SLX baitcaster and was blown away. You would not know that was a $100 reel so I imagine the SLX spinning rod will be a good bargain as well.

[@tacticalbassin]

Glad they are helping! Yes I’ve been blown away by the quality and durability of the models I have.

[@raymondshelly1552]

Morning dawn works for me spring through fall

[@keithstalker6974]

As a resident of the clearlake area I think it would be awesome if you did a video or series about fishing clearlake man. That would be frickin amazing!

[@punkerboy909]

You guys rock!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Brad!

[@joshandthejam7806]

Funny I just picked up morning dawn half shells before watching this video. I caught two lake trout the other day on them and realized they were fire then!

[@frankhinz5146]

Hallo from Germany 🤗🎣 Dont worry my english is bad....😂 I try allwayse a Keeper by Nosehooked Plastic Softbaits. Eur. Pech, Walleye or Pike often destroy the Lure when she bite on. So We can catch more then 1 Predator by one Lure. Thanks for your Videos and Tipps so it works in Germany and helps me to catch more fish !!!! 👌😎🎣🐟🐟🐟👍🤝

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

😱😱Tim your such a Professional, putting up with those BUGS,CARS,TRUCKS and everything else going on 🤣😂 ,I learned so much and laughed watching you keep your cool 👊👍🍺🍻

[@tacticalbassin]

Man! It never fails 😂

[@jamesbarron1202]

You should have used those Owner mosquito lite hooks to catch those mosquitos

[@badneed]

Thank you. Just fished with a guide using dropshot. My daughter got a 4lbs smallmouth on dropshot. I went looking for more videos & education & watched all your dropshot videos. Really liked your video comparing the worms. I like that you say you fish the baits you recommend. I am still leery of the fact you have sponsors & recommend sponsor baits. We used chompers dropshot worms on our trip. Now I am trying to figure out if I buy the baits you recommend, or the ones we fished with. How many “sponsor” vs non-sponsor baits do you fish?

[@eminor7536]

Great video Tim, I stumbled onto the TacticalBassin page about a year ago, I liked what I saw so I subscribed. I have to say I really admire and appreciate what you guys do I’ve been a cut bait soaker for many years now a friend turned me into crank baits and I really like that side of fishing but my technique is not so great yet. I use TacticalBassin as a reference before I buy tackle as well as how to use it. Can you guys recommend any good baits or tackle for fishing the San Joaquin river near the Patterson area. Again thanks for the great videos

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome! Thanks for the kind words

[@mikemarks6562]

Btw great video love it

[@tbrown737]

what size cover shot by owner and the gamakatsu finesse t rig hook was used in this video? thanks guys awesome video

[@wahzhazhewahtsemoin5510]

Love the video Tim! Definitely gonna have to go out and try some of these techniques now. You need some citronella!!

[@tacticalbassin]

Had it, used it..... the mosquitos are horrible this year with all the high water.

[@wahzhazhewahtsemoin5510]

@@tacticalbassin Dang, well then I guess you just need a prayer! lol

[@j.t.cooper2963]

I have never heard a spinning combo called a "fairy wand" before, and I'm 56. 😂 I'll take the magic of the "fairy wand" over a BC when drop shotting or other finesse fishing any day of the week. 💯

[@thisislargemouth5566]

I drop shot 2.8 keitechs often and it seems crappie really key in on that small swimbait profile. Spotted bass have trouble passing up any shad profile bait as well.

[@jeffnash2029]

Hey just wondering if you guy are gonna be around Pickwick Lake while on your cross country trip?

[@jas4everchanged]

Thanks Tim for suffering through the torture to give us your time tested secrets. Sorry but after awhile I had to laugh 😂 May God Bless You Sir!! Best Wishes!!! Jeff.

[@NRVOutdoors]

For beginners using flurocarbon or monofilament I'd highly recommend a swivel due to line twist caused by the bait pinwheeling while retrieving. However braid has no memory and reduces line twist 90%.

[@johnschroeder4412]

NRV Outdoors thank you - I will just put 6lb Fluro on my 8 yr old’s set up. The swivel idea really helps - thank you

[@cmcconn100]

I live in the East Bay. The last couple trips have been to Tulloch. Our favorite camping spot is Union Valley Reservoir. We also hit Don Pedro, McClure, Folsom...etc. the last couple of trips were fruitless. Any specific suggestions on colors on a specific bait to suggest. I'm fairly novice and I'd love to catch a few fish for my kids to land

[@Liquidforce4441]

Love you guys vids, this one was too dark for my eye just had to just listen.

[@brandonbaldwin7916]

What's your thoughts on the nasci? No one knows about that in the south. I love mine

[@brookmiller1986]

I drop shot for perch on Lake Erie: very effective!

[@Redwash48]

What the chances of you guys doing a Tokyo rig video and what the difference between it and the drop shot. Would love to hear y’alls opinions on it. Great video by the way!

[@KKumar44]

Hey Tim and Matt! Have y'all played with the free rig yet?

[@myronhigbie8708]

Could you guys do a video on fishing blue bird sky

[@shawnheap2936]

Have you guys tried the spin shot, where the hook is on a swivel? What are the pluses and minuses of using this type of setup. Also, my PB came on the morning dawn shad alive, a 9.3

[@tonylama5837]

Another great video, Tim. I am learning a lot watching you and Matt. If I may ask a stupid question please, can a circle hook be used in a drop shot set up? Thank you, and keep up the good work.

[@johnbracewell3700]

I've used it sen few others do it just don't jack em to hard will hang up less in cover as well I've used circle hooks in weightless fluke type baits aswell

[@tonylama5837]

@@johnbracewell3700 Thank you, John. I will try.

[@bullishbeartrader6121]

Good vid but yeah very dark filter bra. You're the most informative by far on you tube. Love it

[@octaviofuentes7781]

can't go wrong with the roboworm and gary Yamamoto baits

[@davidsjelin1739]

You mentioned that depending on the leader size compared to braid, you choose a uni to Uni Knot or a double blood knot. In what specific scenarios would you choose one or the other?

[@GettingFished]

??? I use basically 3 colors for a dropshot, green pumpkin, smoke/baitfish color, and morning dawn. What do you think are the right times and conditions for each color???

[@jeffjohnson1751]

Is there a certain knot you are tieing the hooks on with? Nose hook vs Texas rig? In other words does the knot give the bait more action?

[@Farmd427]

Not for powershot, but could you use Aldebaran and NRX or Conquest for finesse drop shot? I’m just thinking I use a 7’ MH for worm fishing with 1/8oz Texas rig; same weight and similar worm on drop shot. Are you saying that the spinning rods are that much more sensitive to detect bites over bait casting rods? Is that an oversimplification?

[@shtty17]

How to search tactical vids on KZbin: in the search type your desired topic followed by tacticalbassin and if they've covered it, it shows up. That's how I brush up on stuff before hitting the water

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome! Thanks Scott

[@nihira91]

Love the way you do it, guys! My source of information and ispiration every day. Thanks for what you do!

[@joshawagillis9966]

I love the the concept of the drop shot And have tried it where I fish but have had no luck but drag a tube and its fish on so I dont know

[@tacticalbassin]

As long as you’re trying differ techniques and finding one that works you’re going great. Don’t get stuck throwing one technique all the time.

[@stuartcarter944]

Gamakatsu B10S Stinger #1 is a great hook too

[@Kris-ih6yd]

Are you Snelling your Texas rig hooks?

[@zman-mq2fz]

Hey Tim, Can you fish a drop shot from shore or is it a boat technique so you can fish vertical? Thanks for your time.

[@tacticalbassin]

It’s a great technique from shore but I would go with the Texas rig setup for less snags.

[@zman-mq2fz]

Thanks tim we love the channel

[@keganwallace8753]

Maybe separate video on power shot please.

[@riverwilliams2109]

I fish a drop shot like a ned rig and I love it

[@bassinlaborer6604]

Pro senko great lure on shakey head