Everything You Need To Know About The Drop Shot! Drop Shot 101!

The drop shot has been around for what seems like an eternity now and has always been a staple here on the west coast. The drop shot is one of the best techniques to just get some bites where ever and whenever. Today, we break down the full technique to help you guys understand or even elevate your drop shot game!
Products in this video:
Owner Mosquito Light Hooks:
thehookuptackl...
Decoy Shot Rig 10 Hooks:
thehookuptackl...
Owner Cover Shot Hooks:
thehookuptackl...
Roboworm Rebarb Hooks:
thehookuptackl...
Ryugi DS Heavy Delta TG Sinker:
thehookuptackl...
Ryugi DS Delta TG:
thehookuptackl...
Drop Shot Weights 25 pack:
thehookuptackl...
Daiwa JBraid:
thehookuptackl...
Daiwa Samurai Braid:
thehookuptackl...
Seaguar Smackdown Braid:
thehookuptackl...
Sunline FC Leader:
thehookuptackl...
Sunline FC Sniper:
thehookuptackl...
Megabass P5 Spinning Rods:
thehookuptackl...
Roboworm Straight Tail Worm:
thehookuptackl...
Reins Bubbling Shaker:
thehookuptackl...
OSP Dolive Crawler:
thehookuptackl...
OSP Dolive Stick:
thehookuptackl...
Valley Hill Jacobee:
thehookuptackl...
Valley Hill Kids Jacobee:
thehookuptackl...
OSP Mylar Minnow:
thehookuptackl...
Lucky Craft Victory Tail:
thehookuptackl...
Megabass Hazedong Shad:
thehookuptackl...
Please check out The Hook Up Tackle for all your fishing needs!
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[@kevinvue8159]

I love that fact that you are so yourself when you give out the advice you stand by. No maybe’s, its all definite in your experience. And you dont sound like you’re just selling things. You really put the options out there with confidence. The swearing, the jokes, the tips are all genuine and you. Keep it that way! Its enjoyable to watch.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching and thank you for the feedback! 🙏🍻

[@djradrs199]

I second his comment !!

[@scottleggejr]

I third it and can attest that he NAILED the color profile for the closest lake to their store (Lake Pleasant). Those are the juice there.

[@Roboworm99]

Great breakdown I may have to go back to straight Fluoro losing dexterity in my fingers 🤬. Arthritis sucks. I’ve been using #10 braid with a #5 leader. Not sure what else to do other than going to heavier line.

[@razr199]

I bought them damn junk hooks lol!!!! They got me. I did buy owner ones 👍🏻. Owner is great

[@MrPhoenix1800]

You guys must really like the drop shot for a second video. I am really trying to get my presentation down for this set up, can’t wait to watch the tips you guys have for it. Thanks for the videos, you guys are awesome, keep up the good work.

[@Toe_Knee_69]

Are the new NRX’s coming out soon?

[@Shawn_Lai]

Love all these in depth videos

[@Shawn_Lai]

Have you ever used those VMC Neko hooks before? Thoughts? Nevermind - VMC Neko and Cover Shot are basically the same.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

@@Shawn_Lai I like the VmC Neko hooks, but not for Dropshot. Too big

[@mikekeller8660]

OK, I have to ask. What bait does the Champion (Griff), reccomend? Lol.

[@markrenzella2825]

Everything I needed to know, EXCEPT how to tie on the hook and sinker...!

[@djradrs199]

i think his first video showed that --- or type in your search drop shot rigging

[@bradlaney71]

Ben is 100% spot on about the hooks. Those decoy and owner mosquito light hooks are the deal. They were my 2 go to's even before I saw the last video. They don't skin hook like the rest. The others have no gap and are inline with the eye!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Glad you found those before this! Thanks for watching and for your feedback!

[@gordjohnson70]

Works good in Canada for walleye and almost everything else that swims. Even on a slow day, something usually bites. Good for kids. Use a split shot. If it snags, it'll just pull off Then just pinch on another one. Why use expensive weights when cheap ones work just as good.

[@captnse]

Good content, Ben! 👍🏼. Wacky rigging a jackall flickshake (5.8”) on a dropshot is a killer bait when the fish have seen way too many nose hooked baits...

[@norbertomontijo8673]

VMC spin shot hooks work great for me 🙌🏽.

[@hunter5858]

I know that this an older post but robo worm in bold bluegill

[@InstinctBassin]

This is the most informative drop shot video out there. Great job.

[@GoFishWisconsin]

You guys are one of the BEST youtube channels, not to mention the best JDM store in the states! Great video!

[@_Lt__Dan_]

Agree! Definitely sneaking up on many of the YT fishing vets. I look forward to their videos.

[@bradlaney71]

If they are selling baits in the US, then those baits are not Japanese Domestic Market baits. To be JDM tackle, the tackle isn't sold outside the Japanese Domestic Market.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

thank you!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

@@bradlaney71 JDM means built for the Japanese Domestic Market. If a product is made for a Japanese Angler and made to be sold in Japan to that angler, it's a JDM product whether it's on my shelf or a Japanese stores shelf. The location of the item doesn't change it's designation. 👍

[@dc5038]

Most definitely true!

[@Rockers1121]

Thank you for talking smack about those hooks ... I've been fishing my whole life... primarily trout and catfish.... now I live in an area where I'll be fishing for bass and stripers ... but before I get into a lot of striper gear and studying that.. I'm studying bass fishing. So it's a lot to learn. Your drop shot information is priceless to me. The other video you made about hook selection made a lot of sense to me .. I currently have a 6 ft 6 medium st. Criox spinning rod that I was gonna try for my drop shot rod. .. love that rod .. but I think im gonna switch to a medium light spinning rod.. 🤔 ... and I've used bait casters before and liked them but never bought one... I'm gonna buy me a decent medium heavy bait caster rod probably 7 ft range for other applications.. but first I'm gonna practice my drop shot technique.. it's really popular for the bass fisherman, on the lakes that I'll be fishing.. .. lake pleasant az and roosevelt lake and bartlett lake.. really want to get better at bass fishing . I've always struggled bass fishing because I just never studied it .. your video's help.

[@emilianobanzi9432]

best drop shot 101 period!

[@HappyKatsFishing]

Wow! I think that was the best video I've seen you do. Had me taking notes and hanging on every word. Thank you so much. That was so cool learning the why of things not just, this is what I do. I haven't tied a drop shot yet, but I think you gave me the confidence to try. After I get new hooks. Lol. Yes I had the wrong ones. Thanks again and great job.

[@markphilippsjr]

Appreciate the work, and videos! Hate to admit it, I drop a lot, it catches fish. Keep it up!

[@colinjames2383]

Be proud to throw the ds. That has produced a lot of good fish for me. Aka Ds Specialist

[@legionssb]

Ben! When you were talking about the pain in the ass drop shot storage issue, I was wondering... turns out we store them the same way! The first time I used one I figured that that was the most efficient and logical way to store it and I’ve done that ever since. I guess great minds think alike...?

[@ryanboylan167]

Thanks a lot! Great vid. Why not a small (10, 8) swivel between the braid and fluorocarbon for the twist issue?

[@ericshedrock6052]

I don't like the swivel because it seems to get hung up a lot and sometimes when I'm using a floating type bait like zman elazteck stuff I fill like it pulls the bait back down . All that said , if you have confidence with a swivel use it, for sure it will help with stopping line twist .just my thoughts and I'm nobody

[@alecayala9211]

Thanks for the great drop shot break down. Just got into the technique and finding it very productive. Keep up the great videos.

[@H8er-Maker]

Great advice, I feel I gain a lot of useful information from your in depth videos on technique. Please consider doing a video on the soft plastic swimbait. There are so many designs & types. Nobody can tell you which type ( full body, hollow body, split tail, paddle tail etc) is best for which technique except a tackle expert like yourself. Sweet tip on bass don't have hands..

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

Your dropshot hooks are on point! I gotta say that G-Finese dropshot hook that Gamakatsu makes is pretty dang good. I also really dig that Gamakatsu roboworm hook too. I’m gonna say this is probably the best dropshot videos on KZbin. Yeah, I said. You guys are banging out some great videos! I hope you guys do a video on that new Jackall Swim Jig. Thanks

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching man! I agree, the G Finesse is a good one 👍

[@ravioliformuoli520]

Have you guys done a shakey head video? I'd really like to see your take or recommendations on that.

[@HBeretta]

The best how to video if you're just starting out with spinning setups and drop shotting...period. Assassin isn't a terrible alternative to FC leader if you're running 8lb...with sniper behind the two at 8lb if I had to choose.

[@Figripley]

I changed my hooks after watching the last video, and have already seen a difference.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Awesome!!!

[@glenandzekefuller1706]

Me, too!

[@InUteroKDC]

This is like watching an infomercial when it comes to hooks and they show what’s ‘wrong’ with other good products. It all depends on how you rig it. I’ve never had the issues described with Gamakatsu hooks, and neither have my friends 🤷‍♂️

[@unclegreg5129]

This video is "Gold Jerry...GOLD!" Best one yet.

[@msamps37]

Uncle Greg HELLLOO!

[@saltybuckeyetravels]

Kenny Bania 😂

[@sangsaephan3258]

As you were going through all the roboworms, I’m like: “man he’s naming all my colors 😂”. Great video like always!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Secrets are out! 😜🍻

[@warriorxtman2]

Starts at 3:00

[@erniesanders3724]

I stumbled across your site recently and am extremely impressed with the content and presentations. You are absolutely amazing and gifted. I’m definitely thankful for finding your site. Thanks again from Western Kentucky.

[@caseydunham7380]

One of my favorite ways to drop shot this time of year is wacky rigged senko on a drop shot with a long long leader. Have had crazy good days during pre and post spawn times with it

[@StelmachsWorld]

Have you had experience the Trokar/Eagleclaw dropshot specific hook? I’ve only managed to try that one and the aaron martens g finesse and my landing percentage is almost twice as good using the trokars. Landed a 4.5 pound smallmouth last week using em

[@youtubzkoz]

I had really good days with dropshot, love the mosquito owner hooks. When I was trying to learn it after a really good day of bass on it I tried it with mealworms for trout and slayed them 30+ rainbow and tigers on the rim lakes in AZ. Just got some mylar minnows!! Love roboworms fx sculpin and straight tails. Roboworm has great colors. Great video! Ready to watch a 1v1 challenge for dropshot and can't wait for griff to dominate once again!!

[@arniejohnsen2353]

Threw a drop shop last week, three good size bass hooked but they jumped and threw the hook, what hook should I be using? I was using a 1/0 drop shot hook from gamumgikii

[@SiempreFishing]

I'd be curious to see a video on Ned rigs or other finesse stuff, I like the different perspective you guys present as opposed to the normal outlets. Spot on with my experience drop shotting as well. Been using the mosquito hooks as long as I can remember (20 years?, whenever they came out). Absolutely the best hook for that nose hook presentation in my opinion.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

We’ll have to do a Ned episode

[@jeanvaljean1475]

So to make it clear for me here in Romania, your fluoro leader is 8’-12’ long with a let’s say Albright knot just above the reel?

[@UserUser14880]

@11:45 recommends hook size to worm size. Something ive been looking for on many videos. Finally Thank You! 🍻

[@travisbruno1988]

I couldn't agree more about everything you said your 100% rite

[@mikekeller8660]

OK, I have to ask. What bait does the Champion (Griff), reccomend? Lol.

[@PiperFishing]

That Valley Hill bait looked really good in the water.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thats a dope little bait!

[@provocation18]

I use gamakatsu worm 39 hooks for dropshot i hope these are good. Also am getting lazer trokar tk150 dropshot hooks and just picked up a pack of mustad ultra point dropshot hooks but not sure how these hold up yet. I have no problems with the worm 39 from gamakatsu. I hope someone can confirm these have a wide enough gap!

[@ronfrederick9983]

Problem with this video is you are primarily trying to sell stuff. Very little teaching.

[@bryanknatz6067]

Can you compare the reins bubbling shaker vs. the sunny bros. Drug stick? Thanks

[@blahblahmilbury]

USE A NEKO HOOK FOR NOSE RIGGING!

[@NorthRiverGuide]

The issue of the hooks was that it was a demonstration that holds no water in the real world. According to the demonstration a circle hook would never catch a fish.

[@Northstar-Media]

I struggle threading the small minnow lures on the hook they dont end up sitting right on the hook & sometimes thread them on upside down .😅

[@jtorres133]

I’ve seen it w my own eyes guys losing a lot of fish on the split shot drop shot hook by Gamakatsu.

[@anguscole1]

This video was so imperative just ordered a bunch of dropshot lures from you all,though what's your rod of choice with drop shots.

[@5wisher5weet]

The Gamakatsu hook is probably not meant for implosion feeders. It's not am American hook after all

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Another excellent video from a natural born angler. Shame you don’t fly fish!

[@moremut]

You can’t catch smaller bait fish with those big hooks sometimes I might want to catch a bluegill or a crappie

[@genemoorman3065]

If line twist is a problem why not use the Spinshot hooks. I have tried dropshotting in the past and that's what I used.

[@stevendennis2129]

Another great video always gives me new options to try

[@tombosanko3085]

I used that back in the 70's n 80's surf / rock fishing for ocean perch. It's nothing new.

[@superbowl5639]

Decoy hooks bigger the number bigger the hook ? Or smaller the number high the hook

[@nawinchester]

THE BEST INSTRUCTIONAL FISHING VIDS ON YT! Thank you Ben for sharing! GREAT STUFF! Very much appreciated!!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@lansemclain6175]

Snell those hooks you hate and leave a long tag add weight you won't miss with those others either. Also won't get wrapped a lot.

[@ZestCateringClevelandOH]

How do you feel about the VMC or Gamakatsu spin shot style hooks?

[@joegrande4848]

It's good to have a medium rod with a parabolic bend will help keep hook pinned in roof of fishes mouth

[@robb158]

overall a good video for the beginner , a couple of thoughts.. you are correct 'the owner mosquito light hooks are pretty much the same hook as the decoy, i have trouble telling them apart ( makes me wonder if the decoy hook is actually a owner hook rebranded, i give the edge to owner because of equal sharpness but cheaper, more available and you can order them in quantities of 25.) - have you tried Zappu "Air Dancer" hooks? very thin wire , unbelievably sticky but you have to set your drag accordingly to avoid bending the hook. - Weedless hooks - Owner cover shot is the best in the game but if you cant find those , Trokar lightwire finesse worm hook is a good second (cheaper/more available), not crazy about the Roboworm hooks due to the bait keeper - Sinking braid is worth a mention , i think it gives you an advantage in bite detection & in windy conditions. few manufacturers make it ( YGK) - A couple of things i feel you failed to expound upon which could be discussed in an advanced user video... , ( the importance of how to work the bait , dragging , dead sticking , common mistake of overworking the bait etc , the utmost importance of getting a good reel because of how important the drag plays into all of this , also how to set the drag, many a fish are lost due to incorrect set drag, how to select the correct rod lengths and power actions based on cover and hook used ( nose hook vs weedless) , Power Shotting ( using a baitcaster in heavy cover) and lastly how dropshotting is one of the best presentations for bedding fish and the type of baits to use for this.

[@scottleggejr]

Also scent. You can deadstick a bunch of these baits with the right scent and kill it. Some plastics come pre-scented, some need something applied. Bang garlic works here or spikeit garlic. Also messing with a float profile of a sinking worm can change the game. Put a bubble in the tip of the tail to get it to come up can turn on the bite.

[@tylerbrandon7961]

I like to make the hook we’re it just gets buried in the nose but not actually all the way through just wright to we’re it’s almost out

[@richshackelford5793]

Great video Ben, when it gets tuff for me in Pennsylvania I will nose hook a 2 3/4 inch tube

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Tubes are so effective in some places!

[@hanslain9729]

Informative and this dude cusses... I like this guy... I trust him.

[@mikeymedina93]

People’s Worm does so great in my clear water reservoir 🤘🏼 Morning Dawn also will get a bite 99% of the time

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

When morning Dawn first came out I thought it was such a stupid color and would go away quickly🤣. I was wrong!!! They never stop eating it!

[@ReelIowaOutdoors]

Fishing Assault's King Jesters are great for the drop shot rig.

[@victorrichardson3027]

Please stop shaking the product in front of the camera!

[@SneakersAnonymousMatt]

surprised u didn't talk about the wacky drop shot which is also another killer for prespawn an spawn but keep releases tho competitions videos love em def learn some things from them.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

There have definitely been times the wacky rig has helped! There’s so many different things we can do on the Dropshot! 🍻

[@SneakersAnonymousMatt]

@@thehookuptackle_usa def agree man

[@larrymor]

I just wanted to know about the baits. I don't fish on the west coast.

[@Salty80556]

Another sales bases skit..... poorly done

[@travisbruno1988]

Owner mosquito hooks are my favorite

[@cc519]

No love for the zoom finesse worms...

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Use whatever works for you! Lots of great options on the market! I don't personally use the Zoom, so I didn't mention it.

[@MPA_2024]

Why a stationary over a baitcaster reel?

[@leef277]

What do you think about spin shot hooks?

[@eggcooker496]

Did I miss the rigging/tie to hook part?

[@vegasmaker493]

Love the video but when you are showing the product you what us to use STOP moving your hands. Allow the camera to focus and show the product!!!! Nothing worse than moving the product package so much that the viewers can’t see it. This would make your videos more professional and refined. Otherwise I like you videos.

[@xDx0xUxGx]

They provide a link. If you want to see a bait, click the link🤷

[@anthonydaskus2350]

Who makes the bait you have tied on

[@frantyf]

Best nrx+ for this technique?

[@MichaelBrown-mi5jl]

Great video! Thanks!

[@Cbryer101]

Roboworms are my DS go-to

[@backcountrybrian3746]

How do you deal with line twist?

[@mikedaily3891]

I just got into drop shot fishing, This is spot on. Caught a ton of fish first time out, however, skin hooking and loosing fish was a problem. Took Jerry's advice and my fish loss has gone way down. I have thrown the zoom fluke in ghost white with a chartreuse tail and just killing them. Next trying out a shorter drop and throwing a small craw on it. Water is up on the river and the smallies are in the current. will See....>Good job guys spot on.....

[@Rockers1121]

Also ... is it better to use straight fluorocarbon on my reel? Or is braid with a fluoro leader fine?

[@Umipunpun]

Fluoro leader is fine,

[@SuaSponte75]

Pumpkin punisher is killer

[@scottleggejr]

We SLAUGHTERED bass @ bartlett this last week with some geecrack revival shad from you guys on dropshot. They smell like fritos! We rock the owner 5133-101 and bend the hook open a little.

[@mikedaily3891]

One other thing guys, What I have found works good for me is to buy a reel glove for your spinning reel. I have them for all my reels baitcasters and spinning. You mentioned it is a pain to store your rig hook and weight. With the reel glove I just put the hook in it keeper on the rod and drop the weight in the reel glove and velcro it shut done! No tangling in the sealed neoprene....works great for me, Fast and easy and the upside is it keeps your reels in good shape.

[@caseysaunders2137]

Excellent video. I found the introductions of the baits most interesting....the vast majority I've never heard of. Will check a few out. And Megabass a big time success story for me. Giants. $17-25 each for a hard bait is flat out crazy but they work. Wish I lived in N AZ. I'd love to visit that store.

[@nickduran3516]

Can you drop shot on casting setup. Is it advantage or disadvantage to spinning. I’ve always like the feel of Baitcaster . What would you recommend for line, weight? I have mgl Shimano baitcaster reel, I really like.

[@djradrs199]

Loved your first video !! you said you caught flack for ... THANK YOU ...loved this one even better !!! after watching your first video ,, i set up my previously purchased 6'6'' $ 80 bass pro spinning combo with what and how you recommended for line/weights/hooks first trip out on Lake Tulloch caught a 4.5 LRG MTH on the MD ROBO next week a 3.5 lb a 15" trout and spots. THANK YOU SIR !! ( 56 yrs old ) been fishing since 5 yrs old never heard of drop shot fishing until feb this yr when i bought my Bass Tracker Classic XL ,,,,and started watching youtube videos to get upto date on what's happening / what's working locally.. was a fair weather bass fisherman for the past 25 yrs fished out of the back of the boat 17 yrs ago for 2 yrs local tournaments ..split shotted . texas rig spinner baits etc etc..(never fished with a spinning rod for bass). never heard of DROP SHOT.... had my own 14' Alum Valco 15 hp with trolling mtr... caught all kinds of bass & crappie ... after watching your videos the AWE HA light bulb went off and the presentation of the bait was like DUH bait fish are mostly swimming around OFF THE BOTTOM ..can't afford the HIGH DOLLAR rods/reels.... but taking your TACKLE & TECHNIQUES tips did the job....now i just need to STOP trying to video my self catching all these fish and then shaking off right at the boat before i can put my phone down and land them ... LOL sorry the the long comment but watching your videos and learning new tricks has stirred the coals in my fire my passion for fishing ..... Thanks again Sir ( btw big fish --May 4th Black creek bare spot between the reeds sitting in 20' cast to 4' moved line once bass musta picked it up an sat there line didn't move didn't even know i had him till i went to real up again line felt heavy and it started swimming off ) GAME OVER :-)

[@UriahGiles]

I about fainted when I saw what the inside of your store looks like! That's a bass fisherman's paradise man! And to think that I was in Phoenix last year to pick up a welder I bought on auction and gad no idea you guys were there, I'm pissed at myself.

[@rcortesim]

You said your leader knot reels in to just before the spool. I use the FG knot, 20lb braid to 8lb mono. I would have trouble getting that knot to pass easily through the eyelet at the tip of my 7' rod. I've tried other knots, but none appear to be as low profile as the FG. Is there another that you would recommend? Thanks for a REALLY great and detailed video!

[@finoistimeless]

Vmc techset, 20lb hi vis chartreuse 8 strand j-braid, 10lb flouro leader, 5/16 weight... on a baitcaster.... completely changed the game for me. From bluegill to bass to catfish to striper.

[@joegrande4848]

I learned if you fish during fall turn over or after fall turn over use 24 to 36 inch leed line on drop shot. During summer I myself generally use 14 to 16 inch leed line an works perfectly. Use 14 to 16 inch maybe longer if you find if it's super hot an fish are out deeper. Try tying 2 drop shots. One that 12 to 14 inch leed line an one 24 inch leed line if you fish deeper.

[@zaleski727]

I have caught hundreds, possibly 1,000+ bass on a dropshot, I typically use #1 Gamakatsu dropshot hooks, and I almost never lose a fish on them. More common to have line break than lose a fish off the hook. Setup is 6’6” medium spinning rod with 8lb seaguar fluoro, 1/4oz tungsten weight.

[@MrRourk]

Do you guys carry bfs drop shot weights? 1/32 & 1/64? Ice fishing micro lures 1/2" & 3/4"?

[@brianlee9074]

Great video Ben. I use the Owner Mosquito Light #1 or #2 hook, and my goto bait is the Big Bite Bait Smallie Smasher nose hooked. GP Org Blk Pearl Blue Flake (bluegill imitation) in the morning, and early spring. Chartreuse/white in the afternoon, bright sunny day. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

[@Mr.Higgs.]

Just finally gave into trying out dropshot this year. Went out and got a few packs of the Owner Mosquito hooks for my nose hook presentation. Now with the weedless side I went with the Owner Down Shot Offset Hook. Jeff if you could, would that hook be better than the Cover Shot? Fishing northern Indiana, alot of ponds and lakes have mixed vegetation all throughout. Thank you.

[@robertchalfant7233]

Thank you !

[@dc5038]

My order just dropped and it looks even better up close. I'm going right now to try the 🔥🔥🔥. Thanks for the reviews and other content I differently appreciate them. 👍👍

[@dalehammond1704]

You were 100% correct about the hooks. The one and most important color you missed is Pumpkinseed.