How to Set Up a Drop Shot Nymph Rig (PT 1)

Fly fishing guide Dave Rothrock teams up with Suffering Outdoors for this instructional fly fishing video on drop shot nymphing. Dave is an Ambassador Pro with Douglas Outdoors and a Pro Staffer with HMH Vises. Dave explains how he developed this technique over the years and incorporated it into tight line nymphing (Euro Nymphing). He goes over the benefits of this setup vs. using heavily weighted flies.
Dave Rothrock has been pursuing trout, and other species, with a fly rod since the mid-1960's and he's been tying flies for a bit longer than he's been fishing them. He has fished throughout the East, into the Midwest, and Europe where he fished great waters in Austria and Slovenia.
Dave's articles have appeared in FLY FISHERMAN, AMERICAN ANGLER and PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER magazines as well as other publications. Dave is also a co-author of the book “Keystone Fly Fishing: The Ultimate Guide to Pennsylvania's Best Water.”
Dave is a former Orvis Endorsed Guide as well as a former FFI Certified Casting Instructor . He has worked as an instructor in the L. L. Bean fly fishing schools and has taught fly fishing, casting and fly tying classes for various fly shops. Dave currently guides and teaches fly fishing and casting. He utilizes many of the best trout streams in central and north central PA as his classroom environment.
Recommended Gear Used in This Video (Affiliate Links)
Hero 7 (Best affordable GoPro with image stabilzation)
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Sony Video Camera AX53 (Best auto camera for run and gun!)
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Panasonic GH5 (Best mirrorless camera on the market for video!)
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Orvis Clearwater 4wt 10' Fly Rod (Great affordable euro nymphing rod that can chuck dry flies!)
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Orvis Large Arbor Fly Reel (Great affordable basic reel for trout!)
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Frogg Toggs Hellbender Stocking Foot Waders (Good introducary waders for the beginner)
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Equipment used:
Rod: Douglas Sky 10' 4 wt.
Reel: Douglas Nexus
Line: Cortland Spring Creek 2 wt.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

ATTENTION! All Future Fly Fishing Content from Suffering Outdoors has moved to our fly fishing channel "The Ranting Anger" You can watch more videos and subscribe here! kzbin.info/door/Xsd3Y2vmtqVa169jPIHCGQ

[@terrysniffles1594]

I'm sold. Too many snags with beaded point flies. Makes lots of sense. Great instructions.

[@jonwhite53]

This is a great post. Dave's instruction is so clear and easy to follow. Thanks to Dom for the link.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danschmitz4699]

Great stuff, thanks for sharing.

[@JohnCunninghamTeam]

Dave! I've been flyfishing since the early '80s. I've never fished a drop shot rig. This is an excellent instructional. I appreciate how you explained how the set-up places the flies in the water column while the shot bumps along the bottom. As you explained things I bought in 100%. Totally makes sense. I'd like to ask for a follow-up video where you show you tying the rig up. Some close-ups of you tying the knots would be great to see. If you ever make it out to the SW I'd LOVE to spend a day on the water with ya. Thanks again for the fantastic instruction Dave.

[@_JimS]

I second John Cunningham's request.

[@brentjune2263]

Very informative Dave,great video. John and you make a great pair on the water!!!

[@blackeaglebowmen2154]

Thanks, Brent. Yes, I consider it a privilege to work with John. He's very talented at this.

[@HOLYdEYEver]

God bless you. What a great video, coming from a euro nymphing background you answered all of my questions along the way. I will give this a go at some point.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Thank you very much, I highly recommend you give it a try next time you fish some good pocket water.

[@Ernest264]

Excellent video Dave and John! I like your idea of separating the weight from the flies.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Thanks for watching Jim!

[@twintiersfiveriverschapter8882]

Very helpful video. Dave, you are a great instructor!

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Dave is a great instructor! Thanks for watching!

[@jimcastillo8950]

Thanks for the tip. I now use drop shot method and catch fish. Great info Dave............

[@lennytheleopard]

God advice. Lovely scenery. Thanks

[@philipvankampen3394]

This is exactly what I have been gradually coming to. Excellent video! BTW, well played at 11:58. I was getting ready to say, 'heads up.'

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Every time I snag, lose a shot and keep my whole rig I thank Dave Rothrock haha! Thanks for watching.

[@Steelhead158]

Nice, going to have to try this in the spring!

[@scottlowe3355]

Great explanation. Seems like a fast way to switch weight too. I’ve never tried this technique. I’ll give it a try. Thanks!

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Thanks for watching Scott, good luck!

[@MmmmmmmmmmCookies]

Really nice video. 👍

[@jamessims5240]

Awesome! Thank you

[@scottstubberud1137]

I totally agree. I drop shot regularly and I never suspend with a bobber but contact fish with sighters that I can see underwater. One thing I don’t do is tie my tags/droppers off of the blood/double surgeon knots. The tag comes off at an angle not 90 degrees. I normally use tippet rings which allow my tags to be perpendicular to my main line presenting the flies better. If I don’t have tippet rings I just tie a double surgeon’s knot and tie my tag above it using a Davy knot which comes off the main line at a 90, then slide the tag down to the knot to stop it. I use this set up extremely successfully on the San Juan river. I have watched many videos on KZbin trying to gather as much information as possible and you fish almost exactly like I do and everything that you explained made perfect sense and I totally agree with 99% of it and the other 1% doesn’t really matter that much. Well done and thank you

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Hey, thanks for watching! There are a lot of nuisances but agreeing on 99% is pretty good. Neat to hear you are essentially already doing this same technique.

[@humblehombre9904]

Oh, brother! I have been waiting for a fishing show like this! First off…the music. Nice choice. The mixing of hip hop gangster garbage with the great outdoors, is just a non-starter for me personally. To each his own. You filmed this like a beautiful fishing documentary, and it works for me. So thank you for all your effort. I am new here, literally my first watch. I am subscribed and ready for more. Thanks so much. Warm regards, Cam.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Right there with you man, thanks for watching!

[@tjdevel07]

Great video. I fish this method using tippet rings instead of dropper knots.

[@derekeberly7757]

Really well done

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Derek Eberly thank you!

[@BuffaloWill]

Love it!

[@bobtokarchic494]

As a bass fisherman I've been thinking about incorporating the drop shot technique into my trout fishing. I think this is better than Euro Nymphing as it uses such heavy flies. If the split shot gets snagged you just pull it free. Glad I found your video, it supports my thoughts.

[@perryjohnson1701]

Brilliant… will give this a try

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Thanks for watching Perry. We just did a second video together the other day on the drop shot rig. You will have to check it out.

[@phattjames6608]

Awesome, thank you. 🤘🏼

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Thanks for watching! Tight lines!

[@tylerpaquette9376]

Very insightful and well explained a lot of drop shot videos tend to leave out the smaller details that make a huge difference also it would be great if you made some tying videos cause your flies are very buggy and well done

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Thank you Tyler, suggestion noted. We may need to do a couple tying videos this winter.

[@69adrummer]

Would LOVE to see a video of HOW you tie this rig. Theory is one thing, but I'm a visual learner and a video would be super beneficial. Thanks a be well!!

[@mr.munsey9322]

💪 i fish this witch my Spinning rod 🥰 it' s cool and catch a lot of fish !! big hug from Germany

[@michaeljanik7597]

I am going to try this for steelhead. Thanks!

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Good luck! Thanks for watching.

[@martinhodell8465]

So glad I found this- thinks to Dom at Troutbitten. This video is fantastic. Makes me wish I could fish with you, Dave

[@SufferingOutdoors]

I learn something new every time fish with Dave. Thanks for watching!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Well done Dave and John! Gonna give it try, but I hate tying blood knots.Gotta figure a way around that. But always looking for a way to improve. Let ya know how I make out. Thanks for sharing

[@SufferingOutdoors]

PA WOODS N WATER Right there with you. I rigged up using surgeon knots for the tag ends. That works as well.

[@lensherlinski9273]

Hey Scott, with your success ratio I don't think I would change a dang thing. Tight lines...

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Lenny!! What’s up!? Nice to hear from you. Always, always room for improvement. Stay healthy buddy.

[@mesanomad55]

Suffering Outdoors you can use double or triple surgeon’s knot with tag end just as well

[@ryanfontaine6544]

Would recommend using tippet ring(s) in the areas you tie triple surgeon knots, and or blood knots as another option. Cheers.

[@richardrogers9069]

Hello!! I've just stumbled onto your station.... Well Done!!! I do have a few questions on your setup: 1) What is the distance between the top fly & the sighter? 2) What is the length of your sighter? 3) What do you use for your sighter material? Thanks again & please keep more like this coming!!!

[@SufferingOutdoors]

I spoke to Dave about your questions. For 1, he said it depends but normally about 6 feet. 2. would also depend and is usually a personal preference. Dave and I both usually have two difference sections of sighter. An upper and lower for varrying depths. Usually about 3 to 4 feet each. The sighter material Dave uses is no longer on the market. I'm using a Rio two tone tippet 2X. The 3X can be a little tough to see.

[@richardrogers9069]

@@SufferingOutdoors Thank you very much for getting back to me, that help a lot!!! Again, GREAT VIDEO!!!!

[@hyoutdoors7054]

Check out the "Paternoster" knot for dropper lines for your fly. Just cut one leg of the loop close to your running line.

[@hyoutdoors7054]

Ooh, smart move on adding new droppers over the knot. So many different ways to use that shortcut!!

[@Sochmo18]

Thank you very much for this video, Best ive seen on the drop shot rig. Would you say the indicator tippet method is possible with an 8’ 3wt or 8’6 4wt, or should i stick to the bobber on these shorter rods? Im fishing mostly smaller streams in Virginia/NC, similar to the stream in this video. Thanks!

[@SufferingOutdoors]

I would stick with an indicator with a rod that short, if you get into 9' or 10' rods it is more beneficial. It doesn't hurt to try though to see.

[@sketcham9234]

I’ve been using the tight-line method with drop shot my entire life out here in Colorado and Wyoming. I don’t know why anyone would put their split shot above flies, simple physics helps you catch more fish...

[@ebisu8824]

Exactly.

[@johnduffy8532]

Going to try this in the fall when the waters cool. I just KNOW I've been missing takes fishing nymphs the way I have been.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Good luck! It is a highly effective way to nymph especially in pocket water.

[@davidhanni208]

When i first started fly fishing I was all over the place. Different types of indicators , bead flies non bead flies . I heard so many different people on not using split shots and keeping the weight in the flies . When i finally seen my trout totals triple is when i started drop shot nymphing with sighter material . Putting the flies on droppers also increased my takes with rarely any foul hookings . Dave Rothrock is a one of the most knowledgeable men in the fly fishing industry and an even better man ! Great video Dave

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Thank you for your kind words. I am blessed to be able to call Dave a friend and fish with him. The drop shot method has taken my fly fishing game to another level!

[@daverothrock8372]

David, you still need to get up here so we can hit the water!

[@finsfletchings8995]

This video is awesome and very informative. Thank you. Quick question, with those 2 droppers (vs. inline), do you get quite a few tangles when you bring a fish in?

[@SufferingOutdoors]

If you keep your tags short, no. I’ve also found it’s better to keep the line taunt so when the fish is flopping around in your net, it isn’t rolling around the line.

[@finsfletchings8995]

@@SufferingOutdoors Excellent. I’ll try this. Thank you.

[@travisroberson8293]

Great video and information! Dave how long, and what’s the makeup of your leader/tippet? and what sighter do you use for the system?, a sighter line or bobber for e.g.? Thanks again

[@SufferingOutdoors]

We want to do a new video (finding time has been difficult) on the leader formula. You can use any sighter material. Dave will also use a strike indicator with this rig and it works well.

[@michaelgray5646]

Great video Dave! I love this set up. One question with regard to the split shot? Are you using a knot at the end of your leader or leaving it open so that you theoretically those only the split shot on a snag? Thanks Mike

[@michaelgray5646]

not those..lose

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Michael, Dave doesn't put a knot below the split shot so it could potentially slide off if snagged.

[@ablackmun38]

I usually put a knot in the end. I have used this rig for three years or so and very rarely lose even the split shot on a snag. A gentle tug from the upstream direction usually frees the shot easily.

[@kodaifishing]

Thank you for this video, if possible, provide the closing method, leader size, and dropper size in a video.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

We did a second video to help clarify the setup. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4XWn52aZb6jiJI That should help.

[@Killer_Dwarf89]

Great video & explanation of the technique. I've been researching this method the last few days as I'm determined to use it in a few weeks when travel to Big Pine around Memorial Day. One question though...do you actually feel the weight ticking off the bottom? And what about fast water? Seems like it would still be hard to keep the flies near the bottom w/out always getting the splitshot hung up on the bottom unless you put a ton of weight on? Thanks for the info & tight lines!

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Dave explained in the video you can see the line twitching when it is ticking bottom. If you are in faster water you will have to add more weight. You will still get hung up but compared to a hook it will be less. Hopefully if you get snagged the split shot will slide off the end of the line instead of breaking off like a hook.

[@daverothrock8372]

Yes, since the weight is in line just like an anchor fly, it provides the same type of feedback to the angler and that means you can feel it. As for keeping the flies near the bottom in fast water, the bottom fly will only be slightly higher than the shot because, as I mentioned in the video, your tippet is drifting at an angle. The upper fly will be a bit higher in the water column.

[@ablackmun38]

I fish drop shot rigs often and I much more often go by the feel of the drift, rather than using the sighter. You can feel the shot ticking the bottom or sometimes just feel nothing at all until there is a take or a snag. I use a 10' 3w rod so the rod tip conveys a lot of the feel of the drift.

[@seanearnest]

Thanks to Dave and John for this information video! Does anyone know what Dave's entire leader formula is, from fly line all the way down to the dropshot? I am also curious how Dave transitions from nymphing to dry flies using that 2wt line. I too wanted a floating line instead of the Euro competition lines for my 10' 3wt Syndicate, so I opted for the good old Cortland 444 Peach 3wt double taper. What benefit(s) would I see from trying the Spring Creek in a 2wt?

[@blackeaglebowmen2154]

You can email me at [e-mail] and I'll provide you with not one but two leader formulas as well as my take on the lines.

[@daverothrock8372]

Sean, sorry for the late reply. If you email me at [e-mail] I'll gladly give you my leader and address your other questions.

[@bigo8524]

Thanks for the great information. Do you tie a knot in tippet bottom to keep the split shot from sliding off?

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Actually Dave's recommendation is to leave the tippet knotless so the split shot could slide off if it gets snagged on the bottom. That way the entire setup doesn't break off. If you pinch the split shot tight enough it won't slide off without force.

[@bigo8524]

@@SufferingOutdoors Thanks

[@lifesartnow2730]

What’s the music? Great video!

[@johnkinsfather6369]

Dave I do a lot of drop shot fishing, thought your video right on. I am trying to do more euro nymphing but used to the depth flexibility with indicator. When moving down the river how do you adjust to the various depths? Is the length of your sighter your limitation? ~ John K

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Thanks for watching John. You can either have a longer sighter section or I like to do a shallow sighter and a deep sighter further up my leader. So I can fish shallow to deep water pretty easily.

[@rodthompson7692]

Thanks for sharing. In your experience would a "chain" of small shot snag less than a single shot of equal weight? I imagine much depends on the type of bottom. Second question: As the the sighter is downstream of the shot I am imagining that you are gently drawing the shot along at the speed of the current on the bottom. Or do you you let the stream tumble the shot weight along and keep the sighter and tippet downstream of it?

[@SufferingOutdoors]

I will let Dave correct me if I’m wrong but more shot to equal the same weight will help with snagging. Also I’m having trouble understanding exactly how to answer your question. You always lead the shot and the flys with the sighted. How much you lead will depend on the depth and flow of the water. If you have to pull the shot down stream with the sighter it might be too heavy.

[@rodthompson7692]

@@SufferingOutdoors Thanks for reply. I gather then that one is not to "pull" the shot. Instead, find the weight that is heavy enough to go to the bottom and tumble along.

[@GAZBITRON]

Hi Dave. I'm fairly new to fishing, but already can see the benefit of the shot at the bottom of the rig, as it would most likely be the bit that snags. Thus saving your flies if the shot breaks or slides off. I'm trying to understand the sighter section. My best guess for the total of 18 feet is. 9ft of 4x tapered leader, 4ft of sighter 4x, then 4 to 4 1/2 ft of 4x tippet to bottom fly (2nd fly about 15" back from bottom fly), then 10 to 12" of shot dropper tippet also 4x or? Could you comment on whether my understanding is correct. The length and x rating of the sighter line is unclear to me but is very important in my overall understanding of the rig and technique you are using. Thank you for this for a excellent video.

[@blackeaglebowmen2154]

GAZBITRON, I construct my own leaders and that's how I end up with the length of leader I use. Too, my leaders incorporate 2 sighter sections: one is .014" and the other is .011" (0X) However, if someone would rather use a knotless tapered leader as the foundation that would be doable with the final result incorporating only one sighter. Start with a 9' 2X leader and cut back from the end of the tippet to a point that the diameter would mic out at .012". From here add a 14" section of .011 (0X) sighter material of choice and from there add 12" of 3X and finally 5' of 4X. Obviously, the final length would be only around 13' to the end of the 5' tippet. One of my leader formulas is roughly this length and quite a number of folks have fished it with good success over the years.

[@GAZBITRON]

@@blackeaglebowmen2154 Excellent Dave. Thank you so much for your reply. Can't wait to set this rig up and give it a try.

[@delablobbo]

Good stuff. But are you fishing with a fly line? How long is the leader?

[@blackeaglebowmen2154]

Bill, yes, I fish with a fly line. At the end I mention I use a Cortland Spring Creek 2 wt. line. At only .003 larger diameter there's negligible difference in comparison to a Euro line and it casts well when I want to fish with a dry even on this 4 wt. rod. My total leader length varies depending on my construction formula used. This leader is around 18 feet long down to the shot.

[@MegaNafo]

Nice video , have you try this setup at laks and ponds ?

[@SufferingOutdoors]

No I have you. You should give it a try and let us know how it works.

[@Windpower08]

Dave think I could do this with a 9’6” 3wt in the MN Driftless?

[@daverothrock8372]

Isaiah, most certainly you can. Before we had the longer rods pretty much all we had were 9'ers and I used this with much success with the shorter rods.

[@stroutman81]

What shot are you using here? And do you simply tie an overhand knot at the terminal end to keep the shot in place?

[@blackeaglebowmen2154]

I use non-toxic Dinsmore shot and I carry them in BB on down to #6 and even #8. Tying any knot at the terminal end would eliminate one of the advantages of using this system. Since it's the shot that get hung up the vast majority of the time you want the shot to be able to slip off of the mono. This is the main reason I don't lose many flies. I'd much rather lose a shot than a fly. If you'd know how slow of a fly-tier I am you'd really understand why the shot rather than the fly!

[@jackdehavenphoto]

Dave...I really enjoyed your video but am slightly confused on the measurements. I think you said the distance from the weight to the first fly (above the weight) was 10-11" and the second fly was 14" to 15" above the first fly. Is that correct or did I misunderstand? Any clarification appreciated.

[@blackeaglebowmen2154]

Jack, the last section of mono to which the shot is added is about 10 -11 inches long. The first shot is added about 6 - 8 inches below the dropper. I usually keep from 12 to 15 inches between droppers. Simply stated: tippet about 4 to 4 1/2 feet, first dropper, 12 to 15 inches to bottom dropper and tag for shot 10 to 11 inches long.

[@jackdehavenphoto]

@@blackeaglebowmen2154 Thanks Dave

[@jimnelson9182]

Dave - what is you leader set up? You mention that your overall leader length is 18’, but hat is the make up? Thanks!

[@SufferingOutdoors]

We may be doing a video in the future regarding this as Dave gets lots of questions on it.

[@jimcastillo8950]

Hello Dave, having a 10 foot rod do you have trouble with the trees in small streams? thanks......

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Yeah, that can definitely be a challenge, Dave with use a shorter rod for smaller streams. If it’s open water we like our 10 footers.

[@newrivernymphs3213]

Man you gotta show us how to rig this up I clicked on this video a demo on how to rig it. Anyways can you extend your leader to say 14-15 ft I have a hole on my home water that has 30+ trout in it and I can’t get them to hit anything it’s probably 12-15 ft deep and crystal clear but I has almost no current so I’m wondering if extending my leader I can be more vertical and get around the spookiness and the lack of current

[@SufferingOutdoors]

When you start getting that deep it is difficult / near impossible to fish with this setup without getting drag. Using a lake fishing type setup or rig might work better. You may find although the hole is that deep, when the fish start feeding they may be holding closer to the surface anyway.

[@shanghunter7697]

Am i the only one that noticed you look just like Hank Williams jr. or should i say he looks like you ! Great video brother.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Yeah I can kinda see it lol!

[@SufferingOutdoors]

I got a lot of questions for Dave on details on the leader specifically around the formula for this rig. It took us two years but we just posted another video!!! Link is here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4XWn52aZb6jiJI

[@timothylisk7665]

New fly fly fisher and am curious how you cast this rig with such long leaders. It doesn't seem like you have very little flyline past the tip of the rod. Is it just the weight of the splitshot and flies?

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Hi Tim, I’m not sure if you happened to catch the new video we just posted? Dave talked about casting a little. It is more of a lob then a dry fly cast. The more weight you have, generally the easier it is to lob the flies. When tight lining, you are also usually fishing relatively close so it doesn’t require long casts. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4XWn52aZb6jiJI

[@jimcastillo8950]

I see your point of using unweighted flies. They would drift more natural. On your tippet, is it flourocarbon or mono? thanks ......

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Dave always uses mono. He doesn’t feel like flouro is an advantage .

[@davesmith7906]

Good explanation but needs a video of how to change the nymph, thx

[@RGJR02]

How’s that sky 10’ 4 wt? There is a used one online that I want to buy.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

It’s a great rod, you won’t regret it if you pick it up.

[@battlefield8991]

I’m new to fly fishing so I apologize for the question..but is he tying the flies as such --(fly)--(fly)--(split shot)--(rod) ?

[@SufferingOutdoors]

The drop shot method you actually go rod, fly, fly, then split shot at the bottom.

[@ehtikhet]

This is really interesting but i wish i could see the rig being tied and set up in detail...

[@shanghunter7697]

I'm SURE there would be a LOT of videos showing this in detail, good luck out there and stay safe.

[@garyslade6509]

Unfortunately, in California the drop shot rig is illegal on moving water. However, I fish it, sometimes with a slip indicator, on still water. Especially effective when bass are deep in the winter.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

I know there are a few states where it is not legal. I think that is mostly to prevent guys from using it to snag bigger game fish. Thanks for watching!

[@garyslade6509]

@@SufferingOutdoors Yes. There are folks that try that method to snag spawning salmon. Not good.

[@EatShredSleep87]

I’ve heard people argue that it doesn’t apply to such a rig as the one outlined in this video due to the fact that the hooks (flies) are not in-line with the weight. So in a sense, it is not a typical drop shot method. What do you think?

[@patrickduffy4646]

Do you find that tangles are a problem with tag end and drop shot

[@daverothrock8372]

For the dropper tags if you keep them shorter I experience fewer tangles. The most potential for tangles is when a trout takes the upper fly.

[@daverothrock8372]

No more tangles than any other system using more than one fly.

[@jerryschureman1373]

Dave - This is good information and no doubt works well, but the system you discuss needs to be shown closeup and not just verbalized. Some of the setup was difficult to visualize without actually seeing it.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Hi Jerry, I think you’ll appreciate the follow up video where we use some easy to follow visuals. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4XWn52aZb6jiJI

[@jasonbeary5771]

I was VERY STUBBORNLY sticking to a leader that was general, not special purpose nymph. I wanted to be able to simply switch to using the leader for dry fly fishing. I have given up on that and engaged with the complexity of using a specialty sighter-included drop shot nymph leader; a rig that is purpose built and not otherwise applicable.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

You will have to check out The Ranting Anglers blog that Dave Rothrock writes. He has a leader to switch back and forth for drop shotting and dry fly fishing. It’s pretty amazing.

[@SDPBALLCOACH]

Ok, I'm going to have a look at this with some caveats. 1. I'm going to put a ring at the end of leader to attach tippet to and thus I can just tie onto the ring if I need to re-rig. 2. I AIN'T SIGHT INDICATOR FISHING! I can't see anything!! I'm keeping my INDICATOR!! Love the drop shot theory, gotta try it out.. 2A. Might try using lead putty vs split shot and really cut down on snags.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Dave will use the drop shot rig with an indicator. I'm sure the putty will work as well.

[@raywalteroutdoors]

I’ll try it my way always get tangled I spend more time trying to get knots out than fishing

[@jeremiahaltmiller9489]

I was taught the drop shot rig in the late '80's by Tony Marasco, owner of the Fly Tyers's Vice in Pittsburgh. It's deadly and simple. Not to mention, above all things that mattered to Tony, cheap!!!!!

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Haha nice! I'll have to ask Dave if he knows Tony.

[@jrcll7856]

i prefer this method over the typical so called euro nymphing

[@spikeconley]

Is the rod a Euro rod?

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Yep

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Panasonic gh5 best mirrorless for video? I’ll see your bet and raise you my Sony A7S3… gh5 is terrible in low light. Canon’s r6 is better and same price point. Can’t beat the a7s3 though. I can make distant city lights on the horizon almost invisible to the eye look like the rising sun! With my f1.8 20mm.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

I'll agree with you on that one. I use the GH5 for fly fishing and my Sony AX-53 for self filming. I might need to update that.

[@jackdehavenphoto]

Dave - what are some of your favorite flies for drop shot nymphing?

[@daverothrock8372]

Jack, unlike so many who have taken up this style of nymphing- whether you call it Euro, tight line, contact, whatever - I don't fish nymphs with beads much at all. I tend to fish nymph patterns that suggest naturals and that means I'm fishing most of my flies that suggest the active flies at the time. Remember that if you use weighted flies the heaviest weight in the system must in the shot.

[@jamesmay5365]

Why does this guy remind me of justice scalia, idk anyway good vid and info

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

We call this the bounce rig…or Provo river bounce rig.

[@matthewcorbitt6482]

Can you say Kelly Galloup

[@williamklein6749]

Galloup uses an indicator

[@Donuts_random_stuff]

Since the mid 1970’s?? I have to say that you look good for your age in that case 👍 I thought you’d be 40-45 😅

[@garymcnabb7527]

I like what you had to say, but if you bring the rig indoors so we can see it, so much the better. Drawings are good too. In the video, against the backdrop of earth tone waders it’s just not an appropriate presentation. Maybe you could do a video indoors then bring us outside.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

Thanks for watching Gary, I agree I should’ve used a diagram to represent the rig but cannot change it now. Possibly in another video.

[@rigginuts]

I know it's productive but at some point you might as well be using a cane pole and bobber

[@daverothrock8372]

Richard, good comparison. We need to keep all this in perspective. Just as I can put a grasshopper or cricket on a hook and get it on the water with a cane pole is comparable to casting a dry fly with a fly rod. It's all fishing. Oh, and let's not forget the cane pole and bobber thing compared to drifting a nymph with an indicator on the leader. It's all about fishing, isn't it? Fish well, my friend...

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

If the trout ever touches line it won’t take a fly.

[@jrcll7856]

so what is the total length of your leader