BUYER'S GUIDE: DROPSHOT FISHING - BAITS, TACKLE, RODS

[@ZaleppaFishing]

Used to skip over these smallmouth videos. Today I used a drop shot for the 1st time ever an got a near 4 pounder and here I am watching all the smallmouth videos lmao hooked

[@danham3344]

The wind was actually your friend Tim. It was showing how limber or stiff each bait was. Apparently your Mic system is quality because the wind didn’t have any adverse effects. Great job!

[@Shawn_Lai]

It's crazy how many more fish I catch when I just slowly drag a DS instead of try and shake it. That was the best thing I've learned from yall.

[@tylucifer9865]

U guys have helped me catch so many fish this year, it was a blast here for me in Minnesota. This year I have caught so many 4 pound fish from shore, I even caught my personal best smallmouth bass 5 pounds on a dropshot. These guys are a blessing in disguise

[@MrDoItAll91]

SOLID!!! This is one technique that’s on the top of my “Learning List” for 2022!! I’m definitely soaking this in. Thanks always guys

[@shiggityswa]

After going through a spree of key fish losses this year I switched hooks from mustads to ichikawa and have been wildly impressed. Really fond of the ichikawa mukade finesse #2

[@tonyh.9957]

Ichikawa makes some really great hooks!!!! Low-key Amazingly good

[@VinceNiergarth]

Drop shot has been the trip saver every fishing trip, with the old NRX DSR always put a fish in the boat. I can't wait for my NRX+ to come in. Great video!

[@rafabonati7757]

I like the Cali Clip idea. They will be added to my next order.

[@davidpenner2903]

I use the Keitech Easy Shiner in Electric Blue and Chartreuse and fish it with an Owner #2 springlock screwed into the head and an Owner 1/0 circle hook. It slays around docks at Lake of the Ozarks. Awesome video. This is my second favorite technique. Dropshotting is a blast year round.

[@bassmayhem4215]

A drop shot keeper! In the bag. Finally. I've been wrapping my rod or around the reel arm.

[@gaylanmarth2431]

Morning Tim… had a question on rods… what do you think about the Dobyns Champion rods… they are on sale… how do they compare to the Exprides… Thanks

[@tonygupton9386]

Great video. Would love for u guys to come to north carolina and check out the great fisheries we have in the middle of our state. Kerr, Gaston, Roanoke Reservoir, Mayo lake, Falls, Jordan, Chowan River, Roanoke River, so many great fisheries. Really like all your videos.

[@shannonwhitehead6314]

Hi from northern CA,, been using the Smallie smasher in Lake Oroville , still trying to figure out color,, But nothing beats the Robo worm,,, Fish on guys,, keep it up!!

[@Capper69]

I’m from so cal but roboworm for the win but I will say the dreamshot by strike king really does damage on all bass when dropshotting or other worm rigs!

[@chadw.6907]

If you guys keep a fishing journal, which I'm guessing you do, I think showing what you track and how you use it would be an awesome video.

[@zman-mq2fz]

Hey Tim or Matt what is the best color of the Megabass hazedog for Nor Cal smallies

[@maxcole3930]

I am big fan of drop shot, I keep a drop shot rig on my yak for every trip year around. I do a lot of drop swimming. I also like to keep a drop shot dragging or swimming behind me as I drift fishing with another rod in my hands. Catch a lot of bonus fish that way. Just have keep eye on it though.. I want to get a better dedicated rod for this year. Gonna check out rod your suggesting for sure. Big swim baits & drop shots are my favs

[@jacobkramer1089]

My favorite dropshot bait this season has been the Strike King Baby Z-Too. Similar to the zoom fluke Jr and the dimiki armor shad, but made out of Elaztech. Great colors and a nice finesse action when it's sitting still in current.

[@akilidebrady3785]

Happy Friday Tactical Bassin'.Love this technique when I just gotta get one. Thanks for the vid!

[@jimwarden9617]

Thanks Tim.

[@darekchildress7648]

Can you guys make a video on your top ten favorite bass fishing lakes in the country?

[@drew1302]

Have you guys thought about making videos more specific to targeting spotted bass?

[@fishingrelaunched4864]

THANKS FOR POSTING. Very informative. Will focus on this drop shot technique next year.

[@AidanSmitfishing]

Thought on a longer rod for dropshotting? This year I switched to a 7’0 light expride vs a 7’1 medium and ml slx, 7’4 medium curado and LOVED the light action. I don’t think I lost one fish on it vs the stiffer rods. I’m definitely of picking up a 7’6 light imx pro for finesse seimbaits and hair jigs. Thinking of getting another one for dropshotting shallow water and keeping the 7’0 light or switching to a 6’10ish ml for 3/8-3/4oz weights vertically fishing deep and drifting on the st Lawrence

[@katiedolfman6496]

Great vid. Thank you!

[@michaelray3629]

have you guys tried the siren from sixgill? I broke down and tried it, and its now my goto drop shot rod. every bit as sensitive as the nrx imho, for about 200 less.

[@DavidMccallister65]

Whether I'm using tungsten or lead, I really prefer the tear drop shape weight over the long cylinders. I break off way more frequently with the cylinders

[@JoshuaCussins]

Hey whats up Tim? Loving the channel. Im looking for a decent budget finesse shimano spinning reel to go with a Dobyns Sierra STP 700SF. Any recommendations? Thank you.

[@bassinbilliards6279]

Zodias is my lineup. 400$+ is my budget in general. I love old and new for dropshotting. The 7'light is great for smaller fisheries and the med light for a place like Clearlake etc.

[@richardjohnson2650]

great video super informative. tear drop or cylinder weight for snag-city massive boulders?

[@brandonwalmsley1863]

The Roboworm 4.5 MMIII on an owner sz 1 mosquito hook is my go to rig. If I can’t get bit on anything else, THAT is the guaranteed bite! So good! BUT the weight I go to is the Swagger Tungsten Vader pencil weights. If y’all haven’t used those, you’re missing out!!

[@seizedcarcass8440]

Crazy question but have you noticed the zoom baits have different salt contents based on what they say? Like super salt,original and better than salt? What are the differences in them? Does the better than salt float good for dropshots?

[@btmbass8558]

I find that tying a simple overhand knot on the wedge style weights will prevent the weights flying off from fish jumps but will still let you break off on the bottom if stuck

[@MrCruzou]

Thank u for another great video. I take big inspiration in ur videos to my Perch fishing here in sweden, I gotta ask if u tryed the Lyrefans DK7, 5, 4. Would be intressting to hear if it competes with some of the brands u use. Tigtht lines out there ;)

[@dong8307]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@Ashley0789]

Awesome video! Thank you for the solid advice. I'm learning so much from watching your channel.

[@paulfix2025]

Nrx+ DSR VS older model. I understand that they changed the action on the new model?

[@nawinchester]

I know you like the 6" roboworm, as you talk about it often, but do you ever nose hook that bait or do you always texas rig it given the length of the bait?

[@TheMRVR6]

In my experience I use the Owner cover shot 1/0 hook with the 6” robo, never fails.

[@vikeskie]

3 and 4 inch Reins Bubbling Shaker is hard to beat.

[@geneussery8968]

Tim, what is your go to size for your drop shot setup as far as weights are concerned? Thanks

[@jonahlawrence6204]

Really good stuff thanks

[@donaldferris1638]

Great info thanks

[@tonyparsley641]

Where’s mat. Lolll he’s a good buddy. That was funny. Last video. He is a talker. Lmao. I hope you and your family have a great merry Christmas and let’s have a great New Year.

[@Saber_Outdoors]

I'm trying something new today. I bought a lunkerhunt wire arm and I'm going to put that on a 2.5oz 6inch. swimbait. I'm going to see if that will hold my bait higher off the bottom without me needing to burn it. It works on smaller swimbaits. I'll let you know how it looks later or on the next video

[@Saber_Outdoors]

It works but it would work better if my wire arm had bigger blades. Didn't help that i had to use a swivel to connent the massive hook to the arm.

[@uneathharrison]

Tim!! I bought a megabass destroyer evolution titanium infused rod (Diablo) paired up with shimano alberdan reel. Use it for shaky head. Thing is so sweet. Rod is amazing. Super light sensitive and can rip it with good backbone. Have you tried these megabass rods?. Don’t sell on TW had to get from somewhere else. You guys are the best. Thank you.

[@kirkblackadar7299]

Another perfectly timed episode. I just picked up a 7' medium light curado (spinning rod) for great lakes smallies next year. Any reel suggestions guys?

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Any Shimano to match it... the Abu revo x is a pretty dang good work horse too

[@jamesh7469]

Get a 3000 size, and spool it with 8lb braid it all the way to the core with minimal backing, buy the 300yd spool not the 150. If you put in enough time on the great lakes looking for smallies, you’re going to run into a big lake trout, salmon, or steelhead on accident. If you went small on the reel size or the line capacity, you’re going to regret it. Plus the bigger spool casts further and picks up line faster. Vanford 3000 would be excellent

[@midwestfischerman]

@@jamesh7469 I agree 100%, great calls. You definitely need to be prepared when on the Great Lakes, when you set the hook you never know if it's a 12" smallie or a 12-pound steelhead or brown trout!

[@jamesh7469]

@@midwestfischerman I had a 30lb lake trout eat my blade bait. Hell of a fight on my curado 70. The scariest thing to into hook is a salmon, it’s uncommon but there is like 1-2 months where they can be occupying some of the same areas as the bass and you might run into them. They don’t jump like a steelie, they don’t head shake like a laker, they just take off like a torpedo. When they’re still fresh and chromed up before the spawn run begins, they will spool any spinning reel with less that 200yds of line on it. You basically just have to set the drag as tight as you feel comfortable and pray. Absolutely nerve wracking knowing there’s nothing you can do

[@midwestfischerman]

@@jamesh7469 WOW, you said it about fresh run king salmon!!! You hook into one and you are convinced you hooked a submarine, PURE POWER! From late August through October I tend to use a 4000-size spinning reel with 20-lb Fireline Crystal. The Fireline Crystal I find is more abrasion resistant than other superlines, and it's much easier to cast than 20 lb. test mono or fluoro. That time of year is the only time I actually target king salmon from shore in Chicago boat harbors.

[@tomselick6983]

Im slowly changing all my braid over to sx1, it doesn’t fray as much as some lines but mostly bc of the natural mossy green it slowly fades to

[@AngryOtter614]

Have you guys fished the TFO rods? I think they are pretty amazing for the price.

[@joshsawyer2622]

What is the purpose behind the flat belly on a drop shot worm? Just wondering. I’ve never fished drop shot before but I picked up a Dobyns Fury 6’6” light spinning rod while they’re on sale right now with the intention of using as a drop shot setup. Gonna pair it up with a 2500 Stradic HG. Excited to start dropping. Great video as always.

[@kyleanderson8670]

Hey, have you used cadence fishing equipment? If so what do you think about their products? I came to you guys because your the only tackle junkies I trust.

[@lightningmusky5286]

Why are dropshot rods so short in length? I would have thought a longer 7’3-7’6 rod would be better for both hooking and fighting a fish especially in deeper water. I would like to hear your opinion on this.

[@pj3p488]

First fish this morning of 20 caught was 22". Netbait Finesse worm, 1/0 Gamakatsu EWG, 3/16 Swagger pencil weight , Dobyns Champion 702C, Metanium.

[@hunterbushell3276]

Hopefully we get a top 10 baits of 2021

[@johnbowe4564]

Could I add to the baits with a lunker city finneses fish minnow style bait

[@rickmoc2521]

Looking for a fluorocarbon line to use for leader line and drop shot , I fish Northern California lakes , berryessa,delta and clear lake, thanks for any info 🎣

[@jacobkrueger1920]

Do you like the Expride 610ML?

[@Bristoln1]

Tim - Do you like the 6’10” UL poison adrena spinning rod for drop shoting?

[@benroberts6849]

I got the Savage gear 8" RTF pulse tail and I got the slow sink...is that what I should have chose? also my lake is like 1-2 foot visibility can I still fish it and creep it on the bottom?

[@Truckerslife-365]

Thanks guys

[@volcomsk8992]

What size braid and leader do you use?

[@law1831]

Tim, you should've included the roboworm rebarb hooks. They're excellent in grassy lakes and ponds

[@kalronn]

They run out of description space and the Owner Cover Shot Worm Hooks essentially serve the same purpose.

[@dreddy5187]

Has Tactical done a video on how to tie a hook on for dropshotting?

[@WildBillHabiki]

anyone else like the VMC spinshot hooks? it has two line ties. one for the leader and one for the weight. i tend to like this better than tying a palomar knot and sometimes you weight gets hung up so with the spinshot (no line twist either) if the weight gets hung up you don't lose your hook/bait and weight.

[@rickvann3489]

How does the NRX 822 vs the NRX + 822 compare

[@Fisherman_83]

Have you all tried the newer St.croix Victory drop shot rod?

[@kevinvue8159]

From a cinematic, videography perspective. You should do some secondary “B-Roll” and bring your videos to life. Just something simple like a side clip of a close up to your baits and etc. while you’re talking about them.

[@shawnnaylor482]

In an unrelated subject when will we get to see the Amazon footage?

[@oldtoad76]

Smallie Smasher: Flat side up or flat side down?

[@Grimey_Fishing]

Flat side down is the way I use them and the way I've seen others use them.

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

My local spots are so murky its actually chocolate milk, threw a chartreuse chatterbait yesterday for a little bit in 30 mph winds and I couldn't even see it until I pulled it to recast

[@darrenmoore2794]

Why can't I find any dobyns sierra bfs rods? Any help?

[@capturedmoments5024]

That smaller smasher catches fish for me

[@borreholic]

I'm apparently not alone in loving T-handles.. 🙂

[@FlippinOkie]

Swimming a 3inch hazedong shad on a dropshot will catch fish no matter where youre at, the weather conditions, time of day. Etc etc. Im practically convinced i could catch fish with it on dry land 🤷‍♂️

[@jackwilliams8272]

Have you tried Taiwan rod

[@jackwilliams8272]

Taipan

[@jimleeaf]

How about a buyers guide on fishing lines? Braid, flouro, ect. high end, budget friendly, best bang for you buck?

[@realfishingalabama-jaycroc288]

Are decoy drop shot hooks good?

[@jimcorbett4115]

That's all I use cause I suck at tying hooks on for dropshot. They work awesome

[@MrShawnmg]

Yes!!!

[@maxwinchell8927]

See I just tie an overhand knot at the end of my line and then put the weight with a clip on. It prevents it from sliding down the line when a fish head shakes.

[@mysero1188]

expride 7 medium for drop shot do i am alone ?

[@2damnwise250]

I've caught one fish on a drop spotted zoom fluke jr. It was the biggest ugliest rock bass I have ever seen

[@haciendadad]

FYI, you must have a good mic because we could not hear any wind noise.

[@jameswilson4954]

When they won't even take a fluke, the centipede baits can be effective. Not exciting, but effective.

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Poor boy baits has an awesome Erie darter for a dropshot but I usually trig em

[@HuntStewTV]

Which is your favorite drop shot bait when it comes time to bed fish?

[@CoolWhipp-hy1qu]

Drop shot weights are a menace. Leave them free and your whole rod will be tangled by the time you get home

[@seanleau]

I have seen a bunch of your bait recommendations video already, one word of advice, focus on the products and do close up shot of it or even better, a demo in the water to let us know how it works and how you work it. That would be more meaningful on all the videos that you have uploaded.

[@carriep7812]

Hooks...as natural as possible - minus the hook protruding out of them? 😃 Not being an ass here, but do you think the fish really care?

[@kevinlawson1503]

I think I speak for dumb stupid bait fish everywhere when I proudly proclaim, ">splash< GULP".....