Bass Fishing Gear Guides
Drop Shot Gear Guide
Drop Shot Fishing
Legendary pro-angler Aaron Martens has called the drop shot the best tactic for catching bass nationwide. Effective year-round, it excels in clear water and pressured fisheries. Perfected by Japanese anglers and popularized in the U.S. in the '90s, the drop shot quickly became a game-changer in bass fishing.
Drop Shot Fishing Essentials
Drop Shot Baits
Straight tail worms, flat worms, and shads make for perfect drop shot baits. We prefer the 4-6" options, as drop shot fishing is a finesse technique.
Drop Shot Rods
Sensitivity is crucial in drop shot fishing, so we recommend the most sensitive 6'10" - 7'3" spinning rods. Medium-light or medium powered blanks let you fight fish, while a fast or extra-fast tip allows for quick hooksets and increased presentation in deep water.
Drop Shot Reels
Some anglers prefer smaller spinning reels, while others prefer a 2500-3000 spinning reel to get more line capacity for long-range casts and pick up more line per turn. The key is a smooth starting drag to distribute pressure evenly and prevent breakage with lighter lines.
Drop Shot Line
A braided mainline attached to a fluorocarbon leader makes for a great drop shot setup with more sensitivity, less line twists, and lower costs. We like a 12-15 lb high-visibility braided mainline and a 6-10 lb fluorocarbon leader, staying as light as possible, but keeping in mind to switching things up when conditions call for changes.
Drop Shot Modifications & Terminal Tackle
Start with a drop shot weight around 3/16 oz, and move up from there depending on wind and water depth. Nose hooking is most common and maximizes tail action and movement of your lure. If fishing in cover, rebarb hooks can reduce hang-ups.
Drop Shot Colors
Natural colors and patterns are a great starting point for drop shot fishing. On sunny days, try a flake pattern to shine bright and attract fish. In dirty water or low-light, vibrant colors and a chartreuse tail stand out and garner attention.
