Many anglers are quick to stray away from the drop shot simply because they do not know what gear to use. Between the irregular hooks, baits, and weights, it can often be hard to put together an ideal drop shot rig for where you are fishing. In this article, we will be untangling this messy topic for anglers and show how to choose the correct drop shot weights for where you are fishing!
Step 1: Identify how deep you will be fishing
A big variable that determines what drop shot bait you should choose is where you plan on fishing. Depending on the structure and depth of where you are fishing, the right drop shot weight can vary tremendously. We recommend breaking down where you are fishing into two parts: structure and depth. When fishing in deeper water, a heavier drop shot weight is better. On the other hand, if you plan on mostly fishing shallow water, using a lighter weight is ideal, so you don’t scare off the bass with a big splash. We recommend using a ⅜ or ½ ounce weight when fishing deep water and downsizing to 3/16 or ¼ ounce when fishing in shallow waters. Overall the weight on the drop shot does not make a massive difference, but the small benefits we mentioned could lead to more fish in your boat!
Step 2: Identify what structure you will be fishing
Structure is a key variable when looking at what drop shot weight you should use. If you use the wrong weight, it can lead to many break-offs and headaches on the water, which is why you must know the difference between the two drop shot weights. The teardrop weight is the ideal drop shot weight for fishing rocks. Due to its teardrop shape, this weight is much easier to get out of rocks. In addition, the teardrop weight doesn’t break off as much as other options. When thrown in thick weeds, the teardrop weight is known to snag grass on retrieval. We recommend strictly throwing this weight in rocky cover, or else chances are you will get caught up in vegetation. The cylinder drop shot weight is an ideal choice for fishing in weeds. This weight snags fewer weeds and allows anglers to fish in vegetated areas much easier. The cylinder weight is known for getting snagged in rocks, so stay away from using this weight when fishing rocky areas. As long as you keep these two weights straight, you shouldn't have any problems while drop shot fishing.
Overall the drop shot is one of the most effective lures to throw during the spring and summer fishing season. The drop shot rig can be used anywhere with the correct weights, which makes it a must-have for any serious bass angler. Remember this bass fishing tip: teardrop weights are for rocks, and cylinder weights are for vegetation. If you want to pair your new drop shot fishing knowledge with even more tips, check out five drop shot tactics you need to know. Trust us when we say after reading that article, you will be equipped with everything you need to know about drop shot fishing!
