DROPSHOTTING FOR BASS

Dropshotting is a variation on an old crappie technique. It is a simple and effective technique for those days when the sun is high and the bass have lockjaw. It is not really a popular rig for the ground pounder but can be adapted to such use.

Tournament Pro, Rich Tauber recommends having one spinning rod rigged for dropshotting. His preference is a 6 to 6 ½ foot medium action rod. He spools it with eight pound green line. It can be used with bait casting equipment but the angler must go to heavier line and bait. For that rod set up he would use 12 to 14 pound test line and a 1/4 ounce or larger bait. For the spinning reel he uses a 4 inch plastic worm with a straight tail, not twister tail.

According to Tauber, the longer rods move more line when setting a hook. “They make you taller,” says Rich. “When all else fails,” says Tauber, “this rig is my go to rig.”

Gary Klein, describes dropshotting as the hot new deep-water technique. He calls it a light-line, finesse presentation that is also known as controlled depth fishing.

To rig the rod, one ties a Palomar knot in the line about 18 inches from the end with a very long tag end. The Palomar knot is tied as follows: Double the line and form a loop three to four inches in length. Pass the end of the loop through the hooks eye. Holding the standing line between thumb and finger, grasp the loop with free hand and form a simple overhand knot. Pass the hook through loop and draw line while guiding loop over top of eyelet. Pull the tag end of the line to tighten know snugly. Do not trim the tag end.

To the end of line (on the tag end) attach a sinker. This can be a split shot sinker, but remember to tie a small overhand knot to the very end. It helps to keep the sinker from slipping off the end when caught in brush or rocks. This technique is gaining so much popularity that special weights called “Bakudan” are being imported and will soon be available locally. Bakudan weights are ball shaped and have a swivel line tie. It also has a line clip that allows you to change the distance between the bait and weight without re-tying.

The worm is attached to the hook, much like a Texas-rigged worm, but without the bullet weight. When the line is dropped into the water the worm and hook float above the sinker. Thus as the rod tip is moved, the action is applied to the bait not the sinker.

This rig can be cast, jigged or drifted. The key is to not move quickly, more like fishing with an ice fly. The idea is to wiggle the bait, not jerk it. Cast it out and let the bait sink. Watch the line float, twitch it and the watch it float. Give it a shake occasionally which will cause the worm to twitch.

Dropshotting is one of a long line of fishing improvements that have come along in bass fishing. It won’t be the last. Give it a try this summer and see if it does not improve your catching success.

Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder
http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/