When the spawn ends, it becomes more difficult to catch those huge bass because they stop attacking from aggression. Fortunately, the drop shot rig, when properly fished, will trigger that reflection in those lunker bass. While the tips here will increase the quality of your catch, the amount of your catch will always be determined by how well you can read the water. Of course, the best general strategy, whether by boat or on foot, is not to stay too long in one place, you can reduce wasted time by being able to tell if what you are looking at is likely to contain bass.

The drop shooting platform presents your bait from the bottom. Tie a hook, any type (I prefer the Octopus style) from a size 4 to a 2/0 depending on the bait you are using, but be sure to leave at least an extra foot of line beyond the no. The usual knot requires a dovecote tied so that the hook space is facing up. Google this, since what we are discussing here is the technique and not so much the rigging. Add a little weight to the bottom, about twice what your bait weighs. When fishing for the drop shot, it is highly recommended that you use a good hydrocarbon line. Visibility, or the lack of it, is paramount to make that slab bite the bait. You can cast any bait, live or artificial, but I prefer to start with a Senko type bass worm (the largest and thickest). The traditional drop shot technique requires the nose to hook onto the bait. However, I have found that wacky rigs have a higher connection rate. To manipulate your worm, just hook it in the middle!

It will take a bit of learning, but soon you will be able to know exactly what your weight is moving on when you get back on line. There’s a very different feeling to being bitten, but don’t be put off if you can’t tell the difference between bouncing off rocks and being picked up by bass. When you’ve mastered that, it’s time to take the next step: do nothing. It sounds counterintuitive, but the best way to catch the big boys is to barely move the bait, especially if you know there is a fish where you are casting. Many bass professionals will disagree with this approach, but give it a try. Put your bait in place and then very subtly bounce the tip of the rod. Bounce it some more. And then beat it some more. This technique really requires patience, as the bass is likely to ignore you for a while before hitting. But when you do, it will all have been worth it! Make sure to build up some tension in the line before setting the hook. This tip applies to all fishing, but is particularly important with the drop shot if you want to keep your conversions high.