We recently received a couple of emails essentially asking the same thing: What’s wrong with my dropshot rig? Why can’t I catch fish using this technique?
This is a great question because this is one of those techniques that you see on TV and magazines a lot catching fish—but in many conversations with casual fisherman, it can be trickier than it looks. Let’s dive in to a few of the finer points of the dropshot and answer these questions.
Retrieval Speed
This first major point to focus on is your retrieval speed.
A dropshot is so great because it allows your bait to park itself right in front of the fish, which can help you catch them even if they are not actively feeding—oftentimes, you will simply annoy a bass into striking.
Unfortunately, many people will retrieve the rig like they would a crankbait—moderately quickly, and with a stop and go action. This defeats the purpose of the rig.
While you can catch fish with this retrieve when they are active and chasing, it’s won’t really help when they are slowed down and suspended.
So, the first tip is to slow down your retrieve…
Dropshot Visibility
The next thing to understand about the dropshot is that it is a sight bait. You will mainly be appealing to the bass’ sense of sight to coax them into biting.
Obviously, this can be tricky in stained water, so on top of slowing down so the fish can see it, you also need to pay attention to the color selection. Dark colors can work well, as can very light colors.
If your local water is very stained, experiment with these two extremes to find which works best for you.
Keep Casting
The last tip we have for your dropshot fishing is to keep casting!
With sight oriented baits and sluggish fish (or stained water), you may need to get the bait in front of the fish more. If you are casting to a good spot, and you see fish on your electronics, don’t get frustrated when they don’t bite right away.
They may need to see the bait several times to make a decision. Keep casting, stay with it—it will pay off.
See ya on the water…