Drop Shot Rig
Suspended Finesse Plastic
A finesse rig that keeps a small bait hovering above bottom while the weight holds depth.
Keeps the bait in the strike zone without dragging it into every rock on the bottom.
Products in this rig video
Pinch-on style lets you re-rig quickly
Octopus-style or VMC SpinShot
Roboworm, Z-Man Finesse ShadZ
7' M with 10lb braid + 8lb fluoro
Ingredient list
How to build it
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1
Tie the hook with a Palomar, leaving a long tag end.
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2
Run the tag back through the hook eye so the hook stands out.
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3
Clip the weight 12-24 inches below the hook.
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4
Nose-hook or wacky-hook the bait.
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5
Shake slack lightly while the weight stays put.
How to fish it
Smallmouth in deeper pools, current seams, and clear-water bite windows.
Variations
- Short leader for bottom-hugging fish.
- Long leader for suspended fish.
- Heavier weight in current.
Tie the weak links correctly
A strong, simple terminal knot that shines on braid, hooks, jigs, and drop-shot style presentations.
A compact braid-to-mono or braid-to-fluoro connection for spinning setups.
The quick line-to-line knot for adding tippet or joining similar diameter mono and fluorocarbon.
Current water that fits this setup
Holding steady at 17 CFS, water is clear, 54°F — staging and pre-spawn activity. A good day if you read the water right. Stable water means fish are in their comfort zones. One More River Won't Hurt.
Running 21 CFS, water is clear. The window is narrow. Work the softer water. Clear water means spooky fish. Approach low and slow. One More Cast Ruined My Life.
Holding steady at 1,210 CFS, water is clear. Solid window. Put in the work and you'll be rewarded. No surprises in the flow. Pick your favorite run. Your Daily Dose of Flow, Clarity, and Chrome Fever.
Holding steady at 1 CFS, water is clear. A good day if you read the water right. No surprises in the flow. Pick your favorite run. The Tug Is the Drug.
Gear shelf
