Northwest Fishing Reports

I've seen this mentioned several times in the reports, and have seen it on TV a few times. But, I don't knwo how to tie a dropshot. What's the best way to tie the hook onto the line above the sinker?

the palomar knot, just leave a long tag end.

Agreed but do not forget to run the tag end back down through the eye of the hook. This helps the hook stand out more. Also when you set the hook sweep don't jerk. See link for description on how to tie.

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/drop-shot.html

When you tie the palomar knot, put the hook upside down then when you fishing it will stand right side up.

The only way you rig a drop shot is with the weight under the hook...here's a pic



I use a size 2 gamakatsu drop shot hooks and just nose hook the bait. You can texas rig a 3 or 4/0 hook but for smallies keep it small. AND I also tie the weight only 6 inches under the hook NOT anymore than 12".

kickerfish wrote:Agreed but do not forget to run the tag end back down through the eye of the hook. This helps the hook stand out more. Also when you set the hook sweep don't jerk. See link for description on how to tie.

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/drop-shot.html

Thanks! The imags on that site are a bit tough to follow, but I found another site that does a good job:
http://www.animatedknots.com/palomar/in ... dknots.com

Hey, in the Sammamish Bass Fishing video, what kind of weight is he using? I think he said something about it coming off if it gets snagged. Is that right? Maybe Mike should invest in some microphones. o:)

What is the standard ammount of weight to use on a dropshot rig? How do you knw to increase or decrease the ammount of weight?

Use just enough to feel your weight on the bottom. I normally use a 3/16 oz weight. I prefer the round drop shot weight versus the cylinder type. If you are fishing the drop shot out some distance you will need to increase the size of the weight.

dilbert wrote:What is the standard ammount of weight to use on a dropshot rig? How do you knw to increase or decrease the ammount of weight?

Kickerfish said it, I use lighter wieght in rocky cover and heavier wieght in sandy and soft

I was using the weights pictured in the reply by "fishnislife" They are standard dropshot weights. I prefer to use the longer cylinder type, they seem to come through rocks better for me. Use as little weight as you can get away with. I always carry 5 different weight sizes with me. I also like to vary my leader length depending on what cover I am fishing. If I can go short (6-8") I will, but sometimes you need to go longer, if the fish are suspending, or when fishing over weedbeds.

As others have stated use as little weight as possible. I primarily use the cylinder type weights for most occasions. They tend to get hung up less in rocks and pull through weeds much easier. However, when dock fishing I will go to the round weights. They skip much easier than cylindric ones do. On calm days I will go all the way down to 1/16 oz. As the wind or wave action picks up I will progress up till I can keep a good feel on my line.

When dock fishing the small fish are easily detectable by the tell-tale "tap tap tap". The larger ones will simply swim away with your line, no indication there is a fish there until you realize your line is not where you placed it.

When fishing vertically in deeper water the same "tap tap tap" will occur with small fish. The larger ones will just sit there and make your line heavy.

Most importantly when drop shotting, remember to keep your line as vertical as possible. Long casts will decrease the efficiency of the technique. You have an exposed very small hook, so you will not need to rear back and slam the hook home, a gentle upward sweep works best. And always set the hook straight up, never side sweep a drop shot hook set. You will slide the hook right out of the corner of the mouth. I have recently had an extremely high bite to hook ratio, with nearly all being hooked dead center upper lip.

Match up your hook to your bait size then just tie a palomar knot and leave your designated length for the depth that you want your bait to sit at, and tie a weight to the tag end.