START DROP SHOT RIGGING THIS WINTER!

A drop shot rig is a popular tactic for catching bass when using a worm. To set up the rig, tie a hook onto the end of the fishing line and attach a small sinker about 12 to 18 inches above the hook. Next, thread the worm onto the hook, making sure that the worm hangs freely and is able to move naturally in the water. When casting, allow the rig to sink to the desired depth before slowly reeling in the slack line. The key to this tactic is to keep the bait as natural as possible, so try to use a light touch when reeling in and be sure to watch for any subtle changes in the line that could indicate a bite. This technique is particularly effective when fishing in clear water and targeting bass that is holding in structures, such as rocks or weed beds. The drop-shot technique was developed with custom hand-poured baits designed to fool pressured bass in Japan where it first originated and later on matured after being introduced in the 90s to the western United States. It has always just been thought of as a light-line West Coast technique for bass, but the technique has evolved and is effective just about anywhere. But, over time experienced anglers have eventually figured out that it’s really not as effective in crystal clear waters.

You’ll want to use a heavier line and make sure you have good bait.  Most drop-shots baits are small and lean into the finesse nature of the technique. There’s no limit to bait size and there’s also a large variety of baits that work year-round with the drop shot and have proven to be effective. When using a drop shot rig with a worm, there are several spots to cast into that can increase your chances of catching bass. One of the best spots to cast is around structures such as rocks, logs, or weed beds. These areas provide cover for the fish and can hold a concentration of forage, making them prime locations to target. When fishing around a structure, it’s important to cast the rig at different angles and retrieve it slowly. Another spot to cast is near drop-offs or ledges. These areas can be found by looking for changes in water depth or by using a fish finder. Bass will often hold in these areas waiting for prey to come by. Another great spot to cast is around points, such as the point where a creek channel meets the main lake, or where a point of land edges out toward the main water. 

These points can hold concentrations of baitfish, and bass will often be nearby. Casting around submerged vegetation can also be productive. Submerged vegetation such as lily pads, grass beds, and moss can hold large numbers of forage species and also act as ambush points for bass. It’s important to note that bass are constantly on the move, so it’s best to fish a variety of spots and pay attention to the fish’s behavior and movement. By casting into different spots, you can increase your chances of finding active fish and ultimately, increase your chances of catching bass. We have always found most of our success using a 5-inch Fresh Worm. Using a stick-style worm is one of the most tried and true ways to catch fish. Our Fresh Worms do not only FLOAT but they’re designed to catch both size and numbers on the water. Our Fresh Worms are also scented for complete and total attraction. The durable non-salted plastic they’re made of provides a superior life-like action that triggers more strikes all year round. Worms will always be the proven way to catch fish no matter the conditions.

Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a wide variety of 5-inch Fresh Worms to choose from, but we’ve recently released new 6-inch Worms that catch some trophies. Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR are all available in 5 and 6-inch. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! Colors like Black & Blue, Smoke Purple Shad, and Bone White work perfectly during winter due to the baits color change. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another under different lighting conditions. Each Worm is scented for complete and total attraction and made in the USA by anglers just like you!

Drop shot rigging a cray-styled bait, like the Scorpion, is a great way to target bass in a variety of fishing conditions. The rig is set up by first tying a hook onto the end of the fishing line and then attaching a small sinker about 12 to 18 inches above the hook. Next, thread the Scorpion onto the hook, making sure that the tail of the bait hangs freely and is able to move naturally in the water. The key to this tactic is to make the bait look as natural as possible so that it mimics the movement of a real crayfish. When casting, allow the rig to sink to the desired depth before slowly reeling in the slack line. This technique is particularly effective when fishing in clear water and targeting bass that are holding in structure, such as rocks or weed beds. The added action of the tail on the Scorpion can also help to entice a strike from a bass, making it a great option for when the fish are finicky.

We like to use a bait that bass simply can’t resist. We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our Fresh Scorpion paired with a Stand-up jig is deadly… This bait will actually sit upright in a defensive stance! The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Made from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action that triggers MORE strikes! Scented for complete attraction!

Drop shot rigging with a HellaMite bait that imitates insect larva is a great tactic for catching bass. The HellaMite is a soft-plastic bait that mimics the look and action of an insect larva, making it an attractive option for bass that is feeding on aquatic insects. When casting, allow the rig to sink to the desired depth before slowly reeling in the slack line. This technique is particularly effective when fishing in clear water and targeting bass that is holding in structures, such as rocks or weed beds, or around areas where there is a high concentration of aquatic insects. Another variation of this tactic is to rig the HellaMite on a jig head, this will give it a more natural presentation in the water and can be a great option when bass is feeding on insect larvae in deeper waters. It’s important to note that bass are constantly on the move, so it’s best to fish a variety of spots and pay attention to the fish’s behavior and movement. By experimenting with different rigging options and casting into different spots, you can increase your chances of finding active fish and ultimately, increase your chances of catching bass.

They’re designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, the HellaMite delivers a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. Additionally, its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a Drop Shot, Ned Rig, Neko Rig, and even a small Carolina Rig, making it the ideal bait in any weather condition. Perfect for all species of fish including bass year round! Made from durable high-grade non-salted plastic that will stand up as it’s hopped or dragged along the bottom with attention-grabbing action. In cold water we’ve found the most success using colors such as Natural, Green Pumpkin, Black & Blue, Perch, Brown Bug, and even Ghost. These colors work the best because in winter baits lack a crucial vitamin and in result they turn a blue/ green color. 

One of the most important parts of drop-shotting is making sure you have the proper hook. Owner Mosquito Hooks are perfect for drop-shot rigging because of their unique design and construction. It’s designed to accommodate a wide range of baits as well. These hooks feature a small size and a fine wire gauge which makes them ideal for rigging small soft-plastic baits such as Worms, Scorpions, and HellaMites. One of the most significant advantages of using Owner Mosquito Hooks is their ultra-sharp point, which allows for easy penetration and a solid hookset, which is crucial when drop-shot rigging. The fine wire gauge also makes it less likely for the fish to feel the hook, increasing the chances of a successful hookset.

Additionally, Owner Mosquito Hooks feature a wide gap, which allows for a better hook-to-bait connection, and increased hooking power, making it an ideal choice for rigging small baits. The hooks also have a black chrome finish which makes them corrosion-resistant and durable. Another advantage of Owner Mosquito Hooks is the variety of sizes and styles available, which allows anglers to match the hook to the size and type of bait they are using, and the type of fish they are targeting. Overall, Owner Mosquito Hooks are the perfect choice for drop shot rigging due to their small size, ultra-sharp point, wide gap, and corrosion-resistant construction, which makes them ideal for rigging small soft-plastic baits and targeting bass in freshwater.

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