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
Dropping nicely at 268 CFS, water is clear, 69°F — prime summer feeding temp. This is a go-right-now situation. Dropping water. Get there before the crowds do. Reading Water Better Than I Read People.
Holding steady at 32 CFS, water is clear, 67°F — active warmwater feeding. This is the window you've been waiting for. Holding steady. Fish are settled and predictable. Skunked but Spiritual.
Holding steady at 497 CFS, water is clear, 72°F — prime summer feeding temp. Textbook conditions. The fish know it, you should too. No surprises in the flow. Pick your favorite run. Broke Off on Something Big. Again..
Running 114 CFS, water is clear, 70°F — prime summer feeding temp. Conditions are cooperating. Fish smart and stay patient. Visibility is high. Stealth is your best friend. Fish Count: Classified.
Gear shelf
