Intermediate Smallmouth Largemouth Perch Walleye

Drop Shot Rig

Suspended Finesse Plastic

A finesse rig that keeps a small bait hovering above bottom while the weight holds depth.

What problem it solves

Keeps the bait in the strike zone without dragging it into every rock on the bottom.

Video by Bass University — full title: Bassmaster's Dropshot Rig for Smallmouth Bass: Fishing Efficiency & Make Fish Bite

Prefer another teacher? Try the alternate video tutorial on Fishing 411 TV .

Drop-shot rig with a nose-hooked soft bait above a weight attached to the long tag end. — The hook is above the weight. Adjust the tag length and weight for the presentation. Layout and spacing are illustrative; knots are schematic. Select the image to view full size.

As shown in the video

Products in this rig video

terminal

Drop shot weight (cylinder, 1/4 - 3/8 oz)

Pinch-on style lets you re-rig quickly

hook

#1 or #2 drop shot hook

Octopus-style or VMC SpinShot

lure

Small soft plastic (minnow / worm)

Roboworm, Z-Man Finesse ShadZ

Browse our picks: Best Lures for Smallmouth Bass

rod

Medium spinning combo + fluoro leader

7' M with 10lb braid + 8lb fluoro

Browse our picks: Best Spinning Rods for Smallmouth Bass

Build from what you own

How to build it

Mark the components you already have, then work through the assembly. Your selections stay on this page and do not create a saved gear profile.

Ingredient list

Suitable spinning outfitAlready have it Line / leaderAlready have it Drop-shot hookAlready have it Drop-shot weightAlready have it Small soft baitAlready have it

0 of 5 components marked owned. Check their suitability before using them.

Assembly order

1. Main line / leader
2. Hook above weight
3. Long tag end
4. Weight

Component order, not a scale drawing. Hook, bait and weight connections differ by method.

1. Tie the hook with a Palomar knot, leaving enough tag for the intended hook-to-weight spacing.
2. Pass the tag back down through the hook eye so the hook points upward.
3. Attach the weight to the tag below the hook, then rig the bait to suit the hook.
4. Set the spacing for the actual presentation. Move or shake the bait gently without constantly lifting the weight.

0 of 4 assembly steps checked.

Before you cast

Hook is above the sinker and points upward.
Tag end and weight attachment are secure.
Spacing and weight suit depth/current; there is no universal exact setting.

Educational assembly checklist. Verify actual ratings, component instructions and local rules; no current conditions, personal fit or product compatibility certification. Reviewed 2026-10-26. Method reference: Texas Parks and Wildlife: Drop-shot assembly.