A drop shot rig holds the bait off the bottom on a short leader above the weight. It is fished almost in place, so you can hold the bait in front of a fish. You tie it with a Palomar knot so the hook points up.
What do I need?
A hook, a drop shot weight, a soft bait and line. We sell hooks in sizes 6 to 5/0, soft baits and fluorocarbon-coated line. We do not sell drop shot weights yet.
How do I tie it?
Tie the hook on with a Palomar knot and leave a long tail, about 30 to 45 cm. Thread the tail back through the hook eye so the point faces up. Clip the weight to the end of the tail. See our knots guide for the Palomar.
How do I fish it?
Drop it to the bottom, keep a little tension and shake the rod tip so the bait moves without the weight moving. Pause, then repeat.
Which bait suits it?
Small soft baits such as grubs or short worms. Hook the bait through the nose so it stays natural.
Compare what we sell
| Product | What the listing says | In the box | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offset worm fishing hooks, sizes 6 to 5/0 | Sizes: 6 to 5/0Per box: 10 or 50Material: High carbon steel | Offset worm hooks: 10 or 50 | $9.99 |
| Fluorocarbon-coated fishing line, 100 m | Length: 100 mDiameters: 0.2 to 0.5 mmType: Sinking | Spool of line: 1 | $9.99 |
| Soft plastic baits, 10 pieces, 7 cm | Size: 7 cmWeight each: 2 gPieces: 10, one colour | Soft lures: 10 | $8.99 |
| Curly tail grubs, 10 per bag, 1.6 g | Per bag: 10Weight each: 1.6 gColours: 5 | Curly tail grubs: 10, one colour | $8.99 |
Questions people ask
How far above the weight is the hook?
Often 30 to 45 cm, which sets how high the bait sits off the bottom. Change it to suit the water.
Do I need a special hook?
A hook that suits the bait. Offset worm hooks work with the right bait and size.
Can I use braid?
Many anglers use fluorocarbon for drop shot. See our line guide.
