Drop Shot Rig

[Bill Dodger]

Well the Summer here in Michigan is going fast,and so is catching gills.The drop shot is working once again.My rig is 2 truturn hooks,size 8.The first hook off bottom should be about a foot up.Because I found out bottom weeds will snag the hook otherwise.I would like to hear from other users of this rig.I went home with 25 yesterday,all on this rig.Good fishing everyone,and remember,if you don't MAKE time to fish,you'll never go!!

[Jeremy R. Mayo]

What are you baiting with and can we see a picture of how your rig this?

[Collin Emerson]

I also live in Michigan and have fished in the lakes around Brooklyn for many years. I have not used the precise drop shot rigging but my summer time tactic is much the same. I also prefer a turturn hook in a size 8 or 10. I tie the hook to the end of the line. Eighteen inches up I attach a small swivel. Above the swivel a small bead and above it a cone shaped sliding sinker, starting with a quarter oz. and adjusting to lake conditions.

I prefer using small night crawlers or leaf worms. A key part of this technique is to hook the worm head first through the tip of the nose. Earthworms have a muscular pharynx in this region and the worm will stay on the hook surprisingly well. The gills suck these babies in like noodles.

This works best in deeper water. I usually start with a very slow drift or troll while rowing the boat. The second I get a bite or catch a fish I anchor. This never seems to scatter the fish. I then drop the line straight down until it hits the bottom then pull up about two feet leaving the bait about 6 inches off the bottom.

When the bite stops I then cast (more of a lob) on all sides of the boat letting the rig sink close to the bottom and then slowly reel in. If I don't get anymore bites it's time to start rowing again. This has been a very effective method of fishing for me and Bill I don' think we are far apart in our approach to Michigan gills.

[Bill Dodger]

Hey Jeremy,my oldest son is same name.Thanks for the info.Tomorrow I am going to troll for panfish.I have so many lures and have not ever used them.I'm retired now,so no excuses,right? I will be on a lake that is a challenge this time of year.It is 40+ feet in the middle,and about 50 acres.Big panfish have been caught here.Saw a picture of a gill at 13+ inches,and a crappie 18 inches.I have been reading on trolling,so wish me luck!!

[steve b]

How do you attach the hook/lure ? Which knot ? steve b

[Bill Dodger]

I tie a foot up the line with a polomer knot.I also use a red bead above that as an attracter.round sinkers also,so they won't snag.Hold your rod at 45 degrees,wait for the line twitch,and hang on.Your Welcome!! Now go get em!!!

[blackhawks]

I always have a panfish rod rigged with a dropshot. I use a very simple presentation which is a "downsized" version of what I use for bass fishing. I use a size 8, long shank, gold Aberdeen hook. I use a Palomar knot and leave about 2 - 3 feet of line below the hook. I use a 1/8 ounce drop shot weight. Drop shot weights are great because you can adjust your depth without having to re-tie. I tip the hook with crawler chunks and at times, add a small piece of plastic for color. I typically use 4 lb. mono; however, I will be setting up another panfish dropshot rod using braided line. Here is a great web site for tying the Palomar knot: http://www.animatedknots.com/palomar/index.php

Simply cast out, allow it to get to the bottom, slowly retrieve, keep the rod at an angle (app. 45 degrees), and twitch the rod tip every so often.