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Pro Staff Question - What Are The Best Technics For Drop Shot Jigs And Carolina Rigs
Dennis "The Fishin Professor" Bryant's Answer
Patrick,
I've been asked by Bass On Hook to add my reply to your question.
I hope you don't mind!
Your request for additional information on "drop-shotting techniques" is one that's being asked by a lot of anglers lately.
The answers they're receiving from different sources are just as different as are the possibilities!
Drop Shotting Jigs On Table Lake And Truman Lake
Because of it's varied structure, heavy fishing pressure and basically clear water, Table Rock Lake is certainly a prime candidate for using the basic drop-shot technique and about a dozen more different techniques as well.
Let me tell you about one I learned from one of your neighbors down there.
Last summer while I was fishing with a customer of mine (a local tournament-angler and guide) up on Truman Lake just north of you, I picked up a really "different" and extremely productive, drop-shot technique that you might want to look into.
We'd been having a rather slow morning, working points & deep-water drop-offs when he decided it was ~ “time to break out the Crappie gear and catch a few big Bass”.
I almost rolled out of the boat laughing when he brought a couple of Crappie Drop Rigs out of his boat's tacklebox.
Setting Up A Crappie Drop Shot Rig
He put a snelled #2 hook on each of the two standoffs, threaded a 3" mini fat-tube on one (with a piece of packing peanut stuffed inside for floatation), “wacky-rigged” a 4" “french-fry” on the other and then put a ¾ oz. bass casting-sinker in the clip on the bottom of the rig.
I just couldn't stop laughing but decided to join him using an identical rig!
The rigs we used had a pair of 3" twisted stainless standoffs (about 12" apart) 6" below a #3 stainless swivel, with about 6" of space below the lower one to a #3 stainless snap.
They only cost about $2 each down there at the floating marina-store and were worth their weight in gold!
It took us less than a half-hour to bring seven darned good size Bass to the boat from the very same water that we'd just fished using deep-diving crankbaits, jigging spoons and "normal" drop-shot rigs.
I've used that same simple rig up here on Lake Erie for Smallmouth and have had unbelievably fantastic results with it.
Give it a try yourself!
It just might make your day!
Good Fishin'!
Dennis Bryant
The Fishin' Professor!
Leo Watson's Answer
Hello Patrick, and thank you for writing in.
First off when it comes to learning in the fast track the best way to learn is from the Pro's.
I would suggest trying the amateur side of the open divisions of the Bassmasters.
This give you the opportunity to fish on and study the techniques and lures that the pro's are using.
Most will take the time to answer all of your questions.
Try To Use Lures That Catch Fish All Year Long
When it comes to lures I would suggest that you start with lures that will catch fish in just about all year long.
A spinner bait is an excellent choice to start with as would be a plastic worm.
These two will work year round and catch fish in any part of the country.
Another suggestion is to read and learn from the many writings that are now published.
The information is available to anyone who is truly willing to take the time to look and learn from these articles.
Mike McDonnell has a great article on this site that explains the Carolina Rig and you should check it out.
I have one on this site also that deals with fishing the Original Gitzit and other tube baits.
My article will explain from A to Z how to fish tube baits and how I determine the weights I use, colors, techniques, line and the equipment I use to fish these fine baits.
This information can be applied to fishing a variety of soft plastic lures as well as other baits.
What Is The Time Limit To Becoming A Great Bass Angler
When it comes to setting a time limit I would say that everyone progresses at their own pace.
This will take time.
Most of us have been doing this for years and are always learning.
I would suggest that you start in some of your local tournaments and progress up from there.
One thing to remember is that some of these Pro's are just like machines and very hard to top consistently.
Try not to get discouraged and keep a positive mind set.
A very big part of this sport at this level is mental.
I hope this has helped you.
As always if you have any more questions just forward them through this fine web site.
Thank you,
Leo Watson
