At the Bassmaster Elite Series level we’re always looking for something different, something that’ll give us an edge when it comes to making a bass bite. One of those things is flipping a drop shot. I know it sounds a little crazy, but take it from me it works.
Actually, it’s pretty common in the pro ranks. It’s just that the word hasn’t filtered out to the recreational ranks, or if it has I haven’t seen it written about much. We’re going to try to change that this week.
There are two basic ideas behind flipping a drop shot. The first is to get a bait into those places where we traditionally flip but to keep it up off the bottom. That’s especially important when the bottom is muddy or mucky. Most of the time bass won’t root for dinner, not in the real nasty stuff anyway.
The second is to put it right on their nose if they’re holding up off the bottom a ways. Depth adjustments are easy enough. Just change the distance between your hook and your weight. And don’t worry about being able to flip a long rig. It’s easy once you get the hang of slinging it out there.
I choose my tackle with the idea of splitting the difference between traditional heavy flipping tackle and traditional light drop shot tackle.
I usually start with a 7-foot, 2-inch Quantum Smoke casting rod with a medium-heavy action. That’s negotiable, however. Adjust your rod to your body size and your individual preferences. One size does not fit all, and you sure can’t flip efficiently with a rod that doesn’t feel comfortable in your hand.
My reel is a Quantum, too. I go with one that has a 7.3:1 gear ratio. I want something fairly fast so that I can get my fish moving my way the second she bites. It also makes repeated flips much faster because I can get my line in quickly between casts. I spool my reel with 17-pound-test Seaguar AbrazX line.
I usually start with an Owner 2/0 straight shank worm hook and a quarter-ounce Strike King tungsten weight. But, that’s just where I start. I don’t hesitate to go up or down with either one of them depending upon where I’m fishing.
As far as baits are concerned there’s no telling how many different baits you could put on a drop shot hook. I try to use something that looks natural or something that looks like what they see on a regular basis. Whenever I’m in doubt about what to use I go with a Strike King Finesse Worm. That’s about as close to a universal bait as you can get.
Let me say one more thing about tackle. What I’ve mentioned is what I use. I trust it and I have confidence in it. But, I’m not saying it’s the only good stuff out there or that you can’t catch bass if you’re using something else.
I’m hoping this will help you put more bass in your livewell this year. Most of the shorelines and grass beds in our lakes and reservoirs are flipped and pitched to death. This’ll show them something different. Lots of times that’s all it takes.