Drop Shot Rig

Have never used the drop shot rig but want to give it a try but I have some questions and I could use some help. Can you use a 1/0 off set worm hook instead of a drop shot hook? Will this work in the fall or is it a spring type rig or can it be used year round? Is this a light line technique or can you used heavy line. Plan on trying this on a bait caster or is an open face better? any help would be appreciated

Dan,

I am no expert on the drop shot, but I have tried it and caught fish on it.

I use a 1/8oz bell sinker at the bottom, then about 3ft up tie on a bluegill no.4 hook. I use Berkely Bungee worms in pumpkinseed color and 4" long.

This rig is mainly a finesse presentation, so a spinning reel with 8lb or 12lb spider wire is fine. I use a relatively inexpensive salt water Quantum Iron ultra-light reel with an ultra-light UglyStick. I like salt water spinning reels because they have really good drag systems on them. Quantum Iron are very hard to find now, last one I got straight from a Quantum service rep.

You need a sensitive tip, so you can feel the strike and the fish take the worm without feeling resistance. This is a cold water or clear water presentation. You can also try live bait with this rig, but I just use the Bungee worms in cold water.

You can find several other types of finesse worms at BassPro.