D R O P SHO T T I N G
nothing beats
Story & Photos
BY TYLER BRINKS
for Smallmouth Bass
T
he drop shotting technique has become
a ‘”go-to” for many anglers across the
country and especially on the West
Coast. The finesse technique has gar- nered a reputation as a great way to fill out a limit
or catch bass when the fishing is tough and that
reputation is well deserved. No matter how ef-
fective it is, very few anglers would say it is their
favorite way to fish and I am included in that
group. Generally, it is boring and not
as exciting as a topwater explosion
or pitching a jig to heavy cover,
yet when it comes to smallmouth
bass, there is nothing that beats a
drop shot.
WHEN AND WHERE
In my experience, the drop shot
works equally well throughout the year and in just about all situations. There is something about the technique that attracts smallmouth bass. Ideally, deep, clear areas with rocks present would be the ideal situation, but it has proved me wrong many times as to where and when to use it.
During the spring, I will pitch a drop shot in and around docks and laydowns. During the summer, I will fish deeper weed lines and rocky points. During the colder months, I find myself fishing more vertical and also along steeper banks. No matter what season, the drop shot is always on my front deck when smallmouth are present.
BEYOND FINESSE
Just because it is done with light line and generally with a spinning rod does not mean a drop shot rig is finesse fishing. Some of
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