Spring 2024
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the author now knows exactly where to cast, how deep the bass are, and how deep to DropSwim his rig.
Once you learn to setup and use FFS, being able to see your DropSwim rig on the screen is not a problem. Both your bait choice and weight are visible on the screen, even when using a small Yamamoto Scope Shad and 1/8-ounce QuickDrops weight which is a favorite of the author.
When DropSwimming you select a weight size that keeps your lure just above the level where bass are feeding. During the spawn when bass are shallow, the two best sizes of drop-shot weights are the 1/16-ounce and 1/8-ounce. Typically, the lighter weights are attached about 6 inches below the hook.
If your FFS shows the bass suspended over deeper water, then typical sizes of QuickDrops are 3/16- and 1/4-ounce, attached 10-inches below the hook. If the bass are feeding closer to the bottom in water deeper than 15- feet, then a 3/8-ounce QuickDrop is preferred and attached about 12-inches below the hook. Mike Matkowski (Richland, WA) and the author won the Northwest Bass Championship and fully rigged boat DropSwimming a 3/8-ounce QuickDrops weight on the Columbia River.
Since QuickDrops have a line clip allowing attachment without knots, you can quickly swap your weight size to change your DropSwimming depth without having to re- tie. By observing the fish and your lure on your FFS screen, you can quickly and easily change your weight size to swim your lure at the proper depth and speed to produce jarring strikes.
FFS fishing typically excels in clear water conditions where bass can easily see and target baitfish. A typical drop-shot rod that handles lightweight braid (10-pound- test) with an 8-pound-test fluorocarbon leader is a great starting point. When fishing is tough you will significantly increase your bites by using straight 5- or 6-pound-test fluorocarbon line.
Match your hook size and style to the light line and size of your lure. Since you are swimming the lure above snags, a nose-hook at the leading tip of the lure is preferred. The 3.75” Yamamoto Shad Shaped worm is a
favorite and works perfect with a Gamakatsu #4 drop-shot hook. The Scope Shad has a bigger nose, so a #2 Gamakatsu G-Finesse drop-shot hook works better. Larger baits like the 5-inch Shad Shaped Floater use a #1 or even #1/0 G-Finesse drop-shot hook. The small diameter (yet strong) wire and sharp point of the G-Finesse drop-shot hook provides excellent hookup and landing success.
FFS allows you to hunt for bass in many places never before fished. By observing your screen and searching with your transducer you will find suspended bass and know exactly where to cast and how far to let your lure sink. Start your retrieve once your lure sinks just above the bass. Hold your rod tip up at a 10 o’clock position pointed directly at your lure and while slowly turning your reel handle, gently shake your rod tip. This causes your bait to twitch like a nervous minnow frantically fleeing for its life. Maintain a speed that keeps your bait just above the bass you spot on the screen.
It is thrilling to watch bass follow your DropSwim bait and feel the savage strike that pulls down your rod tip. Your reel’s drag should be set just below the breaking strength of your leader. Set the hook immediately by simply reeling and raising your rod tip against the pressure until you hear your drag begin to slip. Take your time fighting the bass since you are using light line. Landing success is greatly increased by applying even and steady pressure to keep a constant bend in your rod without exerting so much force that you tear out the hook or break your line. Despite today’s quality spinning reel drags the author still prefers to back reel when using 6-pound-test line and hooking a big fish.
Although DropSwiming is technically an old technique, FFS makes it a new option. Whenever bass are in a feeding mood, you can swim a drop-shot rig and perfectly exploit the desire of bass to fill their bellies. Tools like FFS, QuickDrops weights, ultra-sharp and lightweight Gamakatsu drop-shot hooks matched with today’s quality soft plastic lures allow DropSwimming to become the “new”
hot technique. Give it a try and you will catch more bass,
too. Ciao. •
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