drop shotting in the winter time

[ken]

Just wondering how many guys think wintertime drop shotting is effective. I don't seem to catch fish of any size that way. Your opinions please. Ken

[ttb31183]

I drop shot year round. It is a very effective way to catch fish in the winter, but I seem to catch the biggest bass on jigs during this time. One problem I have is that I fish the drop-shot really fast so its hard for me to slow down enough in cold water.

[Jason C.]

Drop shoting in the winter is a great way to catch bass. Expecially when the water is really cold. Because with drop shotting (as im sure you know) as long as that line stays tight it will stay in their stike zone depending on how fast you fish it. If you slow down and make it just suspend there while twiching it ever so slightly and make it look like a dying shad then it should work great. Because in the winter time bass are very lethargic and dont want to move much. So if they are able to just mosey on over to whatever it is they are gonna be eating they are going to be very happy campers. Its kinda like the rip bait theory. The longer you let it sit there with out moving it the more you're gonna be able to attract a big bass. But with drop shotting keep twitching it but do the best you can to not move the rig forward in the water too fast. So put your trolling motor on low. Get like a 6inch worm. Or something that moves water better than something smaller, and you should be good. Hope this helps.

[Auggie Dog]

Dropshotting will, on average, catch smaller fish no matter what time of year you do it. It is still one of my favorite techniques because you will tend to get more bites than jigs and other bottom type lures. I have found if you want to get bigger fish on a dropshot, don't be afraid to "GO BIG" and "GO SHORT". Try a 7" or 8" worm in your favorite color on a 1/0 or even 2/0 ewg Gamagatsu with about a 4-6 inch drop to your weight. With this set-up you will need to use a little bigger weight than you probably do now maybe 3/8 instead of 1/4 especially if you are fishing deeper water. Also, use something like smelly jelly (my favorite in the winter) and fish it SLOW...remember, these fish are cold and don't want to move long distances. Find a good transition break from a flat to deep water (main points are great this time of year too) and work that set-up slowly in different depths until you find where the fish are hiding. Remember that if you find fish at one depth and all of a sudden the bite dies, go back to different depths since the bass might of changed depths during the day (learned that the hard way one tournament). You won't get nearly the bites but you will up your chance at catching bigger fish.

Good luck!
Dave W.
Ukiah, Ca

[Marc]

Dropshotting is simply deadly in the winter. I would suggest changing your approach somewhat to improve your chances. In all probability you are getting many bites that you never know you are getting. Be watching the library on this site for my latest article with lots of info that will help you improve your deep dropshot success.

BTW, most guys are missing the boat by not using 3/8 oz and 1/2 oz QuickDrops. Many California guys (of which I used to be) are conditioned to use the smallest possible weight. While this makes sense in many applications, it can be the biggest obstacle to your success in deep water.

One additional tip for inactive deep bass...deadsticking and small movements often produce better than the typical shaking that works when bass are actively feeding.

[raverfusion]

All of these were drop shot @ clear lake 25ft water. Im sold! we caught more than theses..between my dad and I over 20! on a 2 day trip. mostly all drop shotting. so yeah it works GREAT! and I agree with the other posts..dead sticking baits is good idea. slow it down. also be experimental with differant setups.. just nose hook anything really.. as long as the hook is the right size for the bait. and you have a nice DS setup, that makes a huge differance too me, mainly cause the way the big fish load up on the rod. I have never lost a fish (yet) DSing, and it seems that the little hooks just fall out when I unhook a fish, pretty cool.. my setup: shimano Crucial rod. Stradic reel. and I also have a flipshot set up too..shimano crucial Baitcaster w/shimano curado 100b. always 10lb florocarbon on both...nothing more, nothing less
good luck!