I am often asked about the method referred to as drop-shotting and sometimes referred to as down-shotting to catch bass.  Drop-shotting has been a very popular method of fishing for bass on the west coast for many years now.  West coast professionals have won many tournaments, earned much money using this method and have tried to keep it a secret.  Well, the secret is out and the method has increasingly become popular here on the east coast.  Drop shotting is a method that is familiar to some of us in the east.  It is basically the method, which we have used for years to rig our lines to catch crappie and white perch. 
     To prepare your rod for drop-shotting, I would recommend the following equipment:  A good drop-shot rod.  This rod should be seven (7) foot in length with a medium lite action spinning rod.  Allstar Graphite Rods makes a great rod (the AST844S) that is designed for drop-shotting.  Next you need a good spinning reel that you are comfortable with and that balances out your rod.  You should spool the reel with eight (8) pound test monofilament line.  Now you need a hook.  I prefer to use a Gamakatsu G-Lock 1/0 hook.  Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits sells a great hook, which is made by Gamakatsu for Yamamoto.  While using these hooks you don’t need to set the hook when you get a bite, you simply wind it in; it sets itself. 
     Next you will need weights.  The water you are fishing in will determine the size of the weight you will need.  A good size to start off with would be a ¼ ounce.  A friend of mine, Marc Marcantonio of West Coast Tackle, makes a great weight for drop-shotting, called “Quick Drops”.  The weight is a teardrop design, which reduces your chances of getting it hung up and has a wire design that allows you to push your line through the opening.  Once you slip your line through just pull the line in an upward direction this locks the line in.  There is no knot tying; this method makes it very easy to change the depth of your bait without having to retie and loosing line.  To learn more about these weights or to purchase them go to WCoastTkl@aol.com. 
      Now, probably the most import product you will need is the bait.  There are many baits on the market that may work but I recommend Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits' flat worm or four (4) inch cut tail worm.  Both come in many colors and were designed with drop-shotting in mind.  These two baits are what I use and have had great success with both.  However, I have also used Gary Yamamoto Ikas, tubes, and grubs with success.
     To attach the hook to your line use a palomar knot.  Tie the hook approximately sixteen (16) to eighteen (18) inches from the bottom.  Once you have the knot tied take the loose end, the tab and run it back through the eye of the hook and pull it down.  This little trick will help keep the hook horizontal on your line. 
     Now that we have all of the needed equipment for drop-shotting and have it rigged properly lets go fishing.  When you put the bait on your hook there are two (2) methods of hooking the bait.  You can nose hook the bait or Texas rig the bait.  I prefer to Texas rig the bait but both methods work.  As you cast, place your bait into the water allowing the weight to go to the bottom.  I believe that it is important to feel the bottom.  If you do not feel the bottom, use a heavier weight.  Once your bait is on the bottom shake your rod tip keeping your line tight.  Drag the weight across the bottom every few seconds and work it back to you.  Now you are drop-shotting.  
     I hope these drop-shotting techniques work for you.  Good luck!

"As published in the December 2002 edition of The Sportsman's Magazine"