How to Make Deep Drop Rigs

When bass are congregated in deep-water areas around drop-offs or weed edges, for example, a drop-shot rig is one of the best rigs for catching them. This is especially true when the fish are in a negative feeding mode because of conditions like cold fronts or heavy fishing pressure. The lure is the key to a successful drop-shot rig, and a straight-tailed worm is particularly effective. Unlike other types of plastic worms, straight-tailed worms offer a subtle presentation that bass have a hard time ignoring.

Things You'll Need

  • 8-lb. fluorocarbon or monofilament fishing line
  • Size 1 or 1/0 hook
  • Sinker
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Instructions

    • 1

      Load 8-lb. fluorocarbon or monofilament fishing line into a 7-foot, medium-action fishing rod and reel.

    • 2

      Tie a hook ranging in size from size 1 to 1/0 to the end of the fishing line with a Palomar knot. Leave a 20-inch tag end of fishing line when tying the knot.

    • 3

      Tie a drop-shot weight to the end of the line. Three-sixteenths- and 1/2-oz. are most common, but use a weight that is just heavy enough to keep the rig on the bottom.

    • 4

      Slide a straight-tail worm on the hook. Some options are to thread the worm up the hook shank so it rides straight on the hook, to hook the worm just through the top, or to hook it through the middle so it creates a U-shape when retrieved through the water.