Drop Shotting Smallmouth Bass in Submerged Grass

Fishing a drop shot rig in submerged vegetation for smallmouth bass can be a highly effective way to target these elusive and hard-fighting gamefish.

Smallmouth bass are known to be highly opportunistic predators, and they will often seek out cover in submerged vegetation (cabbage, sand grass, etc.) in search of food like minnows and crayfish. By using a drop shot rig, anglers can effectively present a bait to smallmouth bass while avoiding getting snagged in the thick vegetation.

Here are several tips on techniques to help you get started with fishing a drop shot rig in submerged vegetation for smallmouth bass:

Choose the right gear: When fishing a drop shot rig, it is important to choose the right gear. You'll need a spinning rod and reel with a sensitive tip, as well as 6 to 10 lb fluorocarbon line that can effectively transmit bites. A medium or medium-light power rod is ideal, as it will give you the sensitivity you need to feel for bites while also providing enough backbone to handle the fight of a smallmouth bass.

Choose the right bait: When fishing a drop shot rig in submerged vegetation, you'll want to use a bait that is weedless and can effectively mimic the prey that smallmouth bass are feeding on. Some great options include finesse worms, small soft plastic craws, and small baitfish imitations. It is important to choose a bait that is the appropriate size and color to match the forage in the area you are fishing.

Find the right location: Smallmouth bass are often found in areas with submerged vegetation, such as weed beds, weed lines, and weed patches. Look for areas where the vegetation is fairly dense and provides cover and shade for the fish and forage. You can use a fish finder to help you locate these areas.

Set up your drop shot rig: To set up your drop shot rig, tie a hook using a Palomar knot onto the end of your line, leaving a tag end of about 8-12 inches. Attach a cylindrical drop shot weight to the bottom of the tag end. The weight should be heavy enough to keep your bait close to the bottom but light enough to avoid getting hung up in the vegetation.

Fish the rig: Using short casts or pitches, lower your rig to the bottom and slowly lift it up, feeling for any bites or resistance. The goal is to create a subtle, natural-looking movement that will entice the fish to bite. If you don't get a bite on the initial drop, try slowly moving your bait along the bottom, taking care not to drag or hop it too quickly or too aggressively. 

One of the advantages of fishing a drop shot rig in vegetation is that you can fish it slowly and deliberately without getting hung up on the plants. This means you can keep your bait in the strike zone for longer periods of time, increasing your chances of getting a bite.

Take a moment and watch the following video from the folks at W2F for a great on the water demo on drop shotting grass for smallies...