Fishing the Drop Shot for Clear Water Smallmouths

The drop shot rig is a versatile technique that can be used to catch a variety of fish, especially smallmouth bass. 

When fishing a drop shot rig in clear water, there are a few key tips to keep in mind including:

Use a 6.5-ft to 7.25-ft medium-light to medium power, fast action spinning rod with matching high speed reel spooled with either straight 4-lb to  8-lb fluorocarbon line or equivalent braided line with fluorocarbon leader id preferred.

Match hook size to the style of bait and rigging method (nose vs. weedless hooked).

Use the lightest weight possible depending on wind and current conditions and match the weight shape (cylinder, teardrop or round) to the type of bottom cover being fished.

Take a moment and watch as Bassmaster Elite Series pro Chris Johnston gives several more useful drop-shotting tips in this Michiana Outdoors video...

Here are a few additional tips that can help you catch more smallmouth bass on a drop shot rig:

Fish in areas with clear water, rocks and a hard bottom that smallmouth bass seem to prefer.

Smallmouth bass often take the bait quickly, so be prepared to set the hook as soon as you feel a bite.

There is no one perfect way to fish a drop shot rig, so experiment with different baits and presentations until you find what works best during each trip.