With the temps rising and the fish going deeper, I would like to figure out how to dropshot.  I've caught, let's see...1, 2, 3 fish on a dropshot with a 12" LM being the biggest.  I can't seem to figure out how to get the smallies to hit my lure.  I'm using a 6'6" spinning rod with 8lb flourcarbon with my hook 12-18" above my weight.  I've been using kut-tails, 5" grubs, 4" lizards, senkos, and roboworms without any success.  Are you guys dragging it, then stopping and shake your bait?  Are you hopping it?  I've tried everything and nothing has worked. 

Says

i like to fish mine like a texas-rig.  more of a horizontal presentation. when it hits the bottom i shake it while moving it slowly closer then let the bait fall and repeat all the way to the boat.  althought there are times when you must shake the bait in one place for long periods of time.

Says,

When you are throwing this rig, when you feel a piece of structure, stop the bait from moving horizontaly then shake it a little, hold your rod at a 10-11 am position then hang on they will thump it if there is fish in the area. Just caught 50-60 12-14" fish like this at Roosevelt last weekend.
Russ

I'm in agreement with others above, Says. Make your presentation more of a horizontal one than vertical, and don't overwork your lure. Often, a slow drag is best.

Chris

All this is good but your problam is probably location more than anything. You can have the right bait, work it like a champ, but if the fish aren't there you're waisting your time.

I am a firm believer that if the fish are there, they will bite several offerings. There are exceptions when one thing seems to be the only thing, but on average location is the key.

Where are you fishing? What lakes and what areas of those lakes. Look at a good map of say Lake Washington. Look at the subtle details. The things under water. Pick several areas that have the same thing and try those. Then pick another structure and try several more areas. Then apply what was said above. I don't want to give yo too much info. It will take the fun away from trying and experimenting. Think of what attracts smallies to the deeper water and what they will hold on. 

You can't go wrong with 4" lizards and Roboworms. There are also other techniques for deep water other than dropshotting. If it isn't your thing do something else to catch fish. Try split-shotting or carolina rigging. I personally have the same problem with carolina rigging as you seem to be having with dropshotting. I count the dinks I have caught on one hand, so I don't or rarely use it.

Drop shotting....

Love it, absolutely love it....my technique of choice for fishing Lake Washington.

Vertical, mid-horizontal, twitched back to the boat, pitched shallow, you name i, I use it. 

Robo Worms, cuttails, and green pumpkin baby brushhogs all year long.  I have found smaller is usually better when things are slow.  Also try to keep in mind what the fish may be keying on for the time of year for size and color.

6' 6" PT Tour Edition Quantum Rod and Reel combo with 6# P-Line Flourcarbon and Gamakatsu dropshot hooks size 6 with Tungsten weights (to help feel the structure).

Presentation....SLOW....occassionally will shake it, but usually just leave a little slack and let the bait do as it will. After a bit will drag it about two feet and start over.  Have caught fish directly under the boat as well as on  long casts.

Very little hook set on a bite, just tighten and reel.  Almost exclusively hook the fish in the top of the mouth.  With the sensitivity of the rigging, very rarely deep hook fish. 

This approach has proven to me to be very productive with my largest to date 5# and a bunch between 4 & 5.

As you can see everyone has their own technique for Dropshotting, but all are similar.  Just work with it and you will find the style that fits you.

Drop Shotting....Love it!   

BillB

Says,

Go use the Ordella Drop shot rod and you  will catch more fish. Best drop shot rod on the market, so good you can feel the fish breath on it. Heck just ask Bob Payseno how good it is.
Russ

another question

If you are fishing shorter than  12 inches from the bottom anyway what advantage is there to drop shotting vs split shotting? especially if you are using a bouyant worm like a robo?

this is just my limited experience but  when a larger  fish takes while using a finesse worm there isn't much doubt as to what's going on  so I cannot see an advantage in terms of detecting the strike.  I can see an advantage if  your fishing with a longer leader  but if it's short i don't see an advantage, what am I missing?