The drop-shot rig is mandatory equipment in smallmouth country. Follow tournament reports from the Great Lakes or other clear-water fisheries and you’ll hear plenty about anglers drop-catching fish on a drop-shot. At its core, the drop-shot is a simple rig: a hook tied above a fixed weight at the bottom of the line. Short leaders work best for bottom-hugging fish, while longer leaders suspend the bait higher in the water column. It’s easy to fish — simply keep it near the bottom and gently shake or drag it along. Here are the finer points in using it to catch the biggest smallmouth of your life. The line The drop-shot is a finesse technique often used in open water, so light line is key. Many anglers use six- or eight-pound fluorocarbon, but I prefer an eight-pound braided main line tied to a six-pound fluorocarbon leader with an FG knot. The braid adds sensitivity, making it easier to detect bites, while the light leader helps the bait move naturally. Pay close attention to the knot at the hook eye. It should come straight off the eye every time. After a snag or fish catch, the knot can slide sideways, causing the bait to run unnaturally and twist your line badly. The hook The most common drop-shot hook for smallmouth is a small round-bend hook. Smaller hooks keep the bait looking natural and prevent it from sinking unnaturally. For more details on choosing the right hooks for drop-shotting and other techniques, turn to page 38. [Add Hyperlink] The rod Here, spinning rods are the standard for drop-shot fishing because of the light line and small hooks. The right rod improves bite detection and helps land big fish without tearing the hook free. A light or medium-light rod provides the best combination of sensitivity and forgiveness. The softer action absorbs surges from big smallmouth and keeps small hooks pinned. Rods that are too stiff tend to rip hooks out. Most anglers prefer rods between 6′,10″ and 7′,2″. Longer rods offer more shock absorption but sacrifice some sensitivity. The weight I carry a range of drop-shot weights to cover both shallow and deep water. In deep water, especially when targeting fish on forward-facing sonar, heavier weights get the bait down quickly and keep it in position. In shallow water — under 15 feet — heavier weights can spook fish. I generally use 1 ⁄8- or 3 ⁄16-ounce weights in
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