Drop Shot Rig
The drop shot rig has grown steadily in popularity on our waters over the past few years. No surprise, given that this style of fishing has its roots in black bass fishing.
10 variants
<h2>The Drop Shot Rig</h2><p>The drop shot rig is without question one of the most widely used among all <strong>modern rigs</strong> for targeting predators. Drop shotting has slowly but surely made its way to <strong>almost every water</strong>. You see anglers everywhere working this rig for perch, zander or pike. If your lure box is already well stocked with drop shot lures, it is time to take a closer look at the individual components and start varying the <strong>standard set-up</strong>.</p><p>Here in the <strong>shop</strong> you will find quality individual parts for tying the most effective drop shot rigs yourself. We supply drop shot weights, fluorocarbon leader material and hooks from the best brands in the scene. There are offset hooks in all common sizes, as well as single hooks designed specifically for drop shotting.</p><h2>Drop Shot Rig Set-Up</h2><p>In short, a drop shot rig consists of a lure on a specialist hook, which is usually tied directly into a fluorocarbon leader. Rather than standard pear-shaped weights, you use <strong>drop shot weights</strong> made specifically for this method. The weight sits <strong>on the bottom</strong> while the lure moves freely above it in the water. Drop shotting lets you present lures almost stationary in the zone.</p><p>The particular design of the weight means you can quickly and easily adjust the distance from the lure to the bottom. Conditions at a spot will often demand a stronger leader material. High-quality fluorocarbon leaders have proven themselves time and again in this situation.</p><p>A fluorocarbon leader can be attached to your main line via a snap, swivel, solid ring or a simple knot. On this page you will find a <strong>practical selection</strong> of the best individual components for building a drop shot rig. The lure is also frequently presented on a side arm - a no-action shad in particular comes across extremely naturally when rigged this way.</p><h3>Using the Palomar Knot</h3><p>Every drop shot angler knows the <strong>Palomar knot</strong>. This straightforward knot is used to tie the hook to the leader or directly to your main line if you are already using fluorocarbon as your main line. If the Palomar knot is new to you, or you are not quite sure you are doing it right, here is a brief list of points to help you tie a successful rig.</p><p><strong>Tying the Palomar knot for beginners - 11 points for a successful rig:</strong></p><ol><li>Pass the leader material through the hook eye.</li><li>Hold the hook between two fingers with the point facing up towards the main line.</li><li>Pass the leader material back through the hook eye in the opposite direction.</li><li>Position the hook in the middle of the loop, or at the desired position on the leader.</li><li>Bring the loop back and tie a simple overhand knot.</li><li>Make sure the loop of the knot remains large enough to pass the hook through.</li><li>Pull the hook through the open loop and moisten the knot.</li><li>Draw both ends of the knot down slowly and evenly.</li><li>Finally secure the knot at the hook with a firm pull on the upper and then the lower line end.</li><li>Attach the upper end of the rig (hook point facing up) to your main line.</li><li>Clip on the drop shot weight at the lower end at the desired distance below the lure.</li></ol><p>Alongside the Palomar knot you can also use a dedicated drop shot knot, which positions the hook even more cleanly at a right angle to the leader.</p><h3>Avoiding Missed Takes with Drop Shot</h3><p>When drop shotting, the hook point should always face upwards so that the lure - for example a <strong>soft lure</strong> - can be taken from below in the mouth area. A hunting perch, zander or pike should ideally be hooked in the front of the mouth or at the corner of the jaw, making it quick and easy to return the fish. <strong>Missed takes</strong> are relatively rare with a well-set-up drop shot rig.</p><p>A top tip from the Pike & Perch team: the DEKA glass rattles. We have already fooled plenty of big zander and aggressive perch with them. They are <strong>real noise-makers</strong> and produce a highly effective sound in the water, similar to a crankbait.</p><h3>Our Lure Tip</h3><p>When setting up a drop shot rig, you are not limited to artificial lures alone. Even a <strong>deadbait</strong> can be presented very effectively with this technique. If you ask us what our favourite lure for drop shotting is, our answer is the Finesse Filet: a next-generation lure and perfectly suited to drop shot fishing.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RykUXPzkRek" width="560" height="315" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>