<h2>The Drop Shot Rig in Practice</h2><p>The drop shot method lets you present your lure in one spot for an extended period, which is ideal for <strong>tempting sluggish or hesitant predators into a take</strong>. A purpose-made drop shot weight at the end of the rig is essential for this to work effectively. These weights come in a range of shapes to suit different conditions. The most common are ball, rod and teardrop forms.</p><p>Ball weights are the go-to choice in strong currents. Their compact shape concentrates mass on a small footprint, anchoring the rig even in heavy flow. On soft bottoms they are less suitable, however, as they can sink deep into silt. Rod-shaped weights are the better option on soft ground and in calmer water. They resist sinking in and give the lure extra action through a constant tipping movement, while also reducing snags because they are less likely to wedge between stones.</p><p>The classic teardrop weight sits somewhere between the two. It casts well, holds the rig reliably on the bottom and sinks into soft ground somewhat less readily than a ball weight. <strong>The teardrop is essentially the all-round option for a wide range of situations.</strong></p><p>To allow quick depth adjustment, most drop shot weights are fitted with a <strong>special pinch eye</strong>. You simply clamp the fluorocarbon leader into it and the weight stays securely in place. If you want to change the distance between the bottom and your lure, you just reclip the weight higher or lower on the leader.</p><h2>Material Matters</h2><p>As with other weights, several materials are available.</p><h3>Lead</h3><p>Lead is the most affordable option. It has a high density that keeps the rig anchored to the bottom, but it is relatively soft, which means it gives poorer feedback on bottom composition than the other materials. Lead is also toxic.</p><h3>Tungsten</h3><p>Tungsten is almost certainly the best material available, though it is also the most expensive. Its density is greater than that of lead, so it sinks faster and sits smaller for a given weight. It is harder than lead and offers outstanding bottom feedback.</p><h3>Brass &amp; Steel</h3><p>Brass and steel are also available as drop shot weights. Both materials have lower densities than tungsten or lead, meaning they are physically larger for the same weight. Bottom feedback is comparable to lead. Although brass and steel are considerably harder, a portion of the potential feedback advantage is offset by the lower density. Brass weights sit in the price range between lead and tungsten.</p>