Lure · difficulty 2/5

Drop Shot

Hook tied above a weight on the tag end, so a small soft plastic hovers at a set height off the bottom.

Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy

Mechanics

How it works

The weight anchors on the bottom while the bait stays suspended in the fish's eye line. Shaking the slack line animates the lure without moving it away, which keeps it in the strike zone far longer than a moving bait.

Tackle

What you need

Rod: 6'8"–7' Medium-Light spinning, extra-fast tip
Line: 10–15 lb braid with a 6–8 lb fluorocarbon leader
Hook: Size 1–2 drop-shot hook, nose-hooked
Weight: 1/8–3/8 oz cylinder or teardrop drop-shot weight

Best for

Pressured or clear-water fish: smallmouth, perch, zander, finicky largemouth.

Watch out

Set the leader length to the height fish are holding off bottom — 6–12 inches is a normal starting point.

Combinations

Species-specific setups

Drop Shot for Largemouth Bass

10–20 lb line

Drop Shot for Smallmouth Bass

6–12 lb line

Drop Shot for Walleye

6–14 lb line

Drop Shot for European Perch

6–12 lb line

Drop Shot for Zander

10–20 lb line

Drop Shot for Yellow Perch

4–8 lb line

FAQ

Common questions

What is drop shot?

Hook tied above a weight on the tag end, so a small soft plastic hovers at a set height off the bottom.

How does drop shot work?

Is drop shot good for beginners?

It is rated 2/5 — easy.

What tackle do I need for drop shot?

Rod: 6'8"–7' Medium-Light spinning, extra-fast tip. Line: 10–15 lb braid with a 6–8 lb fluorocarbon leader. Hook: Size 1–2 drop-shot hook, nose-hooked. Weight: 1/8–3/8 oz cylinder or teardrop drop-shot weight.

Which fish can I catch with drop shot?

Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, European Perch, Zander, Yellow Perch.

What mistakes should I avoid?

Set the leader length to the height fish are holding off bottom — 6–12 inches is a normal starting point.