Best Drop Shot Tackle: Hooks, Weights, and Soft Plastics for Finesse Bass
The drop shot rig came to the US from Japan in the late 1990s and changed finesse bass fishing permanently. A weight on the bottom of the line, hook above it, soft plastic suspended and quivering — it catches bass that have seen every other presentation. It's the go-to for tournament anglers in tough conditions and weekend fishermen who want to get bit when the bite is tough.
Some links in our gear reviews may be affiliate links — we always disclose when they are. We never accept payment for favorable coverage. If something isn't worth your money, we'll say so.
Gamakatsu Split Shot/Drop Shot Hook (#1 and #2)
Gamakatsu drop shot hooks are the industry standard. The extended shank and light wire are engineered specifically for this technique — the light wire penetrates with minimal force and the keeper wire locks soft plastics in place without tearing them. Size #1 works for most 4-5 inch plastics; size #2 for smaller baits.Gamakatsu drop shot hooks are the industry standard. The extended shank and light wire are engineered specifically for this technique — the light wire penetrates with minimal force and the keeper wire locks soft plastics in place without tearing them. Size #1 works for most 4-5 inch plastics; size #2 for smaller baits.
VMC Tokyo Rig / Drop Shot Weights (1/8 oz and 3/16 oz)
Drop shot weights come in several designs — cylindrical, round ball, and teardrop shapes. Cylindrical weights are the most snag-resistant on rocky/weedy bottom (standard Connecticut lake conditions). Keep 1/8 oz and 3/16 oz on hand: lighter for shallow and clearer water, heavier for depth and wind. Fluorescent finishes help locate the bottom feel.Drop shot weights come in several designs — cylindrical, round ball, and teardrop shapes. Cylindrical weights are the most snag-resistant on rocky/weedy bottom (standard Connecticut lake conditions). Keep 1/8 oz and 3/16 oz on hand: lighter for shallow and clearer water, heavier for depth and wind. Fluorescent finishes help locate the bottom feel.
Roboworm Straight Tail Worm (4.5 inch)
Roboworm Straight Tails are the most widely used drop shot plastic in tournament bass fishing, and for good reason. The straight tail design produces maximum action from minimal rod movement — a slight quiver of the rod tip makes the bait shimmy in place. The Aaron's Magic (purple with red glitter) and Morning Dawn (pale translucent green) colors are proven on CT waters.Roboworm Straight Tails are the most widely used drop shot plastic in tournament bass fishing, and for good reason. The straight tail design produces maximum action from minimal rod movement — a slight quiver of the rod tip makes the bait shimmy in place. The Aaron's Magic (purple with red glitter) and Morning Dawn (pale translucent green) colors are proven on CT waters.
Strike King Dream Shot (4 inch finesse worm)
A solid budget alternative to Roboworm when you want to fish drop shot without going through $8-per-bag plastics. The scent formula and good finesse action make it effective, particularly in clear-water conditions. Stock multiple colors — the drop shot bite can be color-selective.A solid budget alternative to Roboworm when you want to fish drop shot without going through $8-per-bag plastics. The scent formula and good finesse action make it effective, particularly in clear-water conditions. Stock multiple colors — the drop shot bite can be color-selective.
See our CT bass fishing lakes guide, soft plastic baits bass fishing review, and largemouth bass Connecticut guide.
Sign Up — Free