I've won a lot of money dropshoting and it is one rod I always have rigged up. I sometimes have several dropshot rods with different baits, line sizes, and weights on during a tournament. It doesn't matter what lake or the time of year. If you want to put five keepers in the boat then dropshot.
The other thread was getting long so I thought I would make a new one. Hope you guys don't mind. I do not like the multiple hook rigging. I've tried it and it just has to many problems with not enough benefit. If I'm going to throw a jig (casting or flipping) or any other lure for that matter then I use the rod and reel I've got for those different techniques.
One benefit the dropshot has is it gets down quickly. That's why it started out as a deep water technique. I can have a fish in the boat in 50 feet of water on a dropshot before that guy with the darter head gets his bait to 20 feet. I've also had the darter head guy smoke me on bites when the fish are suspended. You just have to fish where the fish are. That and use the best technique to catch those fish.
I like a medium heavy spinning rod for dropshoting. It gives you a little more control with a big fish than those noodle rods. I've got a GLX noodle rod but I barely use it anymore.
I also use P-Line fluorocarbon. I have tried and still sometimes use P-Line floroclear. It's also good line. The 6lb floroclear is what I was using when I won the boat in Havasu in 02. I just think the P-Line fluorocarbon is better. It definitely has some more hassles due to stiffness but man is that line tuff. 10lb P-Line fluorocarbon gets the most time with me but when the waters really clear and it's a tough bite I go to 6lb. That's what I was throwing at Columbia River and Havasu in 03.
A 4 inch Robo worm does most of the work for me but I also use a senko and cut tail when I'm looking for a bigger bite. I've also had success with small lizards and 4" power worms. I live by the KISS(keep it simple stupid) philosophy. I basically only have about five colors I use. Baby bass, Aaron's magic, oxblood, and purple/blue. Throw in Bold bluegill and that's about it.
I leave tomorrow for the Harris Chain BASS. A dropshot will definitely be a bait I'll be throwing back there behind the pro's. Will it be my only bait? No, but it will definitely see some time in my hand. Let's just hope those Florida fish like it. See you all when I get back. Later, Pat Wilson.