Drop shotting is a popular technique among anglers that involves using a weighted hook and bait to target fish that are holding in deep water. It's an effective method for catching fish in a variety of conditions, including heavy current. However, drop shotting in heavy current requires some specialized knowledge and techniques to be successful.
Here are some tips on how to drop shot in heavy current:
Choose the right tackle: When drop shotting in heavy current, you need to use heavier tackle than you would in calm conditions. This includes a heavier rod, line, and weights. You want a rod with a strong backbone and a sensitive tip that can handle the weight of the rig and detect bites. Use braided line with a fluorocarbon leader for better sensitivity and less stretch, and choose a weight that is heavy enough to hold your bait in place but not too light that it gets swept away by the current.
Position your boat: Position your boat so that you can cast upstream and let the current carry your rig downstream. This will give your bait a natural presentation and make it easier to keep in contact with the bottom. If you're fishing from shore, try to find a spot where you can cast upstream and keep your line tight as it drifts downstream.
Use the right bait: When drop shotting in heavy current, you want to use a presentation that is heavy enough to stay in place but also has a lot of action to attract fish. Soft plastics are a popular choice because they can be rigged weedless or nose hooked and have a lot of movement in the water. Try using a bait that matches the size and color of the forage in the area.
Adjust your weight: If you're not getting any bites, try adjusting the weight of your drop shot rig. A heavier weight will allow you to stay in contact with the bottom, while a lighter weight will allow your bait to drift more naturally in the current. Experiment with different weights until you find the right balance.
Keep your line tight: It's important to keep your line tight when drop shotting in heavy current. This will allow you to feel the bottom and detect bites more easily. If you feel your line go slack, reel up and recast. You want to keep your bait in the strike zone as much as possible.
Be patient: Fishing in heavy current can be frustrating at times, but it's important to be patient and persistent. Keep casting and adjusting your presentation according to the speed of the current. Sometimes the fish like it ticking along fast in current and at other times they may like it pinned.
