Drop Shotting for Bass in Virginia
The Check Station
Fishing
In Virginia, this setup works wonders in deep river holes...
Master the Drop Shot Rig for Virginia Bass
The drop shot rig is a favorite tool for bass fishers across the country, and for good reason. This technique suspends your bait just above the bottom, creating a natural look that convinces largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass to bite.
How to Setup the Rig
Setting up a drop shot is easier than it looks:
- The Hook: Tie a size 1 or 2 drop shot hook to your line using a Palomar knot. Leave about a foot of extra line hanging below it.
- The Weight: Tie your weight to the very end of that extra line. Use a 1/4-ounce weight for shallow areas, and up to a 3/4-ounce weight for deep water or strong currents.
- The Bait: Nose-hook your favorite soft plastic bait, and you are ready to cast
Choosing the Best Bait
Your bait choice depends heavily on what local fish are eating. For large lakes packed with baitfish, try soft plastic minnows or shad imitations. If you are fishing in rivers, creature baits and fake crawfish are great choices. When in doubt, a simple 5-inch straight green worm is a perfect starting point.
Top Virginia Hotspots & Pro Tips
In Virginia, this setup works wonders in deep river holes on the James and Shenandoah, or around rock piles at Smith Mountain Lake and Lake Anna. For the best results, use light 6- to 10-pound fluorocarbon line on a sensitive spinning rod. Instead of dragging the weight across the floor, let it rest on the bottom and gently wiggle your rod tip to give the bait life. Keep a close eye on your line, as deep-water bass bites can be incredibly soft!
👉 Read the full guide and see the official rigging photos on the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Blog.
By Hunter Hatcher/DWR
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