FISHINGCRITICFree knot cards

RIGGING GUIDE

Drop shot rig

Hold a small bait above a bottom weight with little forward travel.

FishingCritic is research-led, using maker data and published sources. We have no hands-on test results for this edition.

What parts do you need?

  • Size 1 drop-shot hook
  • 4–6 in finesse worm
  • 1/8–1/4 oz drop-shot weight
  • 12–18 in tag below hook as a starting point

Sizes are our starting examples, informed by the source below. Adjust to current, bait and the rod’s total lure rating.

Wired2Fish: Drop shot rig

Standing / main line

Tag end / leader

Grey shapes are tackle; panels show assembly, not product dimensions.

How do you assemble it?

  1. Step 1: Tie a Palomar with a long tag. The hook is above the weight, not at the end of the line.
    01 Tie a Palomar with a long tag. The hook is above the weight, not at the end of the line.
  2. Step 2: Pass the tag down through the hook eye from the point side so the hook stands point-up.
    02 Pass the tag down through the hook eye from the point side so the hook stands point-up.
  3. Step 3: Attach the weight to the tag below the hook. Nose-hook the worm and keep slack controlled.
    03 Attach the weight to the tag below the hook. Nose-hook the worm and keep slack controlled.

What can go wrong?

A weight above the hook is not this rig. The point must face up; adjust the dropper to the height of the fish.

Which knots do you need?

Palomar knot

Where do these facts come from?

The links identify source URLs and check dates. The source data records access limits.