Summer and early fall bass fishing can be challenging, but Ott DeFoe’s “southern” drop shot rig approach often excels over other presentations. While drop shot rigging is usually associated with northern smallmouth fisheries, DeFoe emphasizes its versatility in off-colored southern waters during the warm water months. He covers the why, where, how, and when of fishing a drop shot rig over more traditional setups like the Texas rig.
FEATURED TACKLE (retail links)
- WORM – Bass Pro Shops Magnum Fin-Eke Worm, color – Red Bug: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- ROD – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Made in USA Spinning Rod – 7’1″ – Medium: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- REEL – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Spinning Reel, size 2000: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LINE (braid) – Bass Pro Shops XPS SS Braid Fishing Line, 10-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LINE – Bass Pro Shops XPS KVD Signature Series 100% Fluorocarbon Fishing Line, 10-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- HOOK – VMC RedLine Finesse Neko Hook, 1/0: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- Check out Drop Shot Hooks and Weights at Bass Pro Shops
BOAT SETUP
- BOAT – Nitro Z21 XL PRO: Check out at Nitro
- MOTOR – Mercury Pro XS 250 hp: Check out at Mercury
WHY THE DROP SHOT RIG WORKS IN SUMMER
The drop shot rig shines during summer and early fall after bass have been heavily pressured and conditioned to larger, more aggressive presentations. A finesse presentation like the drop shot is usually a more effective numbers game. A bite-sized worm suspended in their face and with a gentle motion triggers more fish more of the time, regardless of depth or water clarity. In contrast to northern smallmouth, DeFoe favors using a longer plastic worm for summer bass.
THE RIGHT GEAR AND RIGGING TECHNIQUES
DeFoe rigs his drop shot for summer fishing with a straight shank finesse hook and tungsten drop shot weight. He prefers a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader tied to a 10-pound braided mainline, giving him excellent casting distance, control, and sensitivity. His rod setup includes a 7’1″ medium power spinning rod paired with a size 20- or 30 spinning reel. He avoids heavier rods, noting that a medium action provides plenty of backbone while maintaining finesse.
WHERE AND HOW TO FISH A DROP SHOT RIG
DeFoe targets bass along underwater channels, sharp bends, and shallow points where they ambush baitfish like shad. These areas are typically wind or current influenced, making them prime spots for active fish. Regarding depth, there’s no such thing as too shallow or deep. Focus on keeping your bait in place when fishing a drop shot, gently shaking the rod tip to create subtle bait action. The goal isn’t to make big movements but to keep the bait as natural as possible and trigger bass into biting.
