| The drop shot technique has been used often and | | | | bluegill but is only the beginning of your options. I |
| with success for many fish species including bass | | | | favor small hand tied flies of my own creation. |
| and walleye. It is a fact that this method is also | | | | Small bead headed streamers and bug imitations |
| deadly for catching monster bluegill. Many times | | | | with many rubber hackle legs are two good |
| the biggest bluegills are in the deeper water and | | | | choices that are easy to tie and work great. |
| are very picky about the presentation which | | | | Plastics are great and come in any shape, color |
| makes this the perfect match to catch the big | | | | and size you could imagine. Ice jigs fit the bill as |
| ones. | | | | well. Tiny jigs or little spoons with grubs mashed |
| A drop shot is simply attaching the line below the | | | | on the end can be fished just like in winter |
| bait on a length of line left as an extended tag | | | | through the ice. |
| end while making the tie. The weight can be a | | | | This rig is traditionally fished in a vertical method |
| specialty weight with a pinch mechanism to affix it | | | | but don not think this is your only option. I have |
| to the line or something simpler such as a split | | | | found this to be a very versatile method of |
| shot or classic bell weight. The weight will come | | | | delivering small light baits to the bluegill. With the |
| into contact with the bottom first allowing the | | | | weight below, say a hand tied fly, one can feel |
| hook to stay above any snagging hazard. Also, if | | | | the bite much easier and quicker than if a split |
| tied correctly, the bait will be in the perfect zone | | | | shot was crimped above the bait. If one places a |
| to elicit a bite. | | | | split shot 3 inches above a bait and the fish takes |
| A Palmor knot is a good choice for knot for this | | | | the bait while moving up, the hook has to travel 3 |
| technique. This knot is very strong and the tag | | | | inches to the split shot and another 3 inches past |
| end is easily manipulated to allow the distance you | | | | before the angler has any clue a fish is interested |
| desire between the weight and the bait. The | | | | in the bait. That is 6 inches of uncertainty that |
| weight on the tag end is actually pulling the knot | | | | can drive a person crazy with stripped baits and |
| tighter securing the hook. Finally, the Palmor can | | | | lost fish. I vertical fish, jig, swim and even suspend |
| be tied in a way that allows you to position the | | | | this under a bobber with great success in all |
| bait at a 90 degree angle from the vertical line. | | | | cases. |
| This is very beneficial when vertical fishing so the | | | | Drop shot a bluegill today and you will not regret |
| bait has as natural of a position and presentation | | | | giving it a try. The drop shot has a high |
| as possible. | | | | percentage hookup that can be used in a wide |
| The bait you choose to put into use is endless. A | | | | variety of ways to fit your style and needs. |
| simple hook with live bait is the stand by for | | | | |