An Easy Step-By-Step Guide For Rigging A Drop Shot

In this article we provide an easy, step-by-step tutorial on how to tie a drop shot, along with some key points to help improve your finesse bass fishing!

By Tackle Warehouse Staff

Last Updated January 2026

A rig that every angler should know how to properly setup, the Drop Shot is a tried-and-true fish-catch for both pros and beginning anglers alike. We provide a simple, 4-step process to quickly and efficiently create a drop shot setup. Touching on everything from dropshot hooks, to drop shot nknots, and drop shot weights, we go over everything you need to start drop shot fishing.

Regarded as one of the most effective techniques for bass fishing, the Drop Shot is responsible for countless fish catches, personal bests, and tournament wins. Originating in Japan and made popular in the United States by west coast tournament anglers, it’s something every bass angler should know how to rig correctly. Although typically known as a finesse tactic that is fished with light line, the Drop Shot is extremely versatile and is not limited to line-class or bait type. Anglers have successfully used the Drop Shot with a wide range of soft plastics and in all types of environments, making it one of the staples and most useful rigging options for bass fishing.

Step One For Rigging A Drop Shot: Tie on Hook

To start tying a drop shot, utilize a palomar knot to fashion your drop shot hook to your fluorocarbon leader. Make sure to leave a longer than normal tag line (12"-24") to attach your drop shot weight.

Are you wondering "what's the best knot for drop shot fishing?" Click here for a step-by-step guide on How-To Tie a Palomar Knot or watch the video below to learn the best knot for drop shot fishing!

Step Two For Rigging a Drop Shot: Run Tag Line Through Eyelet

After you’ve tied the hook to your line, run the long tag end through the front of the eyelet on the hook. This ensures the hook will be orientated in the proper position and get the hook to stand out straight away from the line.

Step Three For Rigging a Drop Shot: Attach Weight

Attach a drop shot weight to the end of the tag line. You can use a clip on style drop shot weight or a tie on style. Now is also a good time to trim your tag line and adjust the length depending on the situation you’re fishing.

Step Four For Rigging A Drop Shot: Rig Your Bait

The only thing you have left to do is rig your soft plastic and you’re ready to fish.

If you want more information about Drop Shot fishing including gear and tackle recommendations click here to read our Drop Shot Fishing Gear Guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Rigging a Drop Shot

What Knot Should I Use For A Drop Shot?

The Palomar Knot is the easiest and best knot for rigging a drop shot. For a quick and easy tutorial on How-To Tie A Palomar Knot check out our full tutorial!

Which Way Should The Hook Face On A Drop Shot?

A critical step in rigging a drop shot, and one beginning anglers often overlook, is which direction you run the tag-end of your Palomar Knot through the eye of the hook. Running your tag through the front of the hook and exiting out the back ensures that your hook point is point up and provides a slight cavitation that assists your hook set.

How Far Above The Weight Should The Hook Be?

Typically, the distance between the hook and the weight on your drop shot rig should be somewhere between 12" and 24".

What Size Hook Should I Use For Drop Shot Fishing?

For a standard drop shot, most anglers will utilize a size 2 to size 1/0 drop shot hook or a a size 1 to 1/0 worm hook, depending on the type of bait that is being used on the drop shot.