Deep Water Haunts

Bass fishing this time of year often corresponds with deep water. In much of the country, bass move offshore and school up to chase open-water baitfish. Offshore structure and cover like river ledges, deep weed beds, rock piles, wing-dams, and deep boat docks can all be dissected with a drop-shot. It particularly excels as a clean-up hitter. Once you catch a few fish from an offshore hot-spot using traditional cranking and worm techniques, pitch a drop-shot in and see what bites. It will often surprise you. The key to this style of fishing is to get the boat near, or over your target. From there, let the bait down until it makes contact with the bottom, and begin a series of light shakes of the worm. You want the bait to move, but not the sinker. This sounds touchy, but it’s easy to get the hang of it. Most experienced drop-shot fishermen call this “shaking slack.” After a little practice, you’ll get the feel of allowing your bait to flutter and sink on a slack line, and likely notice how effective it is.