Under what conditions and where would you fish a drop-shot rig? A Skakey Worm?

[bman5150]

Just started using these rigs .. . seems like a pretty deadly technique but I'm a power fisherman at heart so it's going to take a bunch more confidence to start using this rig more. My gut tells me I'll catch more bass if I fish finesse a bit more on some of the heavily fished local lakes so I'm committed to learning more about shaky head worms + drop shotting. Some of my other questions:

Do you always want to use a straight 4" "do-nothing" worm on a drop shot?

How do you guys fish it? vertical or casting out and slowly work it back? Or do you just target fish with it on very defined spots?

WHen would you choose a shakey over a drop-shot?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

[cmclairday2]

I'll mostly use these rigs in places where the water is fairly clear, but not always.
If you're slamming the fish using power techniques, then you probably arent in a situation where finesse is going to improve your catch. Those days where you don't do well power fishing are the days when finesse techniques can really shine.
I understand your pain, being that I had to learn to finesse fish after growing up fishing Mississippi and White River oxbows and backwaters. When I moved to north Arkansas, I seen my first clear water and figured out fast that if I wanted to catch fish, I would have to change.

I favor using a straight tailed worm on a drop shot rig, but if the water has some stain to it, I also like to incorporate a worm that has some tail action to it, like a Zoom Shakey Tail worm.
I use a drop shot in both ways, sometimes vertically for suspended fish, sometimes targeting cearten areas from several feet away. I use it most often targeting vertical cover or structure like standing timber or bluffs.
I usually let depth make my decision on which presentation to use. If the fish are relatively shallow (typically 10' or less) or holding in or around snaggy cover, I'll throw a shakey head.
If the fish are holding deeper or suspended I'll elect for the drop shot.
With either presentation, your bites will very often come while on the fall, and may be very tough to detect. Watching your line and knowing the water depth you're fishing are very important.
The best way to get confidence in these is to use them. To start, try using them in places where you can catch a lot of fish, like a private lake or pond. Get some bites with them and get used to using the lighter tackle. Once you catch some fish on these, especially after you catch your first big bass on a tiny drop shot hook, you'll see that it is easier to do than you thought. Then take it to the lakes you like to fish, and watch it work.

[bman5150]

Thanks!

[livetofish]

Don't be afraid to try different kinds of plastics on shaky heads. I use anything from a 4'' finesse worm to a Baby Brush Hog.