Jim Sargent Loc: Payson, AZ

I gave up my beloved bird dogs and upland hunting and retired in 2014. That's when I returned to fishing. My how things had changed. My once treasured Mitchell Garcia 300s were obsolete so I essentially started over.
One of the most effective new techniques for our clear water Western lakes was the drop shot. Until now I have pretty much been a traditionalist using spinning gear with braid and fluorocarbon leader. I have been using an 8-10 foot leader so I could quickly retie if I broke off without losing time in the water.
I fish Lake Powell for a month each spring and fall. (A benefit of that is I have the privilege of fishing with Graywulff May 6-13.)
Wednesday I got really fed up with line twist on the drop shot rig. Literally had to stop and cut off a large section of knotted braid three times. After researching on YouTube Wednesday night decided to go with a swivel between the braid and fluorocarbon leader.
Advantage, line twist is gone. Done. Nada. Disadvantage, I am restricted to a shorter leader and I have to be constantly aware of the swivel so I don't reel it up to the rod tip.
I would very much appreciate hearing what everyone else is using for drop shot plus any advice.
Thanks for your feedback.
Jim

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

An old trick I used in Saltwater, to keep newbies from cranking the swivel into the tiptop, is put a plastic bead on the mainline above the swivel. Make sure its big enough that it won't pass through the tip. It won't damage the eye like a metal swivel will. Good luck at Lake Powell Jim, looking forward to pictures from you and Mike's adventure.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Hey Jim, I can't help you with the drop shot set up but I have gone to the knot shown in the video below if that is any help to you in your braid to fluro instead of the swivel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvXcVfCRR0k

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Jim... are you using a high quality braid? I had the same problem for a while until someone pointed out that my cheap braid was losing its weave. Since then I have tried P-Line Teflon coated braid and Power Pro Slick X2, both have eliminated the problem.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

The barrel swivel, or 3 way swivel is the only way I know of to help with line twist outside of using drop shot hooks with a built in swivel to tie your braid to. Plum bob’s knot to a fluoro leader will help to disguise your setup. A small leader to a weight will help get your bait to the depth you want to fish. There are many designs of drop shot or spin shot hooks available. Good luck!

Attached file:
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Jim Sargent Loc: Payson, AZ

Plumbob,
I actually downloaded that when you posted it some time ago.
Jim

Jim Sargent Loc: Payson, AZ

Steve,
I use the regular Power Pro from Walmart. I will look for the X2 next time I'm at Bass Pro in Mesa, Az. Surprisingly there is not much available in Page even though it's the launch point for Lake Powell.

Jim Sargent Loc: Payson, AZ

Thanks OJ.

orion72 Loc: Southern Maryland

A lot of guys go pretty light with the drop shot. Straight 6 or 8 pound mono. No messing with leaders. Agree with a small barrel swivel or as mentioned above, the drop shot hook with the swivel built in. Can be a lot of fun bringing a big LM to the boat on 6 pound test. Check that drag or turn off the anti-reverse and back reel to tire them out.

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

No experience using any of these in the pic but I was taught the less metal, the better. Enlighten please.

OldBassGuy Loc: Temecula, CA

Easiest fix is to go to straight fluorocarbon line. Has worked for me for many years.

Benjo Bob Loc: Maine

Jim up here in Maine we use #10 swivels usually 2-3 between our lead core and 1/2 way down a 20 foot floro leader for lakers when using either live bait or lures….keeps the twist out and are small enough to reel right through the tip guide and the level wind bars. Problem solved. Though small the swivels are rated to 35 pounds

Bassattacker Loc: Central Ohio

I have drop shot tied in and usually in my hands at all times. I always had flouro carbon only tied direct and was always dealing w twisted line. I now use a high quality braid and tie a Albright knot to my 10-12’ flouro leader. I also only use the spin shot drop shot hooks and haven’t had any issues w twisting. I like that style of hook because after catching I like to retie in case line is compromised from their mouth rubbing on it. And I just cut line of at top swivel of spin shot and don’t have to mess w retying the bottom line that has sinker attached. Just retie too swivel to main leader w Palomar knot and right back to fishing. Hope that is helpful

Uncle_T Loc: Georgia

I use braid and fluorocarbon leader as long as I want it usually about four or five feet with a swivel and a clip at the very end, and I pre tie my drop shots with a loop about 8 to 12 inches above the hook, and just hook them onto the clip, this way I can minimize line twist and change things out as I wish.