So we all know that the drop shot is one of the best finesse rigs out there.
And it is especially lethal for catching smallmouth bass.
But every fishing rig is only as good as the soft plastic baits that are rigged on it.
Here are the best drop shot baits for smallmouth bass.
As long as you have these 4 baits (to be honest the top 3), you will be completely fine.
Feel free to play around with these baits in different water clarities and seasons.
Generally, I have found that the worm style baits work a bit better in warm water. And the baitfish style baits work a bit better in cold water.
These leech style baits are definitely my favorite drops shot bait for smallmouth.
Their bulbous tail has incredible action and movement in the water. With the smallest shakes of your rod tip, the tail will swim up and down.
Because of this movement, these leech baits are still very short in length.
Usually between 2 – 3.5 inches long, they are small enough for smallmouth bass to fit the entire bait in their mouths.
This is important because obviously, these bronze backs have smaller mouths and can’t eat as big of prey.
Smallmouth bass feed heavily on minnows, shad, and other small baitfish.
So it only makes sense that a minnow style bait is a fantastic way to catch them.
The thin tail undulates in the water as the body of the bait provides a realistic profile.
Again, these minnow baits are small and compact, which makes them easy snacks for smallmouth bass.
With these baits, I like to keep the colors as natural as possible. I usually stick to grey or green pumpkin colors.
Cast the Big Bite Baits Jerk Minnow out weightless and retrieve with short jerks.
Bass have trouble resisting its lifelike darting motion and wild split tail action.
Also loaded with salt and fortified with Bite Juice for added fish attraction, the Big Bite Baits Jerk Minnow can be rigged a variety of ways and is designed to bring the “Big Bite” to your line.
Finesse worms are a classic drop shot bait for all types of bass. The long, slender bodies of these worms bend and swim through the water.
This incredibly enticing action is hard to resist for all smallmouth bass.
Another thing about finesse worms is that they tend to catch you bigger bass because of their extra length.
When you get a bite, wait an extra second before setting the hooks so that the bass have time to eat the whole worm.
Any time you are talking about smallmouth bass, you need to mention goby imitation baits.
Goby are one of smallmouth bass’s favorite meals. They are small, thick, and stick to the bottom.
Drop shots are a great way to present goby baits in a finesse manner.
Not all lakes or rivers will have goby in them, so these baits aren’t quite as versatile as the other three baits on the list.
But if you know your fishery has gobies, make sure you are imitating them.
A natural enticement for bass in goby-rich environments, the new 2.4-inch TRD GobyZ reinforces Z-Man’s trendsetting finesse bait lineup with a surprisingly adaptable shape.
Poured with extra malleable 10X Tough ElaZtech superplastic, the TRD GobyZ compresses as easily as the live version, meaning bass snap and don’t let go.
Yet even after dozens of aggressive attacks, a single one of these runt-sized swimbaits is no worse for wear.
Ready to roll out on your favorite smallmouth spots!
Presentation: It allows for a natural presentation of the bait or lure. The bait is suspended above the weight, mimicking the natural behavior of prey fish, which can be very enticing to smallmouth bass.
Versatility: You can use a wide range of baits and lures with the drop shot rig, including soft plastics, minnow imitations, and small crankbaits. This versatility allows you to adjust to different fishing conditions and the preferences of the fish.
Depth Control: With a drop shot rig, you can precisely control the depth at which your bait is presented. This is crucial when fishing for smallmouth bass, as they often inhabit various depths depending on factors like water temperature, time of day, and structure.
Subtle Action: The drop shot rig provides a subtle and natural action to the bait. This can be especially effective when fishing in clear water or when the fish are in a more finicky mood.
Minimal Snagging: Because the weight is below the bait, the drop shot rig is less prone to snagging on underwater structures compared to other rigs like Texas or Carolina rigs. This can save you time and frustration while fishing.
Also Read: Best Lure Colors for Smallmouth Bass
