StandOut Drop-shot hook

StandOut™ Lever Action Fishing System 1/0 Bleeding Bait Hook Drop-shot hook

©Copyright 2007 by Brice Sanchez *

It was still a bit dark as the sun was coming up over the horizon.  A slight breeze was blowing from the north and a small flock of mallards were nibbling close to the shoreline. I tied on the 1/0 StandOut™ to my drop-shot pole (10# copolymer test line on a medium action spinning rod and reel) and utilizing a soft plastic, Tex-posed ring-worm, I was quickly rewarded with a very slight tick in the line.  A sweeping hook set produced this bass in about 3’ of water.

 

Using a drop-shot rig on a regular basis is an excellent fish producing technique. When the fish require bait that is horizontally suspended parallel to the bottom at various depths it’s extremely effective.  Since there is not a weight between the bait and the pole even the most subtle bites can be converted into landed fish. It’s important for the drop-shot bait to stand out from the line at a 90° angle to give the bait as natural a presentation as possible. This is usually accomplished by utilizing a Palomar knot on many varieties of hooks.  The StandOut™ accomplishes this on its own terms.

 

The StandOut™ Fishing System utilizes an innovative design that makes your bait stick out from your line and produces great lure action.  It’s a hook with an additional eyelet offset from the main eyelet that you run your tagline through to your drop shot weight. This enables your bait to stand at the preferred 90° angle mentioned above. This graphic depicts the StandOut™ drop shot rig.

 

 

 

  

After observing the rig in a pool the action drop-shotting gives bait is simply fantastic.  It’s a wonderful technique used to keep the bait in a promising water column and ever so slightly twitched or worked rigorously.  Sometimes when the weather is windy some stiff jerks can produce very well especially at night.

  

Checking my line for nicks I cast out further down the shore line.  Another small bass liked my offering and this time he hooked himself.  After landing him I realized that he wasn’t hooked as well as the first one so make sure you use a sweeping hook set to drive that hook deep into the fish’s mouth and retie often.

 

Many anglers use drop-shotting as a deep water technique with excellent results.  I have found it equally effective in shallow water 3’ or less.   The action just drives bass crazy producing many reaction strikes.  I’ve also had good success in the middle of a summer’s day when it’s hot along ridges and ledges. Keeping the rig concentrated in the strike zone while producing lots of action is very effective.  Don’t retrieve it to fast and let the lure work.

The StandOut™ is an excellent drop-shot product and presents bait at the preferred 90° angle to the fishing line.  The Red Alert™ red finish produces well but the StandOut™ is also available in a black nickel finish.  Average retail price is under $3.75 for a single package.

  * I have no affiliation with StandOut™ or any other company or publication.  All information provided is of my personal opinion and should be interpreted as such.  Not responsible for any action anyone would take based on this article. Form your own opinion and do your own thing.