If you’re like me, you rely on a finesse presentation when all else fails. The drop shot is a go-to finesse rig for me year-round when the going gets tough. It has a way of targeting those hard to reach, (the -impossible -to please – fish); the ones that only bite a lure of particular criteria. What’s more you can rig a dropshot on heavier line and flip it around grass or rig it to be punched, the versatility is endless. I’ve been fishing a few worms this season and so far, they haven’t failed me. They outperform other baits and attract bass in weird moods, the ones in transition or too pressured. They work well as bed fishing baits, too.
1.) Robo Worm in Marguerita Mutilator
The Robo Worm has become a staple for finesse anglers. But there’s something about the profile and MM, and MMII colors that ring with hesitant fish. This overlooked color is especially effective out here on the California Delta. Other colors that work well are ‘morning dawn’ and ‘Aarons Magic.’ I like rigging a 6″ or 4 1/2 ” straight tail on a Re Barb Gamakatsu LT wire Size 2 hook. It’s a great profile and color for bed fishing – there’s something about the size and profile that irritates them. The 4 1/2 inch is best rigged nose hooked as this gives the smaller profile a better action. The smaller size works well bed fishing when those less aggressive fish want to grab the tail and swim off and drop it.
Drop Shot Worms: Zoom Finesse Worms
Another bait from the worm family – the zoom finesse worm is a go-to for toning down the size and color. I normally will start with this bait and work up to larger, bolder colors. It catches those fish in the middle looking for something small and plump. I found that a pumpkin green color is best in the regions where I fish. You can also size up to the 6 ” version and nose hook or Texas rig it with a wire hook for lighter bites and defensive fish. It’s a great probing bait along tule lines and deep troughs along rock walls. I’ll cover the area with a moving bait like a lipless crankbait first, then begin dissecting the small pockets that are close to structure with a zoom worm.
Berkley Powerbait Max Scent Flat Worm
The Berkley flat worm provides a subtle action with a finesse presence. Small twitches allow the tail to quiver even in current. The flat bottom desing allows the worm to dive nose-down and remain flat as you impart classic drop shot action on your rod tip. It’s a great baitfish imitation when bass are key in on smaller fry ie bluegill young and shad. I like throwing this particular bait in fall when the bite turns away from crankbaits and jerk baits. If i;m on a spot where I know bass are holding and I graph them somewhere near the bottom with bait balls in the area, I’ll throw in a Berkley flat worm.