By Kevin VanDam
Kevin VanDamAs much as I love power fishing techniques, youll see a drop-shot rig in my hands just about any time Im fishing Michiana lakes during the summer.
In fact, its the best way to catch bass on natural lakes this time of year and one that Ive done very well with on places like Klinger, Gull and even Grand Traverse Bay.
Bass will school and suspend just off the bottom over the deep grass flats of our lakes, so a drop-shot is ideal for catching them.
While I used to use a lot of finesse worms, Strike Kings new Dream Shot in the KVD Perfect Plastics lineup is ideal.
Its the bait that nephew Jonathon VanDam used to win the Bassmaster Elite event on Lake Michigan this summer.
Mark Zona, who grew up fishing Klinger Lake, had a hand in the design as we wanted a drop-shot bait that has a lot of action and best resembles baitfish both here and around the country. The lure combines a worm with a minnow bait, offering more action than a finesse worm. At 4 inches in length, its a miniature version of the Strike King Caffeine Shad that I love to use for tricking shallow bass.
Strike King Dream ShotThe Dream Shot has a flat bottom which allows the tail to quiver even when the bait is sitting still. Ive also used it to catch fish while sight fishing and on a shaky head.
It comes in several colors, most of which are natural and built for clear water. One of my favorites - and one that Jon used - is KVD Magic (gray and green with a blue flake). Its great where bass are feeding on bluegill, smelt or shiners in clear water.
Because Im fishing it around grass, I like to Texas rig it on the Mustads new, light-wire 2/0 Edge hook that has a nifty keeper on the shaft. I tie the hook about 14 to 18 inches above a Strike King teardrop sinker (that shape comes through the weeds easier).
Another thing I do is I pre-tie the rig on a leader and attach it to a No. 16 barrel swivel that is connected to my main line. That really helps reduce line twist.
Most of my drop-shot fishing is done with 6- or 8-pound line, depending upon water clarity. Usually, in late summer, the lakes have an algae bloom to them and so you can get away with a little heavier line.