By Vance McCullough – AC Insider

John Murray on the Dropshot: Keep it Simple, Throw it Everywhere

Two-time US Open Champion John Murray built his reputation in the clear, deep waters of the West though he now gets his mail in Spring City, Tennessee. An early adopter of the drop shot, Murray still loves the technique for its simplicity and its versatility.

“It’s just a weight with a length of line, usually 10-to-12-inches, and a hook,” emphasizes Murray. “Don’t get caught up in too many details when you’re starting out. People can make it more complicated than it really should be, but drop shotting is just a simple way to catch a lot of fish so it’s a great technique for people who are new to bass fishing or for a seasoned pro.”

If the average angler is missing a trick with the drop shot, Murray says it’s this: “Rig it weedless, Texas rig style on a 1/0 straight shank hook. Use the same worms you would otherwise use and don’t be afraid to cast it into cover, the same places you would pitch a Texas rig. A lot of people think the drop shot is just for open water. It’s not. It’s versatile. It works great in heavy cover.

“And it’s not only a deep-water bait. It’s just like any other worm fishing technique. You can cast it to the bank, drag it out and follow the lake’s contours whether that takes you down 10 feet deep or 50 feet.”

Murray imparts minimal action. “Keep a fairly tight line and work it gently, not a lot of shaking, nothing too crazy with it. Picture the worm swimming like a minnow. Just a gentle pull is best.”

Less is more with the hookset too. “Tighten up and keep reeling. Use a small, sharp hook and just reel it into their mouth.”