Dropshot fishing for perch
Dropshot fishing for perch is a really exciting way to catch them as the delicate presentation allows me to feel every knock and tentative bite. This is a finesse technique that I use once I’ve found where the perch are hiding.
I’ve created other videos to explain the way I search for perch using cheb and ned rigs, and jig heads. It’s good to have a range of lures in your bag as no two days of fishing are the same. In this article I explain how I use the dropshot approach, which on its day can be the most effective and it’s great fun too.
The Ultimate Guide To Dropshot Fishing For Perch
When and Where To Use The Dropshot
Dropshot fishing for perch is great fun and effective. I’ve found the best time for perch fishing is at dawn and dusk when the light levels are low and this gives perch an advantage over their prey. Once I’ve found where the perch are located, I try to keep the bait within the ‘strike zone’ by gently twitching or lifting the lure to tempt the perch into taking it.
Perch love features and structures such as bridges, canal boats and slacks. I’ll use the dropshot to explore these features and tempt them into taking my lure. Sometimes bites are very gentle and I just feel a little knock, but I’ve also had my lure engulfed by a hungry perch and needed to get the forceps out to remove it
I use a rod that casts lures between 2 and 10g. A balanced set up is crucial as I’m holding the rod all day.
Recommended Dropshot Tackle
The rod should be balanced with a small 1000 size reel. This is important because it’s really light and the rod and reel will be in my hands for the whole time I’m fishing. On my reel I have 8lb - 10lb fine braid and the last four feet will be either 6 to 10lb fluorocarbon line. This allows me to land the odd small pike, but if there are lots of pike present, I’d change to using a ned rig with a wire trace.
How To Tie The Dropshot Rig
Tying the dropshot rig is easy, I take an arm’s length of fluorocarbon line and cut it off the spool. I fold the line in half so that both strands are side by side and slide on a size 4 dropshot hook.
The eye of the hook now has two strands of fluorocarbon through it, with a loop on the end. I then carefully tie a palomar knot and hold my fingers over the eye of the hook, while I carefully tighten the knot above it.
It’s really important to wet the knot before tightening it. The dropshot hook stands at right angles to the line with the point facing up. It's really difficult to describe how to tie the rig so maybe check out the video and the end of this article.
I attach the fluorocarbon rig to my 10lb braid with back to back grinner knots
I prefer to use pencil dropshot weights and these are pinched on the line. There are other types of weights available, but the pencil weight works best for me. I start with about a foot and a half off bottom and will move the weight up and down during the day. The longer the distance the lure is from the weight, the bigger the drop, so it’s worth changing the depth until you find where the perch are feeding. These weights come in a range of sizes and I rarely use them much heavier than 10g, it’s all I normally need, unless I’m fishing a really big water.
I’ve also had success on small rivers in the autumn when the perch are still active within the flow. I look for areas where there is a slack, cast in and allow the flow of the river to move the lure. If I’m not getting bites, I’ll slowly raise the rod tip and let it dip which makes the lure move up and down, which often prompts perch into taking it.
Tricks of the trade
I’ll let you into a little secret that has caught me a load of perch when other dropshot lures have failed. I add a small tungsten weight on the hook and put a paddle tail lure on, which I hook in a slightly different way. This allows the lure to sink more aggressively and the paddle tail action adds extra attraction.
There are lots of different lures you can use with the dropshot technique. My favourites include minnows, pin tails, spikey shads, paddle tails and finesse worms.
Thinking Outside The Box - Going Wacky!
I’ve pinched a method from bass fishermen that often produces when all else fails. I hook finesse worms ‘wacky style’ through the middle. Side hook these worms as this makes the lure behave in a very different way. The method works really with Finesse Worms and the Dreamshot, both by Strike King.
So, What Are The Best Lures To Use On The Dropshot?
We'll I've got to say that this has to be the Fox Rage Slick Finesse. They are beautifully slick little fork tails that are soft (which is essential) and so they collapse in the mouth perfectly. Try a few colours but I've had the most success with the Wagasaki which is a nice natural colour.
Get Started - Dropshot Tackle Summary
Slick Finesse Shads (or whatever lures you fancy trying)
The Final Word
So dropshot fishing for perch can be very rewarding with lots of different lures and techniques to try – why not give it a go.
Watch the Original Video
The original Dropshot video from quite a while back, but still relevent.
Watch a More Recent Video
Another more recent video below, where you can see how effective the slick finesse is on the dropshot at the start of the video.