Drop shot fishing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to target perch and zander in the UK. It’s particularly popular on canals, rivers, and stillwaters, and is a great technique for beginners because the rig is easy to tie, lightweight, and incredibly versatile.

This guide will walk you through the gear, rigs, baits, and techniques you need to start drop shot fishing with confidence.

What is Drop Shot Fishing?

Drop shot fishing is a finesse method that presents your bait just off the bottom, where predators like perch and zander often wait to strike. A hook is tied directly onto your line above a weight, meaning the bait hovers naturally and can be twitched, lifted, or simply held in place.

The big advantage is control - unlike traditional lure fishing, you don’t have to retrieve the lure constantly. You can keep the bait in the strike zone for as long as you want, which is perfect for tempting cautious fish.

Essential Gear for Drop Shot Fishing

You don’t need a huge amount of kit, but having the right basics makes life easier and ensures fish are looked after properly.

Rod: A light lure or drop shot rod, 6–8ft, with a casting weight of 2–15g depending on venue. A sensitive tip helps detect subtle bites.
Reel: Small fixed spool reel (1000–2500 size). A smooth drag is key for handling better fish.
Line:
- Braid (6–10lb) for maximum sensitivity (always with a fluorocarbon leader).
- Fluorocarbon mainline (6–8lb) if you prefer simplicity and invisibility.
Hooks: Drop shot hooks (size 4–8), designed to sit horizontally for natural presentation.
Weights: Drop shot weights (cylinder or teardrop), 5–7g for canals, 10–15g for rivers or depth.
Lures: Soft plastics 2–3 inches for perch, 3–4 inches for zander. Worms, minnows, and small shads are go-to choices.
Landing Net: Essential for safe fish handling. A 30–36 inch net is perfect for perch and zander.
Unhooking Mat: Always carry a compact, roll-up mat to protect fish when unhooking.
Unhooking Tools: Long-nose pliers or a disgorger to safely remove hooks.

Kit Recommendations (Voyagers Hook)

For beginners, choosing a rod that matches the type of fishing you’ll be doing is key. Here are some options we stock:

Mikado Sensual N.G Ultra Light Spin 208 cm (2–10 g)
- Light and sensitive, perfect for canals and small rivers targeting perch.
- Transport length 109 cm, weight ~96 g.
- Price: £24.99
SPRO Xtender V2 1–8 g Ultra Light Micro Lure Rod
- Ultra-light rod for delicate presentations and tiny lures. Ideal if you’re fishing shallow or pressured waters.
- Price: £61.95
Mikado Bixlite Fast Spin 214 cm (3–16 g)
- Slightly heavier, giving more casting range and power, perfect for zander or larger perch.
- Price: £34.99

All three rods pair well with a 1000–2500 size spinning reel and light fluorocarbon or braid.

Additionally, Voyagers Hook stocks a full range of drop shot essentials: weights, hooks, fluorocarbon lines, soft plastics, landing nets, and unhooking mats. Having everything in one place makes starting drop shot fishing straightforward for beginners.

Choosing the Right Baits and Lures

Soft plastic Worms – Straight-tail worms are classics for perch.
Minnow & Shad Imitations – Great all-rounders, especially for zander.
Creature Baits – Effective when fish are pressured and ignoring standard patterns.
Colours:
- Natural (green, brown, silver) in clear water.
- Bright (chartreuse, pink, orange) in coloured water.

Tip: Nose-hook soft plastics for maximum movement. For snaggy areas, use a weedless hook setup.

How to Tie a Standard Drop Shot Rig

The standard drop shot rig consists of a hook tied to the mainline, a weight attached to the end of the line, and a soft plastic lure on the hook. This setup allows your bait to hover naturally above the bottom while keeping the weight on the substrate. Here’s a step-by-step guide for beginners:

What You Need

Fluorocarbon or light braid (6–8 lb)
Drop shot hook (size 4–8)
Drop shot weight (teardrop or cylinder) – often with a built-in swivel or eyelet
Soft plastic lure (worm, shad, or minnow)

Step 1: Tie the Hook

Measure 30–60 cm from the line end — this will determine how high the lure sits above the weight.
Tie the drop shot hook using a Palomar knot:
- Double your line and pass it through the hook eye.
- Tie a simple overhand knot with the doubled line.
- Pull the hook through the loop and tighten.
Ensure the hook sits horizontally with the point facing upward, allowing the lure to hang naturally.

💡 Tip: Beginners can use pre-tied drop shot hooks to save time.

Step 2: Attach the Drop Shot Weight

Properly attaching the weight ensures the lure hovers correctly and the line remains untwisted.

If the Weight Has a Swivel

Drop shot weight, secure to the line by ‘clipping’ it onto the overhand knot.

Thread the tag end of your line through the swivel.
Tie a small overhand knot around the mainline just above the swivel. This prevents the weight from sliding off.
Pull the knot tight and trim the tag end, leaving a small tail (~2–3 mm).
Slide the hook up to the desired height above the weight (15–30 cm for perch, 30–45 cm for zander).

If the Weight Has an Eyelet Only

Thread the tag end of your line through the eyelet.
Tie a small overhand knot or uni knot at the end of the line to secure the weight.
Ensure the knot is tight and the weight sits firmly at the end of the line.

Step 3: Mount the Lure

Nose-hook your soft plastic lure onto the drop shot hook.
Ensure the lure can move freely and hangs horizontally above the weight.
The weight remains on the bottom while the hook suspends the lure in the strike zone.

Step 4: Final Adjustments

Confirm the hook is pointing upward and the lure sits horizontal or slightly angled.
Check that the weight is secure but can rotate slightly if needed. Swivel weights are particularly helpful to prevent line twists.
Test the rig in shallow water before casting to ensure the lure hovers naturally. Adjust the hook-to-weight distance if necessary.

💡 Pro Tip: The correct distance between hook and weight is crucial — it determines how high the lure sits off the bottom. Too low and it drags along the substrate; too high and fish may miss it.

How to Tie a Wacky Drop Shot Rig

Tie hook as above.
Hook worm through the middle (or secure with an O-ring).
The lure now flutters at both ends with the slightest movement, making it irresistible to finicky fish.

Best Times of Day for Drop Shot Fishing

Predators feed hardest when light levels are lower:

Morning and Evening – Peak feeding periods.
Overcast Days – Feeding can extend well into midday.
Autumn Advantage – As water cools, perch and zander feed more aggressively to build energy for winter, making autumn an ideal season for beginners to learn.

Techniques for Success

Hold Steady: Don’t overwork the lure – sometimes just leaving it still is enough.
Twitch & Pause: Subtle rod tip shakes add life without spooking fish.
Drag Slowly: Move the weight a few inches along the bottom and pause to trigger following fish.
Vertical Presentation: Drop the rig straight down beside structures like boats, walls, or bridge pilings.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Using too heavy a weight, making the presentation unnatural.
Overworking the rod tip, which can spook fish.
Placing the hook too high – perch feed close to the bottom (15–30 cm above) and zander slightly higher (up to 45 cm).
Forgetting fish care kit – always carry a landing net and unhooking mat.
Staying in a swim too long – move after 20–30 minutes without a bite.

Final Tips for Beginners

Start on perch – they’re plentiful and perfect for learning.
Keep rigs simple and light – you don’t need anything complicated.
Carry a small selection of worms, shads, and weights – don’t overpack.
Focus on features like boats, walls, and cover – predators like ambush points.
Prioritise fish safety with a mat, net, and careful unhooking.

Beginner’s Guide to Drop Shot Fishing