Featured Tip

Drop-Shot a YUM Dinger For A Different Approach

These baits are very effective on a drop-shot when rigged several ways, including nose-hooked for open water, Texas rigged for snaggy cover or wacky rigged for lethargic fish.

My favorite method of fishing river smallmouth is to tie up a drop shot rig using 8-pound Silver Thread line. Using a No. 2 Excalibur Tx3 Wide Gap Hook, I leave between eight and 12 inches between the hook and an Excalibur Tungsten Drop Shot weight. If the fish are scattered on the flats or along the river channel break, I’ll nose-hook the YUM Dinger with an exposed hook point and drift down with the current using a 1/4-ounce tungsten weight. Little rod action is needed, as the bait will gently swim along as you drift back with the current. If I find fish holding on a certain spot along the flat or break, I’ll switch to a 3/8-ounce tungsten weight, change the rig to wacky style, then hold the boat in position in the current so I can keep the bait on the spot. While I am maintaining bottom contact with the heavier weight, I will vigorously shake the rod tip up and down about two to four inches and make the bait dance in place.

The great thing about this bait and a drop shot rig is that you can fish any depth from one foot up to 60 feet and all you have to do is make a quick change of the tungsten weight. The YUM Dinger appeals to all species of bass and comes in colors for all water color and bait conditions. Once they bite it, they don’t let it go.

Brian Raab is an Oregon YUM pro staff member.