Idiot Bait
I would like to start off by saying that drop shotting is not difficult and requires no special tackle. I think it is an "idiot technique," as easy as throwing a senko. I believe the key to success has 95% to do with rigging.
Go Light
Last year was by far my most successful season in the club, and my main weapon was the drop shot rig. I have been using the drop shot for a couple years without as much success, and I think I know the reason why. Last year I dropped down from an 8 lb. to a 6 lb. test flourocarbon leader. I had been wary of using such light line, but decided to give it a shot, and I believe the light line got me more bites than I could with the 8 lb.
The Rig
Rigging the drop shot simply involves tying a hook to a palomar knot with a long tag end and attaching a weight to the end, placing the weight below the bait. If you have thrown a dropshot rig for any amount of time, you've probably experienced line twist. There are 2 surefire ways to eliminate it: 1. tie a small swivel above the hook 2. use a main line of Fireline or braid (fireline and braid absorb the twist- don't ask me how). I used to use option 1, but have settled on option 2, using a long leader (25 feet of FC line) attached with a back to back uni knot. There are multiple benefits of the long leader. First, when you are fighting the fish at the boat, the knot is on your reel, and not under as much pressure as it would as with a shorter leader. Secondly, the line in the water is Flourocarbon, and FC line sinks, is invisible (mostly), and offers better action than other lines.
Tackle
Any medium or medium light spinning or baitcasting rig will work with a drop shot setup. Actually, using a baitcaster will also eliminate line twist. I use a medium light spinning rod and a 2500 Shimano reel. Be sure that your rod is rated for the lb. test line you plan on using. Using 8 lb. test on a rod rated for 10-14 lbs. is asking for trouble. You will want to set the drag according to the lb. test you are using, and if using a braid with a mono or FC leader, set it to the lesser lb. rating. If you Google "how to set the drag" you will find plenty of articles on how to do this.
Terminal Tackle
I believe the key to maximizing the bite is to go light, so I use a #4 Owner mosquito hook. It is a small hook, but since I nose hook my worms, it works fine. If you are going to use light line, it's best to use light hooks. Using light weight is also important. Dropping from 3/16 oz. to 1/8 oz. or 1/8 oz. to 1/16 oz. can make a big difference. Dropshotting is no different than any other worm technique, and 90% of the bites come on the drop, and light weights will maximize your bites.
Baits
This is probably the least important aspect of the rig. Any soft plastic bait can be used with success. While I am partial to Roboworm, any finesse worm will work, such as Zoom's Swamp Crawler, Finesse Worm, etc. Nose hook the bait and you're in business.
Fishing It
Fishing the rig is the easy part! Cast it to weed edges, holes in weeds, rock piles, drop offs, etc. Let it get to the bottom (if it makes it that far) and wait a couple seconds after the weight hits the bottom for the bait to fall to the bottom as well, and then slowly lift up until there is no slack in the line but you have not lifted the weight up and let it fall again. Reel in. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. When you get a bite, simply lift up on the rod while reeling, keeping firm and steady pressure. No need for a typical Texas rig hook set with this rig. Keep pressure on the fish and take your time.
I hope these tips can help! Good luck and think spring!
Mike
