What should I throw in March? Is a drop shot rig a good choice?

March is a magical month for bass fishermen as fish start to wake up from their winter slumber and become more active. As the water temperatures begin to rise, bass become more aggressive and start their pre-spawn feeding frenzy. This makes it an ideal time to break out the drop shot rig, a versatile and effective tool in your fishing arsenal.

Why a Drop Shot Rig?

The drop shot rig is an excellent choice for March because it allows you to present your bait in a subtle and precise manner. This rig is particularly effective for targeting bass that are holding in deeper water or around structure, as they often do in early spring. The ability to keep your bait suspended just above the bottom, right in the strike zone, makes it irresistible to bass.

How to Set Up a Drop Shot Rig

You'll need a few key components for a classic drop shot setup:

• Rod and Reel: Use a medium-light to medium spinning rod with a fast action tip. Pair it with a spinning reel that has a smooth drag system.
• Line: Opt for a 6-8 lb fluorocarbon line for its sensitivity and invisibility in water.
• Hook: A size 1 or 2 drop shot hook works well.
• Weight: Attach a 1/4 to 3/8 oz drop shot weight at the end of your line.

Tie a Palomar knot to attach your hook about 12-18 inches above the weight. Ensure the hook point is facing upwards to improve hook sets.

Best Baits for March

In March, bass are on the lookout for easy meals. Soft plastics such as worms, minnows, or creature baits work wonders on a drop shot rig. Try the Berkley Gilly, known for its realistic movement. For more tips on using the Berkley Gilly, check out this video.

Practical Tip

When fishing a drop shot rig in March, focus on areas with transitional structure like drop-offs, ledges, or points leading into spawning flats. Cast your rig out, and let it sink to the bottom. Use gentle shakes of your rod tip to impart natural movement to the bait without moving the weight much. This subtle action can trigger bites from even the most cautious bass.

Encouragement

As the saying goes, "March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers," and in the world of fishing, they also bring big bass! So grab your drop shot rig, head to the water, and enjoy the excitement of spring fishing. Remember, every cast is a new opportunity for a thrilling catch!

For more insights on drop shot rigging techniques, check out this video or consider investing in some ready-made rigs like the Drop Shot Rigs for Bass Fishing available on Amazon.