The drop shot technique for zander
The drop shot technique for zander
The drop shot is a vertical and semi-vertical fishing technique originating from Japan, now essential for zander in France. The setup consists of fixing a soft lure on a line perpendicular to the main line, with a weight at the end. This presentation allows holding the lure at the right depth, making it vibrate on the spot and triggering takes on zander in position, often difficult to convince with classic techniques.
On the Lot at Aiguillon, zander find ideal spots: holes 3 to 6 metres deep, rocks, moderate current zones and channel margins. The drop shot excels in these conditions as it allows prospecting structures precisely, working the lure vertically from a boat or from the bank in deep water, and exploiting zander sensitivity to vibrations. The technique is particularly effective in autumn and winter, when zander hold near the bottom. From Gîte du Martin Pêcheur, holes accessible from the pontoon or by boat suit the drop shot perfectly.
What you need
Drop shot rod 2.10 to 2.40 m (3-15 g)
Extra-fast action, fine tip for feeling subtle zander takes. Maximum sensitivity essential.
Spinning reel 2000-2500
Light, shallow spool for fine braid. 8-12 lb braid (0.12-0.15 mm) for optimal sensitivity.
Braid and fluorocarbon line
8-12 lb braid as main line. 12-18 lb fluorocarbon hooklink (30-50 cm) for invisibility and abrasion resistance.
Worm and shad type soft lures
Worms 10-12 cm (Roboworm, Keitech), shads 8-10 cm. Colours: natural (blue, green), dark (violet, black) in coloured water. Dedicated drop shot hooks (size 1 to 2/0).
Drop shot weights 3 to 15 g
Elongated "drop shot" type weights with clip. Weight according to depth: 3-5 g (2-3 m), 8-10 g (4-5 m), 12-15 g (6 m and more). On the Lot, 8-10 g suits most holes.
Rigging and practice
Assemble the drop shot setup
Fix the drop shot hook on the fluorocarbon, point up, 30-60 cm from the weight. Pass the line through the eye, tie a Palomar or special drop shot knot. Thread the lure on the hook leaving the point exposed (weedless). Fix the weight at the end of the line.
Locate zander spots
Target holes (3-6 m), bottom breaks, rocks and current margins. On the Lot, holes downstream of weirs and gravel/silt transition zones are prime spots. Use a bathymetric map or sound with the lure.
Animate the drop shot lure
Cast or lower the setup onto the spot. Main animation: small rod trembles (twitch) while retrieving very slowly. The lure vibrates on the spot. Vary: long pauses, light pulls, slow descents. Zander often take at the stop.
Detect the take and strike
The zander take is often subtle: a "toc", resistance, line slack. Keep permanent contact. Strike with a sharp wrist movement as soon as you feel something abnormal. Zander has a hard mouth: energetic strike is needed.
Fight and release
Zander defends with head shakes. Keep tension, avoid bringing it up too fast (risk of drop-off). Fine-mesh landing net, delicate handling. Immediate release to preserve the resource.
Practice this technique with us
Gîte du Martin Pêcheur is ideally located for zander drop shot fishing. Lot holes near the lodge, accessible from the pontoon or by boat, offer 3 to 5 metre depths perfect for this technique. Hamid knows the breaks and spots where zander hold in autumn and winter. The pontoon allows prospecting the hole opposite the lodge. For more distant spots, a boat can be hired. Drop shot equipment (rod, lures) can be completed on site according to your needs.
Book your stayCommon mistakes
Animating too hard
The drop shot relies on micro-vibrations. Avoid wide jerks. Fine trembles and very slow retrieve trigger more takes than aggressive animation.
Using a weight that's too light
In deep water or with current, a weight that's too light doesn't hold the lure on bottom. On the Lot, use 8-10 g minimum in 4-5 m holes.
Neglecting subtle takes
Zander can "gulp" the lure without pulling. Any resistance change, slack or "toc" must trigger a strike. Stay focused and keep the line taut.
Fishing too fast
The drop shot is a slow technique. Take time to prospect every square metre. Zander in position react to perseverance, not haste.
Your questions about this technique
Does the drop shot work from the bank?
Yes, if you have access to deep zones (holes, dykes, rocks). From the pontoon of Gîte du Martin Pêcheur, the hole opposite is accessible. A boat allows prospecting more spots.
What length between hook and weight?
Between 30 and 60 cm according to spot height. Generally 40-50 cm works well. Longer if zander are suspended, shorter if fishing very close to bottom.
What soft lures for drop shot zander?
Worms 10-12 cm (Roboworm style, natural or dark colours) and shads 8-10 cm. Violet, blue and black colours work well on the Lot. Avoid lures that are too large.
When to fish zander drop shot on the Lot?
Zander is active year-round. The drop shot excels in autumn (October-November) and winter, when zander gather in holes. In summer, prefer dusk and night.
Do you need a special drop shot rod?
An extra-fast action rod with fine tip significantly improves take detection. Dedicated "drop shot" rods (3-15 g) are ideal. A classic UL rod can work as backup.