The Online Source for Washington Fishing Information

Why DropSwim Panic Minnow????

Hi folks - I am totally new to the forum and have never dropswam (is that even a word) a Panic Minnow.

I am retired and my grandson who is a keen angler wants to start fishing tournaments with me. He is 9 but a real great young boy.

I am looking for something presentation wise the smallmouth haven't seen around here in Ontario/Canada so the whole concept of dropswimming sounds real interesting.

I've read Marc's article on it and it sounds fascinating - so please bear with me and some probably dumb questions, but I need the help/clarification.

Why do you folks drop shot the Panic Minnow? Why not simply fish/swim it along on a jig? It seems to me that would be much easier / simpler.

I am sure there must be an advantage of dropswimming it over simply jigswimming it else you wouldn't be doing it, so I'd appreciate it if someone could explain?

Thanks for helping me understand this (to me) new technique.

Cheers.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Marc Marcantonio on June 1, 2011 at 3:05pm

Liam,

That is a great question and the answer is the key to the effectiveness of the dropshot rig compared to other rigs where the weight is attached to the lure (like a jig or tube) or compared to rigs in which the weight is above the lure, like a Carolina Rig or mojo rig.

Dropshotting and the variation we call Dropswimming (or Dropswimmin for short) are effective and differenct precisely due to the weight being below the lure. It is easy to imagine this when the weight is resting on the bottom, and you stretch the slack out of your line and then allow a little slack back into your line, and then shake the lure. The lure shakes in place easily and as rapidly as you want in a way that is not possible with the weight attached to the lure or placed above the lure.

When Dropswimmin you can achieve the same action on the lure even though the weight may not be resting on the bottom. Because the QuickDrop weight is below the lure you can still shake your rod tip and impart this unique action to the lure that isn't possible any other way. Because QuickDrops come in 8 different sizes from 1/16 oz all the way up to 1 oz, you can Dropswim as fast or as slow as you want, and with the weight on the bottom, or just above the bottom, or mid-column or even near the surface.

Try it in a swimming pool some time and you will be surprised how much action you can put on your lure with the weight below the lure, even when the weight is NOT on the bottom.

Hope that clarifies it.

ciao,

Marc Marcantonio

Permalink Reply by Spencer Durand on June 2, 2011 at 8:47am

Liam, it gives a look that the fish haven't seen much of... This is done on a dropshot like you probably have known... I looks so much better than a jig in my eyes and day. Dropshots are for sure my goto bait for smallies... Go ahead and try it. I guarantee fish!

Permalink Reply by Liam on June 2, 2011 at 6:35pm

Thanks a bunch, fellows!

So I simply take my regular drop shot rod/reel etc but instead of sitting it on the bottom and shaking it, I swim it along at a slow to moderate pace, depending on depth, right? Can hardly wait to try it.

If I could ask one more favour, what would be your top two or three baits to tip it with? I presume Panic Minnow (don't have any but will order some) and what else?????

Cheers.

Permalink Reply by Liam on June 2, 2011 at 7:40pm

Hi again, fellows.

I just watched two Youtube videos/short promotions for the Panic Minnow. I am sure you've seen them but here are the links http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnli_IH2qps and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjIR7sO_o9Q

My question is, do you typically dropswim your baits this quickly? The speed in the videos seems faster than I imagined. I like the way it looks but wonder if it is the typical speed you retrieve your baits.

Thanks again for all your help.

Permalink Reply by Zach Chandler on June 2, 2011 at 9:36pm