Spring Drop Shot Tips from Dustin Connell

Spring Drop Shot Tips from Dustin Connell

Spring fishing often pushes anglers toward big moving baits. But many of the biggest bass in the lake still respond to a finesse approach.

Bass Pro Shops Pro Staff angler Dustin Connell relies on a drop shot during the spring, especially for pre spawn fish relating to bait. In this guide, you will learn his exact setup, where he looks for fish, and why this technique helped him win two tournaments.

Why This Technique Matters Right Now

During spring, not all bass rush shallow at the same time.

Many pre spawn fish:

• Stage in pockets and drains
• Follow baitfish into small bays
• Pause before committing to the bank

A drop shot keeps your bait in front of these suspended or slow moving fish longer. That extra hang time often triggers bites from larger bass that ignore faster presentations.

Pro Staff Tips from Dustin Connell

According to Dustin Connell, success in the spring comes down to a few key decisions:

• Do not overlook finesse when everyone else is throwing big baits
• Target pre spawn fish relating to bait in pockets and drains
• Use forward facing sonar to locate fish before casting
• Commit to the right line setup for strength and stealth

He pairs his drop shot with a soft plastic jerk bait, which gives subtle action while staying in the strike zone.

Connell won two tournaments in one season using this setup alone. Confidence in the system plays a major role.

Step by Step Breakdown

Step 1: Locate Staging Areas

Focus on:

• Drains leading into spawning pockets
• Small bays holding baitfish
• Transition areas just outside shallow flats

Use electronics such as forward facing sonar to identify fish that have not fully moved up.

Step 2: Position on Active Fish

Once you see fish relating to bait, stay off them at a distance.

Make precise casts past the target and work the bait back through the zone. Keeping the bait above or at eye level increases bites.

Step 3: Work the Drop Shot Slowly

Let the weight hit bottom.

Shake the rod tip lightly without moving the weight much. This keeps the soft plastic jerk bait moving in place while staying natural.

If fish are following bait, they often respond to subtle movement rather than aggressive hops.

Recommended Gear for This Approach

Dustin Connell’s spring drop shot setup is specific:

• Rod: 7 foot 2 inch medium heavy Favorite Hex spinning rod
• Main Line: 15 lb Seaguar Flash Green braid
• Leader: 12 lb Seaguar Gold Label fluorocarbon
• Bait Style: Soft plastic jerk bait on a drop shot rig

The braided main line improves sensitivity and hooksets. The fluorocarbon leader adds stealth in clear spring water.

Shop drop shot weights, hooks, and soft plastics at Bass Pro Shops:

Browse spinning rods and line at Cabela’s:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fishing only shallow when not all fish have moved up

Some pre spawn bass stage deeper and never see your bait.

Moving the bait too much

Overworking a drop shot pulls it out of the strike zone.

Ignoring baitfish activity

If there is no bait nearby, bass are less likely to stage there.

Using the wrong line combination

Heavy line reduces action and visibility benefits.

When and Where This Works Best

This setup excels:

• During the pre spawn phase
• In pockets and small bays
• Around drains leading to spawning flats
• When bass are relating to baitfish

It is especially effective for fish that are transitioning but not fully committed to shallow cover.

Ready to Try It Yourself?

Put these proven spring drop shot techniques to work.

Shop online at:

• https://www.basspro.com
• https://www.cabelas.com

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