Having the right gear, like a drop shot fishing rig, is only part of the equation when it comes to catching fish. You also need to make sure that your gear is properly stored when you’re not using it. Storing your drop shot fishing rigs correctly can help to extend their life and ensure that they are ready to use when you need them. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best practices for storing drop shot fishing rigs and provide tips on how to keep them in good working order.
There’s a debate as to whether it’s best to store a drop shot rig on the rod or not. Some argue it’s faster and more convenient to keep drop shot rigs stored on the rod, then there are those that argue the line can get weakened from beating against the rod or weight. Some even prefer to tie their rigs on-site. We’re not joining in that discussion, but we will give you ways to store your drop shot rigs however you choose on or off the rod.
How to store drop shot rigs on the rod
Storing a drop shot rig on the rod is the most convenient way to keep your rig in order and ready to fish. However, long term storage on the rod could lead to abrasions on the line. It’s best to check the line each time you bring it out of storage.
Take off the weight each time – one strategy is to take the weight off each time, this only works with crimp on style drop shot weights – this allows you o use the hook keeper and not have to keep the weight secured from bouncing on the rod during storage
Wrap the weight around the hook keeper – you can also put a grub or hook cover on the exposed hook to prevent snags – some folks use the hook keeper on the rod and just wrap the weight around it – this still leaves a hook that is not secure so you would need to cover the hook –
Tip* to cover the hook you can use a hook cover or an old piece of soft bait
Use a product like the cali clip that snaps onto your rod and has a slit that allows the drop shot line to be clipped in and secured
Drop shot wraps are another good way to secure drop shot weights from bouncing around – these are velcro or elastic pieces that wrap around the rod and line to secure the line to the side of the rod
How to store drop shot rigs off the rod
Most of the products and ideas below involve wrapping the line around an object or storing the pre made rigs in a bag or case. We’ve listed some products for you to check out:
- Rigrap is an ingenious plastic case that allows you to wrap the rig and then close the lid
- Tackle bag carrying case or rig wallet – this does not prevent tangles though
- Bass Pro Shops riggin’ caddy
- Pips box and leader caddy – great thing about this is it spins so you don’t have to manually wrap the line
DIY drop shot rig storage
Homemade rig storage ideas for those who like to fish but may not want to spend the money on name brand fishing products. Here’s some DIY rig storage ideas:
- Pool noodles or pipe insulation – these both work great because you can wrap the rigs and store the hook in the foam, plus pool noodles are cheap and readily available
- Elastic hair bands, velcro strips, or rubberbands – these are great for wrapping your drop shot weight and securing it to the rod, plus they’re cheaper than some of the specialty products
- Empty line spools – take your old line spools and wrap your rigs
- Cardboard – cut slits and notches in a piece of cardboard, sink your hooks in and then wrap the leader
Conclusion:
We want to spend more time fishing and less time untangling lines. Whether you choose to store your drop shot rig on the rod or off the rod, we hope these tips and products will make your time on the water more enjoyable and successful. Let us know what your drop shot rig storage looks like. Thanks!