I've read a lot of articles about the effectiveness of the drop shot, so I'm gonna try my luck at it from shore. 

I fish a very shallow pond - about 5 ft deep at most is my guess, and it tapers and gets very shallow as a few inches getting closer to shore.

How long should my leader (length from weight to hook) be for worms(finesse, senko, and an occasional fluke)?

How should I work it? drag it? twitch it? drag and pause?

Thanks for your advice

Andrew

The first thing I would recommend is to run a search on this topic becuase there is a wealth of information on this very subject.

As for a the length, try starting anywhere from 12-18"

As for working it, all of the methods you mentioned will work. Some DS anglers like to just "work the semi-slack" line. With the line just semi-slack they might move the rod just enough move the line which in turn moves the bait and they do so in a way in which the weight stays put. Mix in a bit of deadsticking and then drag it to the next spot.

Other like to wiggle and jiggle it to death.

Both work although I have found the former to be more productive.

Good luck and congrats. You're going to love this technique.

I shore fish all the time at city lakes(8' deep max). When I do drop shot, I typically use about 10" or less leader to the weight.  Normally about 6-8" will do it for me.  As for working it I like to shake it a little let is sit on semi slack line and every now and then let it completely fall to the bottom let it sit for a few seconds and then bring it back up and shake it.  As for baits, I have gotten bit the most on roboworm 4" curly tail worms in bold bluegill, second are handpoured craws that I get from a local tackle shop.  The craws are worked with a 3-6" leader and deadsticked on tight line and shaken everynow and then.  Give it a shot, and let me know how it works out for you.  Good Luck!

Drop shotting is more of a vertical presentation, not the ideal shore fishing lure. Try tossing the lures you mentioned Texas rigged instead.

Thanks for the replies.

When working it from shore, how should I hold the rod? When twitching I know the rod will be up a little more than parallel with the ground, but how about while reeling in? Should be held down correct?

Drop shotting is more of a vertical presentation, not the ideal shore fishing lure.

ive had success drop shotting from shore, even in a shallow pond

Look up "bubba shotting."

When working it from shore, how should I hold the rod? When twitching I know the rod will be up a little more than parallel with the ground, but how about while reeling in? Should be held down correct?

Work it like you work a plastic worm or a shake head.  Slowly lift/drag.  Pause/shake.  Lather, rinse, repeat.  Use the same rod angles that get you success with a plastic worm.

I always catch on a senko on the drop, but havent caught much else after working it. what am i doing wrong?

Gonefihsing,

I used the drop shot technique on my friend's double secret farm pond and got so tired and embarrassed of catching the bass that I put the rig away.

Also caught the 6+ pound lady at a Maryland golf course pond using the drop shot method.

I throw it out; let it sit; move it a little; let my hand movement shake the rod tip; and just wait for the bite.

Give it a try in all waters, shallow and deep.