As far as I can see, the only difference between the drop shot and the down shot is the use of a bell sinker, and a smaller ewg worm hook to use slightly bigger baits. What else am I missing? The knot?

Two terms, same thing.

This is my understanding of the terms used to describe this technique. Not the gospel mind you, but pretty darn close to it!

 

The term "down shot" was what was first introduced to us by the Japanese, when it hit the west coast in the late '80's to early '90's. Since then, the term has been modified to "drop shot" here in the US, for whatever reason. I learned this from a Japanese fishing friend of mine, who introduced it to me, about a dozen years ago. They are both the same technique.

Well I'll be...thanks guys.