OK so I've got a place that a DS would probably be a good technique to use. But i have some questions here we go:

1. Weights.

   A: Whats the advantages/disadvantages to different shapes. This area has a lot of algae on the bottom so I'm thinking a cylindrical would be best?

   B: How bout the actual weight. I've done some research and it seems that you want to move the lure without moving the actual weight. Seems like a heavier weight would be better for this?  And what about Tungsten weights what benefits are tungsten DS weights?

2. Hooks.

    A:   When is it better to texas rig a bait  for DS rather than use a DS hook and nose hook the bait?

3. Presentation.

    A: I will be casting from shore so not actually going vertical with this presentation. Do i need to make some change to allow for the angle at which the bait sits in relation to weight?

Thanks for your help!!

1a - different shapes travel across the bottom differently.  If you aren't in rocks, I would just go with whatever's cheapest.

1b. You'll get the feel for how to shake/move the bait.  Tungsten lets you feel the bottom make-up better.  No different than using it for T-rigs.

2. Cover vs. no cover

3. Only as it affects your desired depth above the bottom.

1.  A.  Round or teardrop don't hang up as much.  Algae doesn't make any difference, the fish isn't biting the weight - sort of the point behind the rig, keeps the bait out of the snot.  Pencil baits will sometimes give off a false bite.  First the tick of the weight landing, then the tick of it falling over.  Pencil weights excel in current though, and sweeping a drop shot rig through a run is deadly.

  B.  Many will say lightest possible.  I start at 3/8, and often go to 1/2 or more.  If you're drifting, whatever keeps the bait down.  If you are vertical, what ever keeps the bow out of the line.  If you casting to objects, whatever holds the bait in place.

2.  Cover dictates, though in some cases the little Owner downshot t-rig hooks hold the bait better....Kutail worms, anyone?  :-X

3.  Heavier weight, longer drop line.  Less is more, unless the fish are really active, then shake the heck out of them.  If you have heavy cover, consider a bubba shot rig: Flipping stick, 50# braid, big bait....toss in pads.

Just think of the rig as a possible solution.  There's no one right way to fish it, and it has a lot of uses.

I cast a drop shot (from shore) in the spring, right after ice out. Not sure what time of the year you are planning on doing this, but early on, weeds are not normally an issue, so I'd go with the open hook. If you are making a long cast, increase your hook-to-sinker distance according to how high in the water column you want to place your offering. Just don't get overly concerned about it. Location is much more a factor.

As late spring arrives and the weed start to become a problem, then "bubba rigging" and a presentation employing a Texas style hook, comes into it's own - again, talking about fishing from shore now. (I've successfully bubba rigged from a boat with an open hook.)

Here's one of the better thesis on the art of drop shot presentation:

http://www.richz.com/fishing/blog/?p=224

Pay particular attention to the section on hook design. If you digest this article, you'll be way ahead of the curve.

Interesting...Tatsu is MANDATORY!

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Interesting...Tatsu is MANDATORY!

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You've never met Rich Zaleski?  Or read In-Fisherman?  C'mon Man!  LOL.

JF explained it very well so follow what he said.

Goal is to keep sinker on bottom as you allow the rod tip to shake via the normal shaking of your hand holding the rod.

You can fish the drop shot from a boat or the bank; straight down or by casting out.

I like to flip and pitch from a boat but also will throw the drop shot from the bank when fishing a pond.

Just be ready to lose some weights. Its part of the drop shot technique.

I like Roboworms but the Kutails are excellent, too. 

Have fun!!!

Ninja, thanks for posting I had a lot of those same questions.