Amazing - the variety of baits folks deem to "THE" ds bait! Let me tell ya something folks. It has almost nothing to do with what you are using; as much as where you are using it. Figure out how to find the bait on a section of structure and if the water has smallmouths residing, you'll get bit. I don't really care what you are using. I've proved this time & time again.

 

So, just use what gives you the most confidence. And focus on location.

 

This.  I usually dropshot whatever discarded baits I find on the floor of the boat.  

Lots of selections to try now. Has anyone tried Jackall Clone Gills, or Fry?

Angler's Choice 4" Killshot in Baby Bass color.

Just started throwing skinnybear baits like their shad swimbait. If you throw it drop shot rigged weedless on an off set vmc, it requires a hard hook set but the bites seem better.

Zoom finnesse worm, dream shot, bruzer baits crazy craw, z man finnesse worm, ect, ect,

My killer d-shot bait is a kitch swing impact tho, looks like a goby if u have gobies where u are, just looks like a baitfish to fish around here because i dont have gobies at some of my lakes

Senkos, Roboworms, Strike King Dream Shots.

 

I would also recommend JJ's magic

Berkley gulp minnows, twitch tail minnows, x-zone slammers, senkos, strike king dream shot.

Gulp...............3" minnows, 3" fry, and 3" leeches. I generally don't like Gulp products, but for drop shotting specifically for smallmouth, I have found nothing that works better. Almost every single smallmouth I have ever caught over 5lbs has come on a dropshotted Gulp product. Lots of 4+ lbers on other things, but for some reason the big ones like Gulp.

+1!! i dont use gulp anything besides dropshotting the 3 and 4" minnows, they are bomb.

If you ever have a chance to fish the Great Lakes I highly recommend the Odin Outdoors Gobeev and Odin Outdoors Dropshot. In the Great Lakes smallmouth stuff themselves with gobies, and these two baits definitely match the hatch. I stick with the watermelon and green pumpkin colors.

 

http://www.odinoutdoors.com/#!soft-baits/c1ksk

I have a new favorite,Gyb thin senko.

Of late, the "Jackall Crosstail Shad" is getting the most lip-service from bronzeback dropshotters.

Even more than the Strike King KVD Dream Shot

 

Roger

Of late, the "Jackall Crosstail Shad" is getting the most lip-service from bronzeback dropshotters.

Even more than Strike King KVD Dream Shot

Roger

Jackal makes another shad that excels at the drop shot and seems to get the big mamas to bite. "I" can't disclose the name though.

^ I agree, jackall makes some really nice, realistic dropshot baits. Crosstail shad, I-shad, pin-tail shad, flick shake.

Jackal makes another shad that excels at the drop shot and seems to get the big mamas to bite. "I" can't disclose the name though.

 

      Ah Cum ON!

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Gander-Mountain-Lure-Stick-Pro-5-35-Pack-Black/Blue-Swirl&i=765246&from=grid 

 

Smallies have been crushing these worms and heck of a deal too.

Both on a cross tail shad on Lake Erie this weekend. Also did well with shad shape worms, and small tubes on a drop shot.

Jackall Crosstail Shad has gotta be my favorite drop shot bait ever made! These northern smallies just crush em!

 

I am amazed that no one has mentioned the Poor Boys Baits Erie Darter yet.

Robo worm 4 in strait tail, Jackell Tail shad or thin senko...

Crosstail*

On 11/5/2014 at 1:47 PM, RICK PATRI said:

 

 

tell ya what... PM me your address and i'll send you a Lucky Tackle Box with a bunch of good baits you can use for drop shotting smallies.

 

i'm in that kind of mood today.

 

Cheers.

 

Rick

d**n, I'm only a year and a half late!

3.5" Reins Bubbling Shaker in the Mueller Madness color.

I have used and had the most success with these baits in order.  4" white tubes(any brand),  10" zoom trick worms  3.75" field & stream sugar shot, 3.5"dropshot minnows Big Bite Baits and, 5" field & stream senkos.   All fished with a 12" or longer leader with a 1/2 ounce wight to make sure I stay in contact with the bottom.   I feel that is the "deal" making sure the weight stays on the bottom. I also use a small octopus hook #6 (not sure on size but, small).I nose hook tubes and all minnow profile baits by going the the middle of the nose through the top. On the worms and senkos, I just simply wacky rig them.  Tight Lines and heavy bags. 

Zman worms and 10 inch frock wprms.  Also lizards.