How-To

How Martens rigs a drop shot

Aaron Martens, the 2015 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year, is known as one of the most versatile fisherman in the world. Here he shares his process for creating drop shot rigs.

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Aaron Martens, the 2015 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year, is known as one of the most versatile fisherman in the entire world and although he is one of the best at drop shotting, he will be the first to admit it isn’t his favorite thing to do. In this photo gallery, he will show you step by step how he rigs his drop shot.
Aaron Martens, the 2015 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year, is known as one of the most versatile fisherman in the entire world and although he is one of the best at drop shotting, he will be the first to admit it isn’t his favorite thing to do. In this photo gallery, he will show you step by step how he rigs his drop shot.
He likes to throw a “heavier” finesse drop shot on fisheries like Lake Guntersville and Kentucky Lake. His heavier version includes a 6-foot, 11-inch medium-light Enigma spinning rod.
He likes to throw a “heavier” finesse drop shot on fisheries like Lake Guntersville and Kentucky Lake. His heavier version includes a 6-foot, 11-inch medium-light Enigma spinning rod.
He spools his Shimano Stella reel with 10-pound Sunline SX1 braid and attaches a 6- to 8-foot leader of 10-pound Sunline FC Sniper.
He spools his Shimano Stella reel with 10-pound Sunline SX1 braid and attaches a 6- to 8-foot leader of 10-pound Sunline FC Sniper.
Now he is ready to attack those fisheries that notoriously yield bigger bass. “I’ve caught a lot of 4- and 5-pounders on this setup,” Martens said. “It works great and gets the job done.”
Now he is ready to attack those fisheries that notoriously yield bigger bass. “I’ve caught a lot of 4- and 5-pounders on this setup,” Martens said. “It works great and gets the job done.”
He attaches his braid to fluorocarbon with an Alberto or “Crazy” Alberto knot. To watch him tie it and explain it step by step, check out the video <a href=
He attaches his braid to fluorocarbon with an Alberto or “Crazy” Alberto knot. To watch him tie it and explain it step by step, check out the video here.
After tying his braid backing to his fluorocarbon liter, he then ties his hook. In many cases he selects a Gamakatsu Finesse Heavy Cover hook with a wire bait keeper. This allows him to Texas Rig his drop shot, and it keeps him from getting hung up as often.
After tying his braid backing to his fluorocarbon liter, he then ties his hook. In many cases he selects a Gamakatsu Finesse Heavy Cover hook with a wire bait keeper. This allows him to Texas Rig his drop shot, and it keeps him from getting hung up as often.
Martens varies his drop shot weight depending on the depth he fishes, but one key he prefers is to tie a small overhand knot to keep the weight on his line. Some of the clips that weights come with may not be closed completely, so after putting his line through the weight clip, he ensures it stays put by tying a small knot.
Martens varies his drop shot weight depending on the depth he fishes, but one key he prefers is to tie a small overhand knot to keep the weight on his line. Some of the clips that weights come with may not be closed completely, so after putting his line through the weight clip, he ensures it stays put by tying a small knot.
A-Mart designed his signature line of Enigma spinning rods to have Microwave guides, which help keep the line from slapping against the blank during a cast. “It gives a smoother release and allows for longer casts,” Martens said. “It reduces the drag that standard guides may allow.”
A-Mart designed his signature line of Enigma spinning rods to have Microwave guides, which help keep the line from slapping against the blank during a cast. “It gives a smoother release and allows for longer casts,” Martens said. “It reduces the drag that standard guides may allow.”
The streamlined process helps keep tangles from occurring and other line issues that may surface.
The streamlined process helps keep tangles from occurring and other line issues that may surface.
Martens also has a drop shot setup for when he fishes for smallmouth, highly pressured fisheries and even tournaments when getting a bite is crucial. This setup features lighter line and a different rod, which Martens designed for smallmouth fishing as well as events like the Bassmaster Classic in Pittsburgh.
Martens also has a drop shot setup for when he fishes for smallmouth, highly pressured fisheries and even tournaments when getting a bite is crucial. This setup features lighter line and a different rod, which Martens designed for smallmouth fishing as well as events like the Bassmaster Classic in Pittsburgh.
This 6-10 rod is also paired with a Shimano Stella reel. Compared to his 6-11 model, which was recommended for 6 to 14 pound test line, this rod is suggested for 5 to 10 pound test.
This 6-10 rod is also paired with a Shimano Stella reel. Compared to his 6-11 model, which was recommended for 6 to 14 pound test line, this rod is suggested for 5 to 10 pound test.
Aaron Martens' prowess isn’t just invested in his rod and reel, but also how he rigs his drop shot bait. Here, he shows how he would rig a Roboworm on an octopus style drop shot hook. This is what is known as a “Gilley” rigged worm. You can read more about that <a href=
Aaron Martens’ prowess isn’t just invested in his rod and reel, but also how he rigs his drop shot bait. Here, he shows how he would rig a Roboworm on an octopus style drop shot hook. This is what is known as a “Gilley” rigged worm. You can read more about that here.
He nose hooks his Roboworm. Nose-hooking is an effective open water way of presenting a drop shot.
He nose hooks his Roboworm. Nose-hooking is an effective open water way of presenting a drop shot.
This is a true definition of “wacky” style as rigging this worm in the middle gives a flutter and sachet action that you don’t see with other styles. This way also slows the fall rate of a worm.
This is a true definition of “wacky” style as rigging this worm in the middle gives a flutter and sachet action that you don’t see with other styles. This way also slows the fall rate of a worm.
A-Mart busts out another way to nose-hook his worm, but he also keeps it weedless by concealing the point in the nose of the worm.
A-Mart busts out another way to nose-hook his worm, but he also keeps it weedless by concealing the point in the nose of the worm.
With his Gamakatsu Heavy Cover Finesse hook, this is how he would Texas Rig his worm.
With his Gamakatsu Heavy Cover Finesse hook, this is how he would Texas Rig his worm.
Notice that he won’t cover the knot to his hook with the nose of the worm. This lets the worm lay naturally and maintain ample action.
Notice that he won’t cover the knot to his hook with the nose of the worm. This lets the worm lay naturally and maintain ample action.
Martens is one of the best anglers in the drop shot game, and we thank him for some insight into how he fishes a drop shot on any given day, at any given fishery.
Martens is one of the best anglers in the drop shot game, and we thank him for some insight into how he fishes a drop shot on any given day, at any given fishery.

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