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Best Drop Shot Weights

Weights are a crucial piece of tackle needed to fish a drop shot. For beginners, I recommend using a 3/16 or 1/4 ounce lead teardrop weight. For those that can afford it or want the best of the best, a tungsten teardrop is the way to go.

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Best Drop Shot Weights

Comparison between the 3 types of dropshot weights: cylinder, teardrop, round.

Dropshot Weight Shapes – Which is Best

Round Weights

Round or ball-shaped weights are the old standard shape for dropshots. They are best when fishing around rock as their thicker body helps prevent them from getting stuck in smaller crevices. Ball-shaped weights don’t perform well in grass. Their rounded body tends to get hung up in vegetation.

Cylinder Weights

Cylinder-shaped dropshot weights are best when fishing in grass. Their skinny cylinder-shaped design allows them to slide in and out of grass with ease and thus prevents hangups. Their skinny body hurts when fishing in rock as it is much easier to get wedged in small crevices.

Teardrop Weights

Teardrop weights are a hybrid between ball and cylinder-shaped weights. They offer the best of both worlds as they have a larger base to prevent getting stuck in small crevices while also having a tapered top that allows it to get through grass easily.

Because of this, the teardrop is my go-to dropshot weight shape in 80% of situations. Most bodies of water will have a blend of rock and vegetation so having a hybrid approach is best in most cases.

Are Tungsten Dropshot Weights Worth the Price?

Tungsten works great as a dropshot weight. It allows you to get a smaller profile while also providing a better sound as it ticks around rocks. With that said I believe that tungsten is overkill for most anglers.  I don’t believe tungsten provides enough of a benefit to justify the much more expensive price tag.

There are two situations where I would suggest you use tungsten. The first is if you are fishing in a tournament where you need every advantage you can get. The second is if your financial situation allows you not to worry about the price tag and you want the best. If you are in either of those two situations then tungsten is the way to go. Tungsten weights will definitely put you in a better position to catch more fish.

For a more in-depth explanation, check out our tungsten and lead weight comparison.

Size comparison between a lead and tungsten dropshot weight

How Heavy Should a Dropshot Weight Be?

The most commonly used dropshot weight is 3/16 or 1/4 ounce. When fishing deeper water you may want to jump up to a 3/8 or 1/2 ounce weight.

How to Tie on a Dropshot Weight

The best knot for tying on a dropshot weight is the palomar knot. It is a super quick and easy-to-learn knot that has many uses in fishing. Learn to tie a palomer knot.

Stop Losing Dropshot Weights – Easy Modification

Dropshot weights have a unique design in their line tie, they come to a point. That point is there to cut your line in case you get the weight stuck. The point will cut the line, freeing your hook and bait but leaving behind your weight. I feel as though it cuts your line way too easily and it will often break off when a fish shakes too hard.

To prevent this I like to separate the point by bending it out. You can easily do this by sliding a hook through the line tie and giving the hook a light pull. This will remove the point that cuts the line so easily.