Is this set up right?

[DTOX]

Ok, so I had my first dropshotting experience on Sunday and although we didn't catch anything apart from kelp and rocks,we did have fun.
Only thing was the distance i was able to cast. The guy from the tackle shop kindly set up my line with just a jig and a plastic lure and no sinker below that, just seemed to be too light and not getting out very far at all. He said this was 'ready to go', my question is should you always have a sinker set up below the lure to get some distance?

Thanks

DTOX

(please excuse any incorrect terminolgy or just the stupid question, I'm new :imnew)

 

[DTOX]

Anyone?

 

[Hooked]

Does the jig head have a lead weight on it ?

 

[SUNSHINE]

Sounds right. ( im no pro )

The jighead was probably just a little light.

Try i slightly bigger jig. Are you using braid or mono?

 

 

[camo shorts]

Dtox post a picture of what they set you up with, that way we can lable and explain each part of the system to you.

 

[DTOX]

Thanks guys, I'll take a couple of pics tonight and post them here. There is a weight on the jig head, although small. And i'm using mono, the tackle shop guy said not to worry about braid for now as i'm really just starting out.

Thanks again.

 

[buxj]

what size jig are you using?
what size plastics are you using?
what distance are you getting?

try a bigger jig size with a 4" minnow and you should get more distance.

The size depends on the day of fishing, which column u fishing, the wind etc. 
don't try casting a jig into the wind!


"The guy from the tackle shop kindly set up my line with just a jig and a plastic lure and no sinker below that, just seemed to be too light and not getting out very far at all. He said this was 'ready to go', my question is should you always have a sinker set up below the lure to get some distance?"

the teardrop sinker at the bottom, hook slightly higher and plastic lure that you prob talking about is the original way of dropshot. This is where you make a dropshot trace with a palamor knot. It is still used (i use it myself), great with a demon circle hook! The improved easier way is the jig style where the hook is attached to the sinker (round lead at the front). That is what the dude at the tackle prob gave you.

If you retrieve using either method in clear water (lake or your pool) you will see that the action on both methods are same.

MONO vs BRAID
He is correct in saying go with mono for now until you ready for braid. Braid is great and makes dropshot very exciting! BUT when is goes wrong with braid it can ruin your days fishing and cost you a packet to replace. You rather become a master of dropshot first instead a master of knot ups!  (i am talking from experience )

 

[DTOX]

Just checked now, and although i couldn't tell you what weight the jig head is, it does a number 5 stamped into it. I've taken some photo's and will post tomorrow, but any thoughts in the meantime are welcome. Plastics currently is a 3" minnow (in think)(i know i sound useless !!), and distance..well, not far enough, maybe 10/12 meters.

 

[camo shorts]

Hiya Dtox, what is your rod action marked at and what's the rating of the rod. Next what type/strength mono are you using?

As Buxj said Mono vs. Braid, cheapest and easiest is start with mono diameter of 0.25 giving you about 10Lb, so you can play or muscle smaller fish/bits of kelp out,lol. Braid when it tangles, all I can say is thank goodness I bought the Lansky sharpener last week.

 

 

[neilg]

As was asked
Length of rod
Make and Model of rod
Weight rating
Line rating

what reel, make and size
what line, thickness

BTW I disagree about the braid, YOU DON'T GET WIND-KNOTS with a proper casting braid like Fireline, PowerPro and if you really are feeling lucky then Kingfisher Casting Braid.

All you do is make your leader line longer for the rocky and kelpy areas.

Remember this, the thicker your line the more the wind resistance, THE SHORTER THE CAST, therefore, BRAID IS GOOD, even for beginners !

Give us some more detail so we can help you