The bubba shot is just a drop shot with heavier tackle. If you are around very heavy grass it can be a life saver since there aren’t usually a lot of lure options if there’s that much grass around. To fish it, you basically just do the same thing you would with a normal drop shot, but I typically retrieve it back a little faster and you are probably going to need to pull it through the grass and learn to tell the difference between a bite and grass pulling on the lure.
For line my suggestion is to go with 30lb Sufix 832 low viz braid to a 12lb Yo-Zuri hybrid copolymer leader. For the hook I like to go with a 4/0 Gamakatsu SuperLine Offset EWG Hook and for the bait I like to use the Yamamoto Sensei, although you can also try another lure that would fit this hook like a fluke. As with a regular drop shot, the lure weight can vary. If you need to punch through a mat then you are going to want to go with a tear drop weight that weighs enough to get through the mat. Tear drop weights can also do well if you have a rocky bottom. If there isn’t a mat on top but still a lot of grass, then you might want to consider a cylinder weight as I’ve found they are the best at going through grass and I usually like a 3/8oz weight.
I suggest a palomar knot for a regular drop shot and the bubba shot, and you will want to make sure you bring the line downward back through the eye of the hook as you are tying it. Some people suggest a simple granny knot or a double knot to tie the weight on. That way the weight just breaks off and you keep the rest of the rig if it gets snagged on anything. I’ve personally found I like a stronger knot so I use a standard uni knot to tie the weight on. As with all braid to leader setups. I recommend the improved alberto knot. I also prefer a spinning rod for this setup as it feels more like a regular drop shot, but there are some people that throw it on a casting setup.
Lure Summary – Bubba Shot
Suggested Rod Length: 7′-7’3″
Suggested Rod Power: Medium Heavy
Suggested Rod Action: Fast
Suggested Reel Type: Spinning Reel
Suggested Reel Size: 3000
Lure Weight (est.): .63oz
Tackle Required
- 4/0 Gamakatsu SuperLine Offset EWG Hook
- 3/8oz tear drop or cylinder weight
- 30lb Sufix 832 Braided Line
- 12lb Yo-Zuri Copolymer Leader
Suggested Soft Plastic Baits
- 6.5″ Yamamoto Sensei Worm