Hidden Holes

Hidden Holes

Jason DeValadares
I let the line drop in fully slack. There was an "S" shape bend in the little bit that laid on top of the water. I closed the bail, staring at that "S" shape. The it pulled tight. I reeled up the little bit of slack and set the hook - immediate load up and drag. If not for the movement of the line to the side, I would have thought I was hung on the rock. There was no head shakes, just a tug of war. I could see him as I pulled him to the surface of the spot he was hiding - he looked big but sometimes the water plays tricks on your eyes.
Fishing fake Leeches on Lake Simcoe

Fishing fake Leeches on Lake Simcoe

Jason DeValadares
Setting up a drop shot is easy. Over the last few years I've learned a lot about the setup. I used to use the same hooks as my wacky rig (and they worked!) but since then I've learned that smaller hooks work the same and they're much less more noticable (which is a must here on Simcoe). For my setup, I use straight fluro, a full spool - but if you like the idea of braid with a Fluorocarbon leader, it still works. Just make your leader longer. Personally I like an 8lb Fluro and if I'm putting it on braid, I'll use the same 8lb braid to go with it.