How To Tie The Hover Rig For Bass Fishing

The hover rig is a versatile setup that allows your bait to suspend above the bottom, making it attractive to bass. Here’s how to tie the hover rig:

Materials Needed:

• • Main fishing line
  • Drop shot hook (size 1 or 2)
  • Drop shot weight (varies depending on depth and conditions)
  • Soft plastic bait (such as worms, minnows, or creature baits)
    
    

Steps to Tie the Hover Rig:

1. 1. Select Your Drop Shot Hook:

      • Choose a drop shot hook in the appropriate size for your fishing conditions. Size 1 or 2 hooks are commonly used for bass fishing.
        
        

   2. Tie the Hook to the Line:

      • Use a strong knot, such as the Palomar knot or improved clinch knot, to tie the drop shot hook to your main fishing line. Ensure the knot is tight and secure, then trim any excess line.
        
        

   3. Position the Hook:

      • Thread the tag end of the line through the eye of the hook from the bottom up, so the hook point faces upward. This ensures proper hook presentation.
        
        

   4. Attach the Weight:

      • Determine the desired length of the leader (the distance between the hook and the weight), which can vary depending on fishing conditions.
      • Tie the drop shot weight to the tag end of the line using an overhand knot, or use a clip provided on some drop shot weights for quick adjustments. Ensure the weight is securely attached.
        
        

   5. Rig the Soft Plastic Bait:

      • Select a soft plastic bait that matches the size and style of the drop shot hook.
      • Steps to Rig the Bait:
        1. Insert the point of the hook into the head of the soft plastic bait.
        2. Thread the bait onto the hook until it covers the entire hook shank.
        3. Pull the bait up the hook so it sits snugly against the knot or clip that holds the weight.
        4. Make sure the bait is straight and aligned with the hook.
           
           

Fishing with the Hover Rig:

1. 1. Casting:

      • Cast the rig to likely bass habitats, such as near structures, drop-offs, or submerged cover.
        
        

   2. Let It Sink:

      • Allow the rig to sink to the desired depth. The weight will pull the bait down, while the buoyancy of the bait will cause it to hover above the bottom.
        
        

   3. Retrieve Technique:

      • Use a slow and steady retrieve with occasional twitches or pauses to impart subtle action to the bait. The key is to keep the bait in the strike zone while maintaining a natural presentation.
      • Experiment with different retrieve speeds and cadences to determine what triggers bites.
        
        

   4. Feel for Bites:

      • Pay close attention to any changes in line tension or subtle taps on the line. Since the bait is suspended above the bottom, bites may be more difficult to detect.
        
        

   5. Set the Hook:

      • When you feel a bite, reel in any slack and set the hook with a firm upward motion. Since the hook is usually exposed or lightly embedded in the bait, a solid hook set is necessary.

By following these steps, you can effectively set up and fish with a hover rig, a versatile setup that can produce bites in various fishing conditions.