When fishing a drop shot rig, it has never been around heavy cover and I have always used 6# mono, or braid with a long 6# fluorocarbon leader.

When fishing grass lines, hydrilla, have you ever tried using a drop short tied directly on braided line, like 15 or 20 pound braid, without using a leader? Am wondering if that would work, or if I need to use a fairly heavy mono or fluoro leader, such as 12 pound leader?

I fish a lot of DS, always on a 7' MH (Baitcaster) with 12-15lb Flouro. I always fish it Vertical around timber and have never had a problem. I seem to feel bites just fine, and don't break off much unless I get wrapped around something! Very seldom to I throw a DS when it's not around cover. Hope this helps!

Heavy cover 65# braid, xtra heavy rod, 1.5-2 oz lead sinker on bottom and about 16 inches up #4 hook. Vertical presentation through hydrilla.

There are going to be big fish under, in and around deep grass. I like 6BOOMER'S idea but use the short drop shot in 1 oz. if it is not matted on the surface. I tie direct to 50 lb. braid.

If you are going to be that close to heavy cover then move up to at least 20 lb. on your standard drop shot rig. This is two different application of in the grass or out of the grass.

Do-Nothin, 6Boomer, Donald Harper, thank you very much for the replies. I have a heavy action rod with new 50-pound braided line, so I will tie the hook and sinker directly on it. Rather than a drop shot style hook, I'll probably use an off-set worm hook and Texas rig the worm. Helps to know you have tied direct to braid in these conditions.

Gonna try the straight braid soon.

I use straight 14 lbs. floro all the time. And still get tons of bites. Went heavier cause I lost several giant fish on fork. But I fish it around some of the nastiest water there is.

If your fishing around the salad then just up your flouro size. In my experience braid cuts down the number of bites. Only time I use straight braid is for frogs. I would bet a good 15# flouro will get the job done.