I think I've been making the leader of my drop shot too long. By leader I mean the distance from the hook to the weight. Usually it's about 10"-12" long, but I'm thinking I need to go shorter. How long do y'all set yours up?

At least 12" for bedding fish with heavy weight.

15" deep water presentation.

just allow a little slack in your line and watch the line. You can let that bait sink and dead stick it on the bottom and just
lift to test it once in a while. Rig it wacky style 3/4 of the time. I like a heavier sinker too like at least 3/8 oz so it stays put when I lift the slack out. I like the bright colored braid for line watchin and a flouro leader 6-10 lb. Start with a long leader like 15 ft because they get shorter as you go thru the day.

depends how clear the water is I normally fish a 10" leader no problem heck in super clear water I have had fish bite my weight and not the bait.

I've fished from 4" to 24". Just depends how the fish are relating to the bottom.

Ok so i haven't been too far off.

4-10"

6-8" being the standard