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A recent article by Bassmaster's Magazine had many of the Pro Bass Elite's write on pieces of sticky notes indicating what they thought their weaknesses in fishing are. Surprisingly enough, although there were some humorous replies, there seemed to be a general consensus that the drop shot technique is not a favorite among many of the anglers.
The X Zone Slammer is a true hand poured lure that is soft and pliable which creates great action in the water for the fish when set up on a drop shot technique.
This past summer I took the time to ask my angler during a tournament his strength in fishing techniques and I was pleased when he replied "drop shot". With plenty of X Zone slammers in hand, I went about to set up my drop shot technique.
I start by using straight fluorocarbon line on my medium light rod and I use a Palomar knot. I tie a small drop-shot hook onto the line, about 18 inches (45.7 cm) up from the end. I follow my line back through the hook nose so that the hook stands out perpendicular from the line. At the tag end of the line, about 18 inches (45.7 cm) from the hook, I tie on a drop-shot weight and I prefer either a tungsten ball weight or pencil weight usually 1/4 ounce for where I am fishing. On the hook I feed the X Zone slammer and I prefer the 4" original. Depending on locations, there are many color choices to match the hatch. I like to find out what bait fish are in the area so that I can match the bait accordingly.
Now for many anglers, this is the basic way of drop shot technique and at times it can be not very exhilarating. I guess for us competitive anglers it may seem time is ticking away on the clock by doing this technique. I must admit instead of slight jigs on the rod for action, skipping docks, punching mats and flipping can be a lot more fun. However, it works and on days when the fish are finicky, this technique will attract them. 
I find that in rough water conditions the traditional drop shot technique works well however my angler that day told me that drop shot can be rigged many different ways, including a Texas rig.
To set up a Texas rig drop shot, you do the same techniques and you can use a 1 ought hook feeding the line the same way for the hook and weight. The difference is in how you set up your bait. Taking the Slammer about center way, insert it about 1/8" up the hook and then as straight as you can get the bait, take the hook point to the tip of the bait, slightly exposing the hook. Making slight casts you can shake the rod and try not to move the weight too much. You can hop the bait and do not let it hit bottom. An effective way to use a drop shot, this does take a few practice casts to get the feel.
I can safely say that the drop shot did indeed land me some great fish that day in order to make it on to the leader board and it is always a technique that is rigged and ready to go for any fishing trip. I was once told, you can leave home without many things but never leave home without your drop shot rod.
Make sure your tackle bag includes the X Zone Slammers if you are heading out for a day of fishing or competing in a tournament.
Written by Shelley Langley, the opinions expressed are that of the authors
PC Josh Hedden, Stephen Perry