Sometimes, when drop shotting, you need the lure to remain in more or less the same place while still imparting the necessary action to tempt a nearby fish to take. No matter how subtle the lift with a normal drop shot rig the lead will shift its position in the direction of the retrieve. The recoil rig is one method of keeping the lure in the take zone for longer.
The main part of the recoil rig is the same as a standard drop shot rig, the one pictured uses a standout hook but a normal hook with palomar knot works as well. In place of the weight at the bottom of the trace a small swivel is attached.
The recoil action is provided by a length of 1–1.5mm elastic shock cord, about 25cm works best and this will extend to around 45cm under load. The cord is threaded through the eye of the swivel and secured with a figure of eight stop knot. A Gemini or similar lead clip is attached to the free end of the shock cord using the same method.
In order for the rig to fish correctly it is necessary to utilise a heavier weight than would normally be attached. Between one and four ounces will be required, depending upon the cord diameter, to allow the lift of the rod to impart action to the lure without dislodging the lead to a major extent.
The recoil rig tends to work best in deeper water and from a raised platform keeping the angle of the main line and rig as steep as possible. The lifts and shakes to work the lure should not be excessive enough to displace the rig but should still be sufficiently active to ensure that the lure moves in an enticing manner.
The rig can also be effective from a boat when lure fishing for wrasse.
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