Hey, I'm from the UK and live near the Leeds Liverpool canal, from what I hear, there's a tonne of perch in there.
I've heard dropshotting is really fun and I'd like to give it a go, but I wouldn't like to get another rod just yet.
I've got a waggler and a feeder rod, I've also got a kids rod that's quite short (5ft or so). What's the closest rod that will effectively work for drop shotting?
Also can anyone give some tips on perch behaviour and where they are most likely to reside?
I use dropshot a lot but I'm usually using bait and from a boat and for panfish (yellow perch, bluegill/pumpkin seed, rock bass, etc). I have also used it with plastic grubs and finesse worms.
Having said that, drop shot is fairly basic. I usually use light line (5lb test flurocarbon) with a swivel snap tied at the end and a 1 or 2 oz sinker attached to that.
For a hook I just use what looks to be the right size. While I do have specialty drop shot hooks, I often tie a regular one on the line with a dropper loop knot cinched tight to the main line (there is also a drop shot rig knot - like a surf knot).
Any pole can be used - it's a question of the fish and your preferences. Cost-wise, it's comparable to fishing with a Hubert blubber/slip-bobber.