Drop Shot Fishing for Bass with a Future Champion

Next Generation Drop Shot Bass Fishing

Layla Longo and Brett McComas Hit the Water

If you think high school anglers are just out there goofing around, think again. Brett McComas from Target Walleye teamed up with Layla Longo, a high school student from Brainerd and a serious drop-shot expert, for a day of bass fishing that proves the next generation of anglers isn’t just good—they’re legit.

Fishing With a Purpose

Brett has always believed in giving back, and being a boat captain for youth tournaments lets him do just that. It’s about helping young anglers grow, giving them a shot at new experiences, and, truthfully, picking up a few new tricks along the way. When he first met Layla at a Lund Ultimate Fishing League event, he immediately noticed she wasn’t just “pretty good”—she was dialed in. She’s been drop-shotting bass since she picked up a rod and hasn’t looked back since.

Challenging Conditions

It’s late August, the water’s low, and the fish are scattered. What used to be decent dock fishing is now six inches of water and no cover. Brett and Layla hit a shallow, bowl-shaped lake with dirty water and very little structure. The kind of place where finding fish means locating any small difference—like a patch of rock, a bluegill bed, or just a hard spot. You’ve got to think deeper, slower, and more precise.

Normally, in muddy water, you’d throw big, loud baits to get the fish’s attention. But the recent cold nights threw things off, and finesse was the name of the game. So, they broke out the drop shots, Ned rigs, and light gear.

Layla’s Drop Shot Game

Layla doesn’t just know how to fish a drop shot—she makes it look easy. She’s all about that light hook set, more of a lift than a jerk, almost like she’s ice fishing. And when it works, it works. Early into the day, she’s already stacking bass, while Brett’s mostly playing net man.

Her setup? A drop shot rig with a small craw profile, sometimes spiked with chartreuse to stand out in the cloudy water. She keeps it simple: drag the bait slowly, let those little claws do the work, and trust the fish to come to her. And they do.

Tinkering to Get Bit

Meanwhile, Brett’s cycling through about 20 rods, trying everything from Ned rigs with bulky plastics to scented baits with more movement. He eventually joins Layla on the drop shot train—with a little twist of his own—and starts to put some fish in the boat. But Layla’s got the hot hand. Back-to-back catches, subtle bites, and cool confidence.

The water may be murky, but she’s got the presentation down—fishing just off the deeper edge, avoiding the weeds, and dialing in the right depth and cadence.

More Than Just Fishing

For both Brett and Layla, the day’s more than just catching bass. It’s about the connection to fishing, the memories, and learning from each other. Layla grew up fishing with her dad and brother, joined the high school team, and dove all-in. Now, she’s traveling to tournaments and national events, putting her skills to the test.

Brett’s been a boat captain for about 15 youth tournaments now, and every time he’s on the water with a young angler, he picks up something new. Whether it’s their fishing style, their mindset, or just their raw enthusiasm, it keeps him inspired—and hopeful for the future of fishing.

It was a day full of subtle bites, conversation, and a whole lot of respect between a seasoned angler and one of the most promising young talents in the game. Layla’s got the skills, the focus, and the passion to go as far as she wants in the fishing world. And Brett? He’s just happy to be along for the ride.

FAQs

Q: What is a drop shot, and why does it work so well?

A: A drop shot is a finesse setup where the weight is tied below the hook, letting your bait hover just off the bottom. That suspended, natural look makes it super effective when fish are picky—especially in deep water or on lakes that see a lot of pressure. It’s all about keeping things subtle and staying right in the strike zone.

Q: What’s the best color in dirty water?

A: Chartreuse, black/blue, and June bug are go-to’s. Anything with contrast or scent gives you an edge.

Q: Should I use forward-facing sonar?

A: Absolutely—just don’t get stuck “screen locked.” Sometimes instinct beats intel.

Q: Is finesse fishing just for pros?

A: Nope! Even beginners can excel. It’s all about patience, feel, and the right gear.

Get a closer look at Brett's fishing boat - the Lund 2075 Impact XS. Visit your local Lund boat dealer to learn more.