thank you - i had 2 snelled eagle claws tied to the mainline, and the sinker. fwiw braid will cut thru the mono loop if it pulls too tight.
i think you're right about drop shot rig keeping a neater presentation.
i wanted the yp but after the 1st rock, decided to go head and jig for rock and let the minnows drag from a boat rodholder. when 2nd fish took a minnow, i switched rods. wound up with a tangle of the 2 lines. under the engine and everything. after loosing the fish, i had to cut it free, pull it back thru, and rerig.
2nd fish was the nicer fish but lost his caption in pos film edit.