It depends on serveral things, like water clarity, structure, are you fishing in North Dakota or Texas, the are several methods of drop shotting that will work, yes you can just shake the rod lightly, or you can throw it out and let it set for a minute or more without moving it (dead sticking) you can fish it like a worm, or like a jig, it's avery versitale and productive method of fishing.

I use a6'6" spinning rod with a Quantum Spinning reel, and most of the time I use 10lb Vanish.

Hopoe this helps