SnakeBite Custom Fishing Tackile

Split Shotting Plastics

Split-shotting has been around the fishing scene in one form or another since the inception of putting a worm on a hook. But, it wasn't really popularized until the early 80's as a viable means for presenting a plastic worm. The technique was formally developed by a Southern California angler by the name of Dick Trask. He developed the technique in order compete in local team events on the heavily pressured lakes of So. Cal. His method worked so well that it enabled him to be "the" major threat on the water at all times. He won or placed in almost every event he fished until his secret technique came to light. Since then, the Split-Shotting Technique has become a mainstay on the tournament circuits in the West and a few other states.

The Basic Split-Shot Rig

The basic set-up used in split shotting is this. Spinning rods in the 6-7' range are the most popular. Actions range from ultra light to medium. The reel needs to have a very smooth drag in order to decrease the chance of breaking the light line generally used in the method. Because this is a finesse technique, light lines, usually 6-8lb test, are the mainstay. And, most serious Split-Shotters prefer green colored line. They feel that the green lines are less apt to be seen by the fish in the highly pressured lakes they fish.

Once you have the basic equipment mentioned above, it's time to start thinking about the rig itself. The basic rig is very simple. All it requires is a worm hook and a split shot. Hook size is dependant on the size worm being fished. And, there are a few different styles of hook that are used. The basic hook style utilized in this technique is a fine wire hook known as an Aberdeen. This hook is used most often when fishing very small worms in order to allow the bait to float better. The problem with this style hook is that there are generally no keeper barbs on it and the worm has a tendency to fall down the hook. But, in situations where a small worm is required, it is the best hook to use.

Another hook style used is a Kahle hook. This hook is used when head hooking a plastic bait. This hook works well in situations where you are not fishing areas that have a lot of brush because the hook point is exposed. This hook allows the bait to have a lot of action due to the fact that the hook is only in the head of the worm. Not the body. One benefit of using this hook is that it is very difficult for a fish to spit out once hooked. The hook is very much like a circle hook many of you have been reading about in the recent past.

Beyond the hook mentioned above, you can use just about any other worm hook available to split shot. But, just remember to use a hook that will not make the bait sink too fast. Personally, I prefer the Gamakatsu EWG hooks for most of my split shotting. It is a relatively fine wire hook that has a good bite and fish hooking capability.

As was stated earlier, the standard weight for the rig is the Split-Shot. Hence the name! Anyway, the size of the split shot used depends mainly on the water depth you are fishing and the wind speed. The standard size split shot used are sizes 4-2. But, in very shallow water situations, a size 7 can work very well. Also, when fishing deep water I've used split shot up to 3/8 of an ounce. One thing to remember though is use only enough weight to allow you to feel the bottom!

The distance you place the split shot from the hook is dependent on the activity of the fish. During extremely difficult fishing conditions, the length of the leader should be roughly 4-6 feet. The longer leader allows the bait to move more freely eliciting more strikes. When the fishing is not as tough, I generally place the split shot anywhere from 2 to 4 feet from the hook. This allows you to detect the bite quicker.

Fishing the Split-Shot Rig

Fishing the split-shot rig is very simple. It can be fished in water as shallow as 1' to water as deep as 90'. All you do is cast the rig out, let it sink to the bottom, and slowly drag it back to the boat. When working the bait back, some people like to use the reel to work the bait. Others prefer to drag it with the rod. In any event, the best way to hold the rod while working the bait is to hold it at a 90 degree angle to the line. This will give you better sensitivity during the retrieve.

Another way to work the bait occurs during very windy days. In most worm fishing techniques, it is difficult to feel your bait during windy conditions. But, the split shot rig can be easy if you use the wind to your advantage. All you need to do is cast your bait into the wind, let it sink to the bottom, and work the rig by allowing the wind to slowly move the boat. You do not need to reel. By using your trolling motor, you can control the speed of your drift and thus, the speed of your lure.

Because the split-shot rig has a weight clamped between you and the worm, the bites you get will not feel like a standard worm bite generally. In general, all a bite feels like with this rig is a heavy feeling on your rod. Some people call this the "rubber band" feeling. When you feel something like this, stop moving the bait, figure out if it is a snag, and set the hook! The hookset used predominantly for the rig is a fast steady sweeping of the rod.

Even though this rig was developed for "tough" fishing conditions, it can be fished at any time. Water temperatures and clarity do not affect the technique at all. Time of year is also of no concern. In essence, it is a method that works under all conditions and in all types of water. Including rivers.

Baits to use with the Split-Shot Rig

Although the rig was initially developed for use on heavily pressured lakes with small (3-4" baits) finesse plastics, any size bait can be used. In California, the common baits are generally 3-5" long. But, many people are using 6" and longer baits too. Some may ask, why not use a Carolina Rig for the bigger baits? Well, that is an option but for the subtlest presentation, the split shot rig works the best. It has a minimum of hardware associated with it and you can use a very light split shot for extremely shallow water fishing.

The technique is not limited to worms either. Many small jerk baits work well while split shotting as do grubs and twin tailed trailers. All you need to do is experiment with new baits to find out what works best for you in a given situation.

As for colors, this is entirely up to you. Any color can be fished effectively with this technique. But, the smoke and natural colors seem to work best in really clear waters. Choose a bait that mimics the color of the forage found in your area and go with it!

Other Considerations about the Split Shot Rig

Many anglers have been using the Mojo Sinkers with their split shot rigs. This sinker resembles a cylinder with rounded off ends. The sinker has a hole drilled through it to run your line through. These sinkers are generally used for light Carolina Rigs. But, they are very good to use when split shotting rocky areas as they do not hang up as much as a standard split shot. The way you rig this sinker is as follows. First, go to the store and get some Flossing Loops used for flossing your teeth. They are made by GUM and are blue in color. You can get a pack of 25 for around $2. Now, take the line and run it through the Mojo Sinker. Then, tie your hook on. Now, taking cut a few strands of living rubber from a jig (you may need 2-5 strands of rubber). Take the flossing loop and put it through the hole in the sinker. Then, take your rubber strands, put them trough the loop and pull the loop back through the sinker. The rubber strands will get wedged in the sinker and keep it from moving on the line. Not only does this method work for this application, it works great for any pegging situation. And, it doesn't harm the line! now you have a rig that'll come through the rocks easier.

Well, I hope this explanation of split shotting help you boat more bass. It is a great technique to use during those tough times! Try it, I know it will add fish to your livewells!

Sincerely,

SBCFT




	*Split Shotting Plastics* Split-shotting has been around the fishing scene in one form or another since the inception of putting a worm on a hook. But, it wasn't really popularized until the early 80's as a viable means for presenting a plastic worm. The technique was formally developed by a Southern California angler by the name of Dick Trask. He developed the technique in order compete in local team events on the heavily pressured lakes of So. Cal. His method worked so well that it enabled him to be "the" major threat on the water at all times. He won or placed in almost every event he fished until his secret technique came to light. Since then, the Split-Shotting Technique has become a mainstay on the tournament circuits in the West and a few other states. The Basic Split-Shot Rig The basic set-up used in split shotting is this. Spinning rods in the 6-7' range are the most popular. Actions range from ultra light to medium. The reel needs to have a very smooth drag in order to decrease the chance of breaking the light line generally used in the method. Because this is a finesse technique, light lines, usually 6-8lb test, are the mainstay. And, most serious Split-Shotters prefer green colored line. They feel that the green lines are less apt to be seen by the fish in the highly pressured lakes they fish. Once you have the basic equipment mentioned above, it's time to start thinking about the rig itself. The basic rig is very simple. All it requires is a worm hook and a split shot. Hook size is dependant on the size worm being fished. And, there are a few different styles of hook that are used. The basic hook style utilized in this technique is a fine wire hook known as an Aberdeen. This hook is used most often when fishing very small worms in order to allow the bait to float better. The problem with this style hook is that there are generally no keeper barbs on it and the worm has a tendency to fall down the hook. But, in situations where a small worm is required, it is the best hook to use. Another hook style used is a Kahle hook. This hook is used when head hooking a plastic bait. This hook works well in situations where you are not fishing areas that have a lot of brush because the hook point is exposed. This hook allows the bait to have a lot of action due to the fact that the hook is only in the head of the worm. Not the body. One benefit of using this hook is that it is very difficult for a fish to spit out once hooked. The hook is very much like a circle hook many of you have been reading about in the recent past. Beyond the hook mentioned above, you can use just about any other worm hook available to split shot. But, just remember to use a hook that will not make the bait sink too fast. Personally, I prefer the Gamakatsu EWG hooks for most of my split shotting. It is a relatively fine wire hook that has a good bite and fish hooking capability. As was stated earlier, the standard weight for the rig is the Split-Shot. Hence the name! Anyway, the size of the split shot used depends mainly on the water depth you are fishing and the wind speed. The standard size split shot used are sizes 4-2. But, in very shallow water situations, a size 7 can work very well. Also, when fishing deep water I've used split shot up to 3/8 of an ounce. One thing to remember though is use only enough weight to allow you to feel the bottom! The distance you place the split shot from the hook is dependent on the activity of the fish. During extremely difficult fishing conditions, the length of the leader should be roughly 4-6 feet. The longer leader allows the bait to move more freely eliciting more strikes. When the fishing is not as tough, I generally place the split shot anywhere from 2 to 4 feet from the hook. This allows you to detect the bite quicker. Fishing the Split-Shot Rig Fishing the split-shot rig is very simple. It can be fished in water as shallow as 1' to water as deep as 90'. All you do is cast the rig out, let it sink to the bottom, and slowly drag it back to the boat. When working the bait back, some people like to use the reel to work the bait. Others prefer to drag it with the rod. In any event, the best way to hold the rod while working the bait is to hold it at a 90 degree angle to the line. This will give you better sensitivity during the retrieve. Another way to work the bait occurs during very windy days. In most worm fishing techniques, it is difficult to feel your bait during windy conditions. But, the split shot rig can be easy if you use the wind to your advantage. All you need to do is cast your bait into the wind, let it sink to the bottom, and work the rig by allowing the wind to slowly move the boat. You do not need to reel. By using your trolling motor, you can control the speed of your drift and thus, the speed of your lure. Because the split-shot rig has a weight clamped between you and the worm, the bites you get will not feel like a standard worm bite generally. In general, all a bite feels like with this rig is a heavy feeling on your rod. Some people call this the "rubber band" feeling. When you feel something like this, stop moving the bait, figure out if it is a snag, and set the hook! The hookset used predominantly for the rig is a fast steady sweeping of the rod. Even though this rig was developed for "tough" fishing conditions, it can be fished at any time. Water temperatures and clarity do not affect the technique at all. Time of year is also of no concern. In essence, it is a method that works under all conditions and in all types of water. Including rivers. Baits to use with the Split-Shot Rig Although the rig was initially developed for use on heavily pressured lakes with small (3-4" baits) finesse plastics, any size bait can be used. In California, the common baits are generally 3-5" long. But, many people are using 6" and longer baits too. Some may ask, why not use a Carolina Rig for the bigger baits? Well, that is an option but for the subtlest presentation, the split shot rig works the best. It has a minimum of hardware associated with it and you can use a very light split shot for extremely shallow water fishing. The technique is not limited to worms either. Many small jerk baits work well while split shotting as do grubs and twin tailed trailers. All you need to do is experiment with new baits to find out what works best for you in a given situation. As for colors, this is entirely up to you. Any color can be fished effectively with this technique. But, the smoke and natural colors seem to work best in really clear waters. Choose a bait that mimics the color of the forage found in your area and go with it! Other Considerations about the Split Shot Rig Many anglers have been using the Mojo Sinkers with their split shot rigs. This sinker resembles a cylinder with rounded off ends. The sinker has a hole drilled through it to run your line through. These sinkers are generally used for light Carolina Rigs. But, they are very good to use when split shotting rocky areas as they do not hang up as much as a standard split shot. The way you rig this sinker is as follows. First, go to the store and get some Flossing Loops used for flossing your teeth. They are made by GUM and are blue in color. You can get a pack of 25 for around $2. Now, take the line and run it through the Mojo Sinker. Then, tie your hook on. Now, taking cut a few strands of living rubber from a jig (you may need 2-5 strands of rubber). Take the flossing loop and put it through the hole in the sinker. Then, take your rubber strands, put them trough the loop and pull the loop back through the sinker. The rubber strands will get wedged in the sinker and keep it from moving on the line. Not only does this method work for this application, it works great for any pegging situation. And, it doesn't harm the line! now you have a rig that'll come through the rocks easier. Well, I hope this explanation of split shotting help you boat more bass. It is a great technique to use during those tough times! Try it, I know it will add fish to your livewells! Sincerely, SBCFT 2001 Property of SnakeBite Custom Fishing Tackle. All rights reserved.