A good split shot for smaller line

[Grogan]

I have tried a # of different split shots on my small diameter line and nothing seems to hold tight unless I crimp them on but then the splitshot is shot and has to be thrown cause you can't get it open. Just wondering if there is one that holds the line tight like it is supposed to and not slide down when jigging.

[Todd_J]

I occasionally use very small split-shot that is typically used for fly fishing (much smaller than those you find in the split shot section of FF).

I loop the line around the shot a few times then crimp. It seems to prevent slippage.

[Grogan]

doesn't looping the line also weakin it?

[L_Cappo]

 Originally Posted By: Grogan

doesn't looping the line also weakin it?

i would think it does.when im jigging i dont use any but jigging spoons.but when i want a plain hook i use a split shot.i just take my pliers and crip it a little bit but no so much you cant get it off.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I like the split shots made by Water Gremlin. Normally I use either 2 or 4 lb test. The Water Gremlin split shots seem to stick fairly well withought destroying the line.

[Nate McVey]

I have to 2nd the fly-fishing split shot. It is much smaller than most other sinkers and they come off pretty easily.

[slipperybob]

Problem with small split shots like BB size is that if you crimp it, you also end up crimping down on the line itself.

When I get down to the necessity of small weights I typically choose to use an appropriate barrel swivel for weight. Just slip loop it on if you don't want to tie it on.

[eurolarva]

I tie a knot about 2 ft above the hook then the split shot can not go down to the ice jig. It will still slide up but that seldom happens. Split shots are cheap and I just toss them if I need to change out. Just cut the line above the knot and retie new jig.

[hanson]

Something to think about... I rarely, rarely will use a split shot on my line with anything other than a plain hook & minnow. Normally I'll use a jig & minnow but if I have to go to the hook & minnow, I'll add a split shot. That is the only time Ice Fishing that I will add extra weight to the line.

I think there are 2 major reasons. One is action of the lure, the other is feel.

With small panfish lures, I want them to fall slowly through the water. A slow fall is a deadly movement when it comes to catching panfish. I know it takes an incredible amount of time for a small panfish lure to fall through the water column but it is critical (IMO) to not have an extra weight on the line to disrupt the natural action of the lure.

A split shot on the line will also deaden some of the feel. Not all but some.

Something very interesting when you fish with a split shot crimped on is those stinkin' panfish will go for the split shot more than half the time at times. You are feeling fish tapping and biting but they are getting your split shot, not the bait. Watch on a camera and its incredible.

[danwilliams]

"Something very interesting when you fish with a split shot crimped on is those stinkin' panfish will go for the split shot more than half the time at times. You are feeling fish tapping and biting but they are getting your split shot, not the bait. Watch on a camera and its incredible."

glad i read all the posts first. LOL

I discovered same thing as a kid way back when..sight fishing in a darkened home made portable..For every sunnie hitting jig 6 would hit split shot..

I'll also give this one up...on days when they just won't hit..I've been known to put a split shot on a short shank small hook and a single larvae. It works. Also have a couple tear drops I've scraped the paint off for that reason.

Also may have been Matt or Corey..or Hanson that once advised not using the removable split shot because they twist your line..if none of them did I'll say it... otherwise a reminder..

[Grogan]

Thank you for that very helpful info. What do you do if your using a small jig going for eyes on the bottom.

[hanson]

 Originally Posted By: Grogan

Thank you for that very helpful info. What do you do if your using a small jig going for eyes on the bottom.

If you are running it under a bobber, you are fine.

Eyes and panfish are different critters.

Normally I try to use a jig that has enough weight to get the bait to the bottom, but still allow the minnow to swim around a little bit. I really don't want that minnow swimming 4-5' circles, especially if I have multiple lines in a house that are fairly close together.

And DanWilliams is right, split shots have an uncanny ability to cause a fishing line to knot itself right at & around the shot.