Deadly Revival

Split-shot Details

Two types of split-shot exist—round and eared. To keep the rig as snag-free as possible, use round split-shot. Eared shot are handy, as they’re easily removed, but may hang between rocks or pick up algae.

Split-shot are available in many sizes, though the most useful weights are #4 and #2 (higher numbers are smaller), which weigh 1/8 and 1/4 ounce. In most situations, these two sizes maintain bottom contact and present the bait in a nearly weightless manner, a key to successful ­split-shottin’.

If wind or current make it difficult to maintain bottom contact, heavier shot come in handy. At the other extreme in shallow, calm water, I recommend #7 shot, weighing 1/16 ounce.

Most split-shotters set sinkers from 2 to 4 feet above their lure. But similar to Carolina-rigging and Lindy-­rigging for walleye, in tough conditions such as post-frontal weather or dropping water levels, you may have to increase the distance between shot and hook. Lengths up to 6 feet aren’t unheard of.

A longer leader allows the bait to move more naturally but also reduces the angler’s ability to feel bites. Concentrating on the rig for any indication of movement helps. The longer the leader, the more likely you are to miss bites or to gut-hook fish.

Split-Shot Tactics

Although it was developed for tough, highly pressured conditions, the split-shot rig excels in many situations. It works well in super-shallow water to catch visible bass, and down over 50 feet to catch fish feeding on suspended bait.

Defining a target is the first step. Use your eyes or electronics to decide where bass may be holding. Cast the rig and let it sink to the bottom and then begin a slow, methodical retrieve with the rod. It’s a slow presentation but when the bite is tough, split-­shottin’ is hard to beat.

Pay close attention to the rod tip and line during the retrieve: Bites can be nearly undetectable, since the light sinker doesn’t slide on the line as with a Carolina rig. Often, a bite is signaled merely by a bit of pressure or line movement to the side.

Starting in the mid-1970s, Trask also used split-shot rigs in conjunction with his electronics to catch ­suspended bass. In deep western ­reservoirs, threadfin shad often suspend over deep water and bass hold below them, waiting for a prime opportunity to feed. In this situation, sonar reveals the depth at which the baitfish and bass are holding. It’s generally best to vertically present baits between the bottom of the school of baitfish and the depth bass are holding.

Position the boat upwind of the spot, lower the rig to the proper depth (most good sonar units enable you to follow the rig down), and then drift the lure through the marks on the screen, using the trolling motor to control speed. If there isn’t enough wind to drift, use your trolling motor to move the boat slowly through the area.

Bait Selection

In the early days of split-­shottin’, lure selection consisted of 3- to 4-inch curlytail worms that mimic baitfish. Since then, anglers have expanded their offerings to include many of the countless softbaits on the market. There are several considerations when choosing lures, however.

If bass are feeding on baitfish in the area, select something that imitates the size and color of the forage. Floating or neutral-buoyancy baits glide off the bottom and realistically represent natural prey.

Where bass are feeding on crawdads, small imitations of these crustaceans are favored, along with small creature baits and lizards.

Larger plastics, like 6-inch or longer worms and lizards, also have their times. Rigged behind a split-shot, these standard lures entice bites from bass that are bombarded by masses throwing the same lures on Texas or Carolina rigs. Split-shottin’ is all about presenting lures in a natural manner with light weight.

As with many techniques of the past, the split-shot rig has demonstrated its versatility and effectiveness, only to be placed on the back shelf. But with bass across the U.S. becoming conditioned to techniques like the drop-shot and shakey-head rig, it’s time to break out the split-shot gear and show them something they haven’t seen or may have long forgotten. I’ll wager the bass in your area will respond the same way they did back when **** Trask first developed the split-shot technique.

Terry Battisti, Idaho Falls, Idaho, is an avid bass angler and freelance writer who has previously written articles for In-Fisherman and Bass Guide.