Every year it seems like we are introduced to new bass fishing rigs featuring highly specialized tackle, from ultra-specific hooks to different single-purpose weights. The split shot rig takes the exact opposite approach, utilizing a few universal items that most anglers have had in their tackle box since childhood.
A basic combination of classic terminal tackle, this setup features a small barrel swivel, a split shot weight, and a short shank hook. The size and style of these items can vary dramatically based on location and target species, making this rig one of the most versatile options you’ll find.
The best part? Not only is this rig incredibly simple and cheap, but it can also be the most effective option when fish are in a particularly stubborn mood.
How to rig and fish the split shot rig
How to tie a split shot rig
When it comes to rigging, you won’t find a much simpler setup than the split shot rig.
- Begin by attaching your fishing line to a small barrel swivel. If your line is braid, you may want to attach a small section of fluorocarbon leader to it first, as this can help with line twist and knots, as well as decrease visibility to fish.
- Next, tie a strip of fluorocarbon to the other end of the swivel, with length varying based on your preference. While you can make this section as short or long as desired, the typical length is usually somewhere between 18 to 36 inches.
- At the end of this fluorocarbon leader, you’ll attach the hook of your choice. While a variety of hooks will work, a smaller short-shank style hook will help provide the most stealth and action to your lure. You can also use any knot in this step, but I prefer a small loop knot to help give your lure even more freedom and action. The overall goal of this rig is to give a presentation that’s as subtle and natural as possible, and a loop knot can help add to that.
- Lastly, you’ll pinch on some simple split shot to your line, either just ahead of the swivel on the main fishing line, or just below it on the leader section. Again, weight and distance from the swivel varies based on multiple factors, but typically at least 6 to 12 inches from the swivel or hook is preferred.
Note on weight placement
While many prefer to attach the split shot directly to the leader, attaching it above the swivel has a few benefits. First, the swivel will help prevent the weight from sliding down to the hook if it begins to slip. Additionally, leaving the leader weightless below the swivel allows the lure more freedom to move and dance naturally.
Tackle setup for a split shot rig
While many rigs require specific tackle to fish properly, this is certainly not the case for the split shot rig. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and effectiveness while utilizing a wide variety of hook and sinker choices. Below are some of the best tackle options to really make this rig shine.
Hook choices
As mentioned earlier, you can use a variety of hook styles on this rig without compromising on its overall effectiveness. That said, the most lifelike and natural presentation tends to come from using a short shank hook through the nose of the lure. Drop shot hooks, wacky rig hooks, and octopus hooks are some of the most ideal for this presentation. A circle hook is also an effective option and can help get good hook sets when the bites are subtle and easy to miss. Regardless of style, the best size for you short shank hook is typically the 1/0-3/0 range, obviously varying based on lure size.
You can also use a weedless wide-gap hook and rig your lure Texas style if you’re fishing in heavy cover or concerned about snags. While this takes away some of the subtle action, it’s a proven rig and can still be quite effective around vegetation and other snag-heavy environments.
Weight choices
As the name suggests, a simple split shot sinker is the preferred weight for this rig. I like to go smaller first, with size 4 or 6 shot, to help maintain sensitivity and finesse. Depending on what depth you’re fishing, you may try upping the weight or adding a few extra split shot to the line.
Another important distinction is the material that the split shot is made of. While classic lead is still the cheapest and easiest option, tungsten has grown in popularity for several reasons. First, it’s much heavier than traditional lead, which allows you to use a smaller size weight to attain the same effect. It’s also much more environmentally friendly than lead, which isn’t a bad thing considering they often end up at the bottom of rivers or lakes. The biggest downside to tungsten is cost, as it’s significantly more expensive than lead.
Split shot rig bait choices
While just about any soft plastic can be fished effectively on a split shot rig, the most popular options tend to be rubber worms. Straight tail finesse presentations like shaky head worms and drop shot plastics are excellent options, followed closely by classic U-tail and twister tail designs.
Another great choice for this rig is a creature bait or craw presentation. Anything with excessive amounts of flapping and wiggling appendages can add an extra degree of life to your lure on the most subtle of presentations.
Depending on the situation, a classic fluke style lure can be one of the most effective patterns here as well. The split shot rig is an excellent way to mimic the subtle sinking, twitching action of a dying baitfish.
Favorite lure options
Rod and reel options
Regardless of which lure or hook you choose, one aspect of this rig remains the same: finesse. The overall effectiveness of the split shot rig is its ability to subtly and naturally fish light tackle presentations, which can draw strikes when more aggressive patterns fail. Given this, it’s important you use the right gear when throwing this rig, or you’ll lose most of its advantages.
Once shunned by the tournament bass community, spinning gear has now become a staple on most boats due to the increase in popularity of forward-facing sonar technology. It’s a good thing too, because it’s also the best option for fishing a number of rigs, including the split shot.
The ideal rod is at least seven foot in length, medium or medium-light power, and moderate to fast action. Sensitivity and action are key, so longer rods are typically better because they help enhance both elements.
When it comes to pairing your rod with a reel, you’ll want something that creates an overall well-balanced setup. A 2500 or 3000 size spinning reel is usually the proper class, and the lighter the better. In addition, I like to spool my reel with the lightest and most sensitive line option possible, usually 8lb test braid. If using monofilament or fluorocarbon, 6-8lb test is preferred. For leader, you’ll want to keep it light as well. Typically 6-8lb fluoro will suffice, while upgrading to 10-12lb helps if fishing around structure. While keeping the line light is important to the presentation, it’s important to consider where you’re fishing and what size fish you’re targeting. If you’re around heavy cover targeting larger fish, upsizing the line test is a good idea.
Favorite rod options
- Shimano Zodias
- St. Croix Legend Tournament
Favorite reel options
- Shimano Vanford 2500
- Daiwa Tatula
- Abu Garcia Revo
Split shot rig tactics
When fishing this rig, subtlety is key. You’ll focus on small movements and cast placement, letting the rig do most of the work for you. Your goal is to finesse stubborn fish into biting, so no long casts or aggressive motions.
Since this setup is usually very light, it’s most effective in relatively shallow water. Typically, anywhere from three to six feet deep is ideal, but it can work well up to about 10 feet. You’ll also want to focus on areas of cover where fish are likely to hide, rather than blind casting open water. Stump fields and tree roots, docks, ledges, and brush piles are just some of the options you’ll look for.
Once you’ve settled on location, technique is critical. Again, this isn’t a power fishing rig, so avoid reeling too fast or making aggressive motions. The best way to present the split shot rig is to cast at whatever cover you’re targeting, then let the rig sink slowly to the bottom. Fish tend to strike this rig on the fall, so you should be keeping a careful eye on your line and feeling for any subtle takes. A good method for this is to keep your rod tip just high enough to maintain a good connection to the weight without creating drag, then dropping it slowly in time with the speed of your falling lure. Once your line stops moving on the surface, you know the rig has hit bottom (or you’ve gotten bit).
Once you feel the weight has hit bottom, there are a few ways to continue working the presentation. The most effective and classic option is to lift the rod slightly and allow the split shot to hop up off the bottom in small motions, pausing in between to allow the lure to flutter seductively behind. The length of the pause and the degree to which you lift is determined by depth and how the fish are responding. Start with shorter pauses and slowly increase the duration until you find the rate that the fish are looking for.
Another option for the retrieve is to do a much longer lift and pull your rig high into the water column, almost to the surface, and then let it flutter and fall back again. This creates a similar action as the initial drop, which is usually when the fish respond best to this setup.
When to fish the split shot rig
It’s been mentioned several times already, but the split shot rig really excels when fish are being stubborn and not responding to other, more aggressive tactics. If you find yourself in an area that you know is holding fish but you’re struggling to connect, consider trying this rig to entice strikes. Its versatility with lure options allows it to be fished in many different areas regardless of forage. Utilizing different weights and lure options allows you to experiment and really dial in exactly what the fish are looking for.
Drawbacks of the split shot rig
Although this rig is great for enticing picky fish to bite, it may not always be the best choice. It’s a slow and methodical technique, which means you won’t cover much water quickly. If your goal is to locate fish, you’re much better off using any number of faster presentations. Swimbaits, jerkbaits, and crankbaits are just a few options.
Likewise, if you’re trying to target fish deep, you’d be better served with a rig that features heavier weights and a more aggressive drop. Classic rigs for this include the Carolina rig, Texas rig, and drop shot rig.
Lastly, while the split shot rig is great around cover like docks and stumps, it’s not as effective in heavy vegetation. The weights tend to get hung up, and even with a weedless hook you’ll still be dragging some salad. The light line required to fish this rig also doesn’t work well in heavy vegetation, so consider trying something like a punching rig or unweighted weedless rig.
Additional tips
- The hits on this rig can be incredibly subtle. Keeping your index finger on your mainline is a good way to feel any small taps that may otherwise go unnoticed.
- Don’t set the hook too hard! I know we all want to be KVD and ram that hook home, but this is a finesse rig with light line and light wire hooks. The small size and fine point of most finesse hooks allows for a decent hookset without too much power, and you’ll also risk breaking off on the set.
- While you certainly don’t need an expensive rod to fish the dropshot rig, it does pay to have something as light and sensitive as possible. If you’re planning on fishing this rig often, it’s worthwhile to invest in a higher-end rod designed specifically for finesse techniques.
- Although split shot is in the name, you can upgrade this rig by using different sinker options. As long as the sinker is pinned to the line, and doesn’t slide, the effect is the same. For example, you can pin an Egg sinker to the line with plastic stoppers or a toothpick.
- One trick that’s a little more advanced but allows for quick adjustments is rubberbanding the sinker to your line. You can do this with an egg sinker by threading the band through the center and then wrapping it around your line, then back over the sinker again. This creates a firm grip that keeps the weight in place during fishing, while allowing you to easily slide it up and down or swap out weights without retying.
Feature Image: Kevin Hughes
Awesome rig at times!