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.
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.
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.
Freshwater Fish Identification is another technique used by anglers. Detecting the bite is the hardest lesson for a bass angler who is learning to split shot. The bite varies with the activity levels of the fish. At times, they will pop the bait very hard, making you aware instantly that the fish is eating the bait. At other times, there will only be a soft and nearly imperceptible tick and thereafter nothing.
Finally there is the much dreaded pressure bite, which takes two different forms. The first form of pressure bite is where you feel a little bit of resistance to pulling the line forward. It feels like hooking a spongy and soft rubber band. The other type of pressure bite is where contact with the bottom is lost. When a bass fish has picked up the lure and is merely following along with any of your forward movement. It is the reason as to why the maintaining of bottom contact is so important.
A sweep set is the preferred hook set to be used with this technique. Once you detect a fish holding the bait, drop the tip of the rod towards the bass, reel down till the point where you feel resistance or just short of it and horizontally sweep the rod away from the bass fish.
by Abhishek Agarwal
Abhishek is an avid Bass Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Bass Fishing Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 135 Pages Ebook, “How To Become A Bass Fishing Pro!” from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/88/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
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