Splitshot Rig - Assembly & instructions

The split-shot rig is by far the easiest finesse rig to rig! Finesse is the right term here, by the way: because what other rigs are so extremely easy to fish?
Like many rigs, the split-shot also comes from the USA. There it is primarily used for fishing for black bass.

Assembly and suitable softbaits

All you need for rigging is a split-shot weight (colloquially known as lead shot). This is simply clamped onto the leader. The split-shot rig is ready! It couldn't be simpler. Of course, you also need a single hook, which you attach to the end of the leader to present a softbait. The split-shot rig is often fished with rubber worms, small crayfish or creature baits.

The aim of the split-shot rig is to present your hookbait as inconspicuously and realistically as possible. In addition to inconspicuousness, this also includes the sinking and drifting behavior of the bait. Because in nature, there are only a few animals and fish that sink to the bottom like a stone. 

Bait presentation and areas of application

There are no limits to the lure presentation with this rig. However, its fineness makes it particularly suitable for natural presentation options. You can let the splitshot rig sink to a certain depth and then slowly reel it in with fine tugs.

Another option is to let the rig bounce or drift/roll slowly over the bottom in a running water. For example, you can offer a rubber worm or creatures to catch large cyprinids such as barbel, ide or carp. In fast-flowing water, on the other hand, you can let the rig drift through the middle water and outwit trout and chub, for example.

In addition to the flowing waters already mentioned, you can also use the splitshot rig in weedy areas. Thanks to the light weight and the option of hiding an offset hook in the softbait, the rig will not get stuck in the thicket so easily. 

However, the low weight does have one disadvantage: you won't achieve long casting distances. The rig is also not suitable for searching large areas of water. It is more suited to targeting fish in a hot spot.

Lead shot vs. split-shot weight

Of course, lead shot is suitable for the quick use of a split-shot rig, but it has various disadvantages compared to special split-shot weights made from tungsten/tungsten.
Firstly, lead is discreetly harmful to the environment. From the point of view of a nature-conscious angler alone, you should therefore switch to tungsten. 

Compared to lead, tungsten has a higher density, which is why you can use smaller sizes for the same weight. This makes your rig even more inconspicuous!

Special split-shot weights usually have a plastic or ceramic inlay. This ensures that your main line or leader is not damaged by the sharp edges of the lead. This means that the full lifting capacity is retained and you do not run the risk of reaching the maximum too early with a snag or large fish.