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Fall 2020
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WITH WEIGHT
This is where the versatility of this system really shines. With one round split-shot this same hook can be transformed into many other techniques to cover all depths with a few different actions and appearances.
SHAKEY HEAD/SWINGHEAD
It’s not a perfect shakeyhead; but it will come close to the same performance. Simply pinch the shot on just above the knot and the head of the hook. It acts as a shakey head/swinghead and proved to be a great way to work the bottom. Bring just a bag of trick worms and you have another offering to present the fish in the area you have accessed.
SPLIT-SHOT/CAROLINA
Now this would be more of a split-shot rig than a Carolina-rig, but with the adjustable leader length, both techniques are represented. Pinch the shot 12-inches above the hook for a quick shallow water approach or at 24-inches above the hook for a slow, lifeless, deep approach. Any soft plastic will work, I chose a 6-inch Roboworm.
DROPSHOT
If you leave the tag on your original knot you can thread it back through the top of the hook and attach your split-shot to the tag. A simple overhand knot below the weight will keep it from slipping off. A short leader with a baby brush hog is a great crawdad imitator. GEAR NEEDED TO HAVE A WIDE VARIETY OF OPTIONS:
Terminal Tackle: Hook: 3/0 EWG, Weight: 735-3 split shot
Soft Plastics: Zoom Super Fluke, Senko, Trick worm, Roboworm and Baby Brush Hog
Note: All these baits are interchangeable on each rigging method. And, you can always start with a 6-inch soft plastic, if you need smaller a set of scissors will do the trick.
CONCLUSION
From reaction to
finesse, we were able to
dissect all water columns
from top, middle to bottom,
and, we are able to mimic
many forage types, including
crawdads, shad, bluegill and
baby bass.
Now obviously some
of these methods aren’t
exactly perfect and
there are more refined
rigging methods for each.
But, remember we are
approaching this with a
“make do with what you
have” mentality, not a “I have every tool I need” aspect.
Hopefully this inspires creativity, experimentation and some outside of the box thinking. It’s great a great system for all anglers and I have implemented it on my boat since. With the flexibility to change in seconds, minimal cost, minimal gear, with maximum efficiency, the possibilities are endless. •
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