How to Fish with a Split Float

To improve your angling skills, fish with a split float. Split floats, or split shot, are lead or metal spheres with a slit for a fishing line. They add weight to the fishing line and are secured at different positions on it. Placing split shot in different positions enables your fishing line to reach different depths of the water to access more fish. If you do not use split shot, then your fishing line and bait move where the current takes them without your control.

Things You'll Need

  • Split shot, various sizes
  • Fishing line
  • Float
  • Crimper
  • Leader
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Position split shot below the float of your fishing line. Split shot are usually placed 2 to 4 inches below the float.

    • 2

      Insert the fishing line between the indentation in the diameter of each split shot.

    • 3

      Squeeze the outside of each split shot with a crimper, and close each split shot over the fishing line.

    Positioning

    • 4

      Choose a shotting pattern that suits the water current and depth.

    • 5

      Use the standard shotting pattern to allow the bait to float ahead of the fishing line. Insert split shot in descending order, from largest to smallest. Space split shot evenly on the line. For example, insert the largest split shot 4 inches under the float of the fishing line. Insert the next split shot 4 inches below the largest split. Continue until all split shot are spaced 4 inches apart. Insert the smallest split shot 1 inch above the leader.

    • 6

      Use the tapered shotting pattern for slow water currents to slow the fishing line from sinking. Insert split shot in descending order, from largest to smallest. The spacing increases with each split shot. For example, insert the largest split shot 2 inches under the float of the fishing line. Insert the next split shot 4 inches below the largest split shot. Insert the next split shot 6 inches below the second split shot. Insert the next split shot 8 inches below the third split shot. Continue until all the split shot are attached. Insert the smallest split shot 1 inch above the leader.

    • 7

      Use the bulk shotting pattern for fast currents to sink the bait rapidly in deep water. For example, insert four large split shot 12 inches above the leader. Stack the four split shot next to each other with no spacing between them. Insert two small split shot 1 inch above the leader.

    • 8

      Use the shallow water shotting pattern for shallow water to sink the bait slowly. For example, insert four large split shot 2 inches under the float. Stack the four split shot next to each other with no spacing between them. Insert two small shot 1 inch above the leader.