By Joe Mole

Simple yet effective, it does not get much easier than the split shot rig. Setting up is quick and involves limited and inexpensive gear. All you will need is your desired weight of line, a hook and of course, some split shot. Simply tie your chosen size of hook for the fish you have in mind and then the correct weight of split shot to present the lure effectively – either on the bottom or on a slow fall. 

You can also get pre-tied hook to nylon that is very effective when searching for those micro species and perfect in species hunts as they are easy to tie or clip on and go. 

This setup is one I choose because it is easy to use and the increased catch rate it can give me because of its simple minimalist look. It puts all the attention on the lure itself. A lot of the time you will be using this rig when searching between boulders and tight snaggy gaps, when snags do happen you haven’t lost a great deal of gear and decreases the cost you would have compared to using tungsten options. 

The rig can be extremely effective for bigger fish as well that have become wary and cautious of bigger hooks and lures; and may take the opportunity to take that smaller easier to manage meal. 

Ask anyone in a competition if they have used this setup and they will usually say yes, and the same goes for the species hunters who will use size 20 to 22 hooks to great effect with this rig. 

Give this rig a go next time you are being pestered by those mini monsters or are after a PB smallest fish.