Where Do You Put the Split Shot in Fly Fishing?

Fly fishing is an ancient and popular method of angling. It has been practiced for centuries, and for good reason: it requires patience and skill to land a fish.

The basics of fly fishing involve the fisherman casting a line with a weighted lure, called the fly, into the water. To make the fly more attractive to fish, anglers often add a split shot weight to their line.

Split shot refers to tiny, circular weights that you attach to your fly fishing line’s leader or tippet. Their main function is to assist in sinking your fly to a desired depth in the water, where you believe the species you are targeting may be feeding. These weights are available in various sizes and weights, making it crucial to select the appropriate size for each unique fishing circumstance.

When adding split shot to your line, it’s important to place it no more than 18 inches from your fly. This will ensure that your sink rate is consistent and prevent your bait from sinking too quickly or dragging along the bottom of the lake or riverbed. Additionally, it’s best practice to add split shot on both sides of your line for even distribution of weight.

It’s also important to pay attention when placing split shot on your line; improper placement can cause tangles which can lead to lost rigs or broken lines. To avoid this, make sure that when you clip on the split shot that you separate all other knots in the line with at least seven inches between them.

In conclusion, where you put split shot in fly fishing depends on what type of fish you are Targeting and how deep they tend to feed in that particular body of water. Additionally, proper placement ensures that your sink rate will be consistent and helps prevent tangles from occurring. With some practice, you will soon become an expert at knowing exactly where and how much weight should be added for any given situation!

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Lindsay Collins