Every Crappie Angler Needs These - By Brad Weigmann

I know you are thinking what sexy new lure just came out that you can’t live without. Maybe it’s a new fishing rod that’s lighter, stronger and affordable? While other products are desired only a split shot weight can be utilized in so many techniques used in crappie fishing.


Before diving into techniques using split shots weight we have to understand what each size spilt shot weight weighs. Truthfully, how split shots weigh are more confusing than sugarless candy. If its candy than it has sugar right? Apparently the same engineer or angler came up with the sizing for hooks and split shot weights.


Here’s the breakdown of sizing that’s generally accepted by most sinker manufactures. Here’s a list starting from the lightest to the heaviest sizes of split shots. In general the sizes are for both removable split shots and round split shots. Note that these are lead split shots and sizing will differ accordingly to materials used to make them. For example split shots made from tungsten or steel will be smaller or larger in size when it comes to sizing.

Split Shot Weight Chart:
3/0 equals 1/50-ounce
BB equals 1/64-ounce
B equals 1/96-ounce
#7 equals 1/24-ounce
#5 equals 1/13-ounce
# 4 equals 1/12-ounce
# 3 equals 1/10-ounce
#1 equals 1/6-ounce
#0 equals 1/4-ounce

Why two different styles for split shots. “We offer two different styles of split shot weights,” Owner of PICO Lures Mitch Glenn continued, “We have removable or round split shots and both are made from lead in the PICO Lures Van Guard Tackle line of terminal tackle. Having an option of which style an angler wants is important and influenced by the technique and area they are fishing. Truth is lead split shot weights are the most affordable way to add weight you can buy.”



Although single packages of one size split shot weights are popular and affordable Glenn noted it’s not the only way to purchase them. “We offer an assortment of split shot dial packs,” Glenn continued, “Starting with the pinch on sinker assortment dial pack with a variety of different sizes and styles of split shot weights. We also have a small split shot weight assortment dial pack with 79 total split shots featuring 5 different sizes of split shots in a dial pack. The other is a large split shot weight assortment pack with 125 total split shots featuring 5 different sizes of split shots in a dial pack. I can’t lie, I love the dial pack because it’s the easiest way to keep the split shots separated and from scattering everywhere when you open it up compared to a plastic baggie.”


Split shot weights are different from other weights as they are designed to stay in one place after being attached to the fishing line normally with a pair of pliers. Compare that to egg sinkers, dipsey sinkers or worm weights that are designed to slide up or down the fishing line freely.


“The number one way crappie anglers use split shots is under a bobber with a minnow on a hook,” Glenn went on, “I always carry a bobber in my pocket, but I will also have a split shot weight close by to use to keep the minnow in the right spot. Although, I normally like weighted bobbers, however, adding a split shot will also help cast the minnow out without losing or ripping the minnow off the hook. In that situation I like to use the removable split shot weight as it’s quicker to change weight size for the size bobber I’m using.”


Glenn noted when using a slip bobber having the right size split shot weight was important. Water depth and how well the fishing line moves freely through the slip bobber will be considered along with the depth he is fishing. “You don’t want too heavy of weight, but too light of weight can also create issues,” said Glenn.


When in current is one other situation where adding a split shots is important to get the crappie bite. Without the right amount of weight to keep the jig or minnow in place a crappie isn’t going to bite it. If the current changes during the day removable split shot weights are good choices as you can add or remove quickly.


“Why have removable or round split shot weights?” Glenn continued, “That’s a great question. I like to use the removable split shot weight when I’m out in the open with no snags or brush piles around to get hung up on. I will switch to round split shot weights when I get about brush piles, standing timber or laydowns where the small ears of the removable split shot weight will be hung up on or snagged.”

Crimping a split shot weight can be done with forceps, but Glenn likes to use a pair of pliers. Glenn noted that using your teeth as a pair of pliers was not a good idea. It sounded like he knew that from experience.


Split shots can also be used when single pole fishing with forward facing sonar instead of using a bobber stop and egg sinker. Normally when I see anglers doing that they are fishing extremely stumpy areas or areas where losing the jighead, hook or egg weight is likely.