Up until about 10 years ago, I put a split shot (re-usable) on by simply clamping it on. My problem with this is that my split shot would slide down my line or randomly come off no matter how tight I clamped it on. I then changed it up by wrapping my line around my split shot and then clamping it shut. This prevented the sinker from sliding down my line but I would still lose my sinker. Sinkers don't cost an arm and leg but it can be annoying to have to constantly be putting on a sinker when standing in waste high water. I cannot figure out how they keep coming off or what can be done differently. Does anyone else have issues losing sinkers or possible fixes?
Trout Fishing
Crazy Sinker Question
I stopped using pliers to pinch on split shot. My Canada buddies used shot as a stop for slip sinker bait rigs. Through the week fishing was fine but twice in one day the bigger walleyes bit and the lines snapped where they pinched the sinker on the mono line with a pliers. I was using a swivel as a stop, and or, rubbercore sinkers. I use shot but make do pinching it on by hand and save the pliers for removal only. As far as loss goes...split happens.
I use removable split shots for both dead stick and slip bobber fishing. Before I attach the split shot for the first time I use a needle nose pliers to pinch it closed. I use just enough pressure to put a slight imprint into the lead. I then use the pliers to pinch it back open enough to get the line seated into it. Once the line is to the bottom of the slot I gently pinch it shut with the pliers. I rarely lose or have the split shot slide when doing this. Likewise I haven’t noticed any weakening of the line from this approach either.