Favorite rig for bottom bouncing for steelies

[Steve]

I've tried the 3-way swivel rig with the split shot(s) on the bottom on a 2-3 inch length of line. The idea being that in a snag the splits will pull off. This works OK, but now I've seen pencil shaped weights being used. Supposedly they snag less and bounce better. Has anyone tried these? Do you lose less tackle?

[hypox]

I've tried the slinky weights, and I really didn't like them. They get tangled easily on your mainline and I don't think they bounce as well. My favorite way is with the slip shot, they always seem to bounce good and you can make slight adjustments to the weight very easily!

[msiebers]

A couple of my uncles showed me this rig while fishing the Big Manistee years back, and its about as simple as it gets. They wanted to cut down on extra knots so they tied there hook (#6 wide bend) directly on the mainline. They then tied on a short piece of mono onto the 8lb. mainline about 12-18" up from the hook. Make sure the dropper is a couple sizes heavier so it doesnt cut the main line. Add only one split shot to the dropper and change its size depending on current. Sometimes going up to a size #1 split where needed (around 3/8 oz or more ). Only use one because two or more will not pull off on a snag like you want.

This rig seems to work well for the they both have landed many more fish in the 15-20lb. class range than I.

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Mike

[Steve]

Hmm, saves the cost of a three way swivel when you lose everything which I do several times during each outing. Like you say, should be faster to rig up too. Don't you have trouble with the line with the split shot on it sliding down towards the hook though?

[Grouse Hunter]

Ok I use to be a big lead split shot fan. Typical barrel swivel with dropper rig. But lead sux it is extremely dangerous to waterfowl. Which I am sure everyone knows. I like the pencil lead, because I think it gets snagged less and ticks along the bottom better. It is also less likely to break off than split shot. I think that it has a smaller probability of being ingested by waterfowl. Just my opinion

[msiebers]

Steve, if you take your leader and wrap it aroud your main line about 3 times. Then make an overhand not with the tag ends, leaving one end alittle longer for the shot. The leader will stay put most of the time. You will save alot of rigging time as you said.
Almost forgot... If you put your hook on the
hookeeper,and put a little tension on the line, the above knot is much easier to tie.

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Mike

[This message has been edited by msiebers (edited 01-26-2000).]

[This message has been edited by msiebers (edited 01-26-2000).]

[Huntnut]

Ok guys...I am a new poster so I may be late on this thread. Tie the main line (5 lb. for steelies, 6-8 for kings)in an improved clinch knot to a small barrel swivel leaving a 2-3 in. tag end. Tie an overhand at the bottom of the tag end and attach a 3/0 split shot (tiny). Tie a 2-3 ft. piece of mono (3-4 lb for steelies...5 lb for kings) to the other end of the barrel swivel, attach whatever bait you wish to piece of mono. Total of 4 knots... strongest rig around. I have tried all the other suggestions...but I do not like them for one reason or another. Guys...fishing steelies on the western rivers is my PASSION, and through many years of trial and error these fish have taught me alot! I would never throw a pencil weight into Michigans slow current. Pencil weights are way too heavy! Even in the Manistee...no kidding...you want your line to drift at the same speed as the current and your weight to gently tick off the bottom. If your weight bounces even once, your bait is hugging bottom going under fish! I have watched schools of steelies react to a drift rig and what they see will surprise you! I have watched 50 steelies in a deep hole part like the red sea to let a drift rig made of 6 lb. test go through 100 times in a row...but watched the same fish go nuts on a wiggler when 4 lb. test is used...they can see your line!! I think 4 lb. Maxima chameleon is the best steely line there is. Also the sensitivity of your rod is the key. If you are fishing with a pool stick you will never feel a tiny BB size splitshot hit bottom. I recommend a 9-10 ft. noodle rod or fly rod...these will give you the sensitivity you need for light weight. I tell you...no BS...the lighter in tackle you use, the better the steelhead fishing you will have. The lightest weight you can use, the lightest line you can use, and the smallest hook you can get away with will all add up to the best dead drift presentation possible. These fish can discern and see the difference between a piece of small debris and a wiggler as it rushes by them in the current....your presentation HAS to be perfect. Drift fishing for steelhead in my mind is the ultimate challenge when it comes to fishing. You hook one 18 pounder in a small western river and your hooked for life. Anyway...these are just my opinions and experiences..I hope they help someone trying to hook that first 15+ lb. steely!
Huntnut

[Erik]

I use pencil weights and I kinda like em. You can get them as small as 1/4oz. I agree that sometimes they are just a little heavier than I need. When that happens I just cut off the ends with side cutters. I also use split shot and 3 ways. Or another method I like, is to tie my main line to the leader using a nail knot, instead of the the 3 way thing. I leave the tags and just clip my shot to them. I must admit, on occasion I have evan tied up straight to my main line and cliped shot right on to my main line. Only when my hands were just plain too cold to tie another knot!
Good fishing everybody!

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Phish

[MIBow]

Huntnut is right on.
I have spent many hours chasing steelhead on the Western Rivers, and the lighter the rig, the more success. I have found that the only time I will use a leader heavier than 4lb. is when the water is very "stained". My partner and I use very similiar techniques as the Huntnut suggested, and they do work.

Take your time, study the river, and learn where the fish are.. match your drift accordingly. I like to try to visualize the drift as it moves downstream.

[toto]

I like the tag end method, leave the tag end off the swivel coming from the main line, tie a simple knot so the split doesn't come off easily, and there you go. Or, if you get some parachute cord you can make your own slinkies. These cords are hollow and can be filled with split shot for different weights. Melt the ends to seal them, punch a hole in one end, attach to a slider rig, perhaps a simple snap swivel, and you can change them as needed. Works very well, however they won't come off if hung up.