Losing a lot of hooks and sinkers...help?

[MuskieBait]

(09-17-2013 12:01 PM)zippyFX Wrote:  - you can also use a threeway swivel and used pinched slip shot on the bottom leader. If there is a snag on the weight the split shot will slide off but you will still keep your hook and swivel but you will need new shot. you will also save allot of time re-tying.

^ That's what I do when I bottom bounce in river that require lighter weight (too light for slinkies or pencil lead). It's a bit less helpful in still water situation though.

With all kinds of bottom rigs, using a couple of floating beads on the line could also keep your bait a few inches off bottom, thus reducing the times your hook may snag bottom. Most times, the fish does not care that the bait is a few inches off bottom, not even bottom feeding fish like catfish or redhorse.