Bullhead rig: Dropshot vs slip sinker

[onwind]

Yes, the reason I don't like the 1st rig is because everytime I hook a fish, I will have to retie it.
I tied my hooks directly on mainline (4lb mono) and the drop lines are around 4 inches long, perhaps the line is too soft and too thin. I think I can try two 3-way swivels next time.

(06-20-2013 01:52 PM)MuskieBait Wrote:  Question: If the dropshot rig works better, why insist on using the slip sinker rig? (Trying to get you to think)

Isn't the most effective way to catch them is already the answer?

In response to your question...

Yes, the dropshot rig likely present your baits a bit off bottom. If you are fishing a soft bottom, or a bottom with leaf litter, or on a rocky bottom where your baits can hide amongst a crack between rocks...then the visibility is certainly a big factor.

A way to reduce line tangling on the dropshot rig is to either tie the hooks directly to the mainline via a palomar knot, or I like to use 3-way swivels and stiffer mono/fluorocarbon while reducing the length of the hook leader. If the leader is too long, the two hooks will find each other and tangle. If the two hooks are 12" apart, the hook leader should be no longer than 6" (I like very short hook leaders most of the time...2" max). That way the hooks will not tangle each other.

You can try to use floating beads to pop up the bait...or use a needle to inject air into the worm to make the worm buoyant.

But again...if the first rig is more effective...why use something else? Unless your problem is the constant tangle...but there is a solution for it.