Slip sinker or split shot

[EricCO]

When do you decide you want to use a slip sinker when lindy rigging or use a split shot?

If it is really calm it is surprising how deep a split shot will take the bait.

Does this effect the technique of "feeding them line"?

[EAGLE EYES]

I like to use slip sinkers for the majority of lindy rigging. I feel feeding line is a definate advantage with the use of them. I also like the extra weight to get dowm to the bottom. There are times when I don't use them though, Mostly when I'm drifting slower over shallow flats. I don't like them when I'm using a floating jig either. I like to know the exact suspension or depth I'm fishing with floaters. Those are about the only times I don't use Slips. Otherwise,It's slip sinkers all the way. Lindy NO-SNAGG are my favorite.

[eyewinder]

When only a little weight is needed I use split shot. If a quarter-ounce or more is needed (deeper or windier), then I switch to a sliding weight.
If I am casting with live bait and easing it back toward me (I like to use a floating jig head, or pin a round chartreause float just in front of a #6 circle hook), I can feel the fish stop the bait better using a small split shot or two.
A good jig fisherman (I'm not) might take another approach, but I've had better luck with the bait just off the bottom.

Good riggin'!
eyewinder

[Homer]

I'm with Eyewinder, light weight = split shot, heavier weight = slip sinker, although my cutoff is usually in the 1/8 oz. range.

For smallies, I got some 1/16 oz. non-lead bullet sinkers that are the absolute berries. Maybe it's the clicking noise the sinker makes on the rocks.

[eyewinder]

I talked to some divers on Oahe three or four years back, and they said smallmouth were the most responsive fish (in a good way) when they tapped tanks or smacked rocks together.

[Ernie]

I use slip sinkers for live bait rigging when drifting and trolling. My speed and the depth determine the weight I use. The speed, depth, and the desired distance off the bottom would also determine the type fo slip sinker I use and the length of my snell. I use the standard lindy sinker styles, the new snagless sinker for rocks/timber/etc., and I will use a bottom bouncer style that slides for mud (Mille Lacs) when I do not want to disturb the bottom too much. I use a split shot for casting live bait and working it along the bottom.

[twogun]

Besides the slip or bullet sinkers have a taper on one end and will go through different covers, like weeds,wood and rocks better. I use the split shot for very, very light use.