SHOT
Such a small part of our equipment it tends to get overlooked and yet it plays a major roll when it comes to catching fish.
Modern shot is a round none toxic weight with a cut a little more than halfway through and comes in a range of sizes No.12 (smallest) to No.4 (biggest) after these there is another series of larger shot as follows BB (smallest), AAA and Swan (largest).
Choose a well known brand, badly formed or cut off centre shot are a menace and will spin on retrieval causing kinks and tangles, pay for the best and softest, avoid shiny black ones they are usually too hard.
For sizes eight to twelve use Slip Shot especially for pole rigs, more expensive but easier to see and adjust.
Attaching Shot
Not quite as simple as it appears especially with very small sizes, anything smaller than a No.8 is more suited to fine lines of - 0.1 - mm. dia. or less.
Conversely the larger shots do not always grip the finer lines and applying extra pressure to make them grip will damage your line, better to use a string of smaller shot.
The experts say that finger pressure only is required to close the shot, that may be true for some, personally I find it difficult to put them on without the aid of fine nosed pliers, however a delicate touch is required and with a little practice I soon managed to lock the shot in position without damaging the line.
Do make sure the attached shot have the cut sides all in line and facing the same way.
Pops Tip :- Place a plastic luncheon box with a patterned lid on your knees and use this as a table,the little ridges stop the shot from rolling off.
STYLES
Small rectangular weights with a groove running lengthways.A purpose made pair of grips are required. To attach them to your line.
SHOT |
Wgt.
Grammes |
| SSG |
1.6 |
| SA |
1.2 |
| AAA |
0.8 |
| AB |
0.6 |
| BB |
0.4 |
| 1 |
0.3 |
| 4 |
0.2 |
| 6 |
0.1 |
| 8 |
0.068 |
| 9 |
0.051 |
| 10 |
0.035 |
| 11 |
0.02 |
| 12 |
0.012 |
| 13 |
0.005 |
Styles |
Wgt.
Grammes |
| 20 |
0.3 |
| 19 |
0.25 |
| 18 |
0.18 |
| 16 |
0.14 |
| 14 |
0.1 |
| 12 |
0.065 |
| 11 |
0.05 |
| 10 |
0.035 |
| 9 |
0.025 |
| 8 |
0.017 |
| 7 |
0.01 |
|
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Shot and Styles