THe BEST live bait rig.

[Jeff Soto]

Here is what I use when I'm not using a tiny jig or spoon.  This method is much better than having the split shot above the hook.  Work the best for drifting or slowly trolling.  I use it on one of my rods when I am float tubing.  I use a #10 Eagle Claw Circle hook and a #7 or 5 split shot, depending on depth a drifting speed.  Best baits are a garden or redworm worm hooked once in the middle or "head"end for Redears, and  crickets for Bluegills.  (but I have caught both fish on both baits.)  Nice thing about this rig is that if you hang up on the bottom, it is usually your sinker getting caught in some rocks or between some branches.  By pulling easily and steady, the split shot will just slide off the end of the line, so all you need to do is crimp on another weight and you are back fishing without losing that expensive hook!
The other cool thing about this rig is that you are not dragging your bait offering down in all the mud and moss and bottom debris where the fish can't see it, as you would be doing if you had your split shot above the hook.  Plus, if you want, you can give your bait a little action to get the attention of the panfish by shaking the rod, just like bass fishermen do when they drop shot small plasic worms.  Give this method a try.  It works great for me.  One more thing, you don't have to use 2 lb test line like I do. You can do fine with 4 lb. in most lakes.