river fishing for gills

[Patrick G. Fitzjarrald]

Hey all,

I'm new to this site, but had a tip aimed mainly for the river guys, but will work for any body of water.  I discovered a few years ago these "clam weights" from BassPro.  They come really small and pinch on like the old style split shot from years ago (I think you can still buy them), but anyway, these clam shot really help snake through rocks and snags much better than the removable weights (with the wings)  My favorite technique is to tight-line redworms with a #8 or #10 gold hook with a Lindy barrel cork, razor-bladed in half in front of the hook (which also keeps the worm out of snags), and then the clam shot a foot or so in front.   With an ultralight rod and my Zebco Cardinal 3, flinging them up under cover while wading, this is an awesome technique.  Rock bass, smallies, and gills are all taken this way.  

[Tony Livingston]

Good tips Patrick, thanks for sharing them!