Every once in a while, a product comes around that changes the way we think about fly fishing tackle. The ‘Shot-Gun’ is one of those products.
The Shot-Gun is a fishing sinker device that replaces the use of conventional split shot. We were really impressed when we first saw it in action, and after spending some time with it ourselves, we decided it was time to tell you about it.
Background
It’s often said that the difference between catching fish, and not catching fish, is one split shot. Delivering a fly to the right depth is extremely important, and whether we like it or not, split shot usually the best way to do that.
However, while effective, there are some drawbacks to fishing with conventional split shot attached directly to your leader, such as:
- Leader Damage: Crimping split shot directly to your leader can cause significant leader damage, often times making the weakest connection of your rig.
- Adjustability: Once split shot is attached, the weight is not easily adjusted without removing entirely and re-attaching.
- Hang-Ups: Split shot is known to snag easily when nymphing in heavy cover.
- Easy to Lose: We’ve all been there. Split shot is bucked off all the time while fly casting, unfortunately leaving an unnecessary amount of lead in the river.
- Lead Bans: More and more states are outlawing lead split shot and sinkers. Split shot and other sinkers made from less toxic materials are bing made as well (such as tin), but are not nearly as dense as lead.
The Shot-Gun solves literally all these issues by attaching non-toxic tungsten beads to your leader that can be easily adjusted and causes virtually no damage to the leader in the process. The tungsten alloy used is also said to be over 65% heavier, meaning a little bit goes a long way. Plus, the tungsten beads can be recycled over and over again no matter how many times you use them.
How It Works
The Shot-Gun system is extremely simple to use. Just check out the steps below.
Conclusion
We think the Shot-Gun system is a pretty clever way to solve some of the age old problems with conventional split shot. For those fishing in areas where lead shot is no longer allowed, we think it’s a no brainer. However, whether lead is allowed on your waters or not, we found the Shot-Gun to be far more versatile than any split shot, putty, or any other sinker system we’ve tried.
The entire Shot-Gun kit, with shot and tubing included, retails for $29.99. For more information, check it out on their website, here.
Here’s our product review policy and FTC disclosure.
How about sliding? Do you have problems with the shot/tube sliding on your line over time & having to readjust?
Hey Mark,
From our experience the shot stayed in place well. It does slide enough to adjust the position, but we’ve had good luck of it staying in place while fishing. We think it has something to do with the fact that the shot is lodged within the tubing, thus pinning the leader, with nowhere for the shot to loosen. However, we’ve yet to try it on particularly light tippets as we generally use heavier mono in Alaska that most trout anglers in other areas of the world. Hope that helps and best of luck out there!
Where do I find these tungsten beads?