Very Basic Shot Line Question

[pmjasper]

Since I'm just getting started in float fishing and steelhead in general, I have heard the terms shot line and shot pattern and need some clarification between the two. I am aware that a shot pattern consists of the size and spacing of different sized shots running below the float to help control the drift of the float and the bait or artificial beneath. That part I believe I understand. However, with the term shot lines, are guys adding a second swivel above the first with the shot pre-stacked beneath or are they putting the shot below the one main swivel? Or are they running a second dropper line off of the swivel loaded with shot?

I picked up a basic book from Raven on shot patterns and all of their standard float setups have the shot in-line, on the main line and above the swivel. Thus when guys speak of adding or creating a shot line, what are they really speaking of?

Sorry for the very basic questions but I really want to understand the difference between adding shot to the line and actually creating a shot line, if that makes sense.

Thanks again for the assistance and patience with my very basic questions.

pmjasper@yahoo.com

[orvisdude]

Redwing floats have good diagram. I personally have a shot under the float above the swivle to balance and stabalize. Then I will do a shot line on the leader depending on the coditions and flow, O.D.

[float_angler]

pmjasper

basically difference between a shot LINE and a shot PATTERN
is exactly that... shot LINE is a length of mono, flouro, etc with
prescribe "Pattern" of shots attached to it. Pattern on the other
hand is a arrangement or shapes or shots below the float.

Shots placed immediately below the float are called cocking, meaning
to turn something upwards. This case would be the float.

I posted a neat little way to make and transport shot lines awhile back,
I'm not sure if it's still around?

Rigging shot lines:

float= F
micro swivel= MC
shots = o
line = ----
Hook = H

---F--------MC-o--o---o----o-----------------o-----------------o--------oMC---H

W/out shot line:

F----o---o---o---o-o--o------------o------------o------------o---------oMC----H


as far as patterns there are many different ways
bulk shotting, over shotting, stacking etc.

Best way to find out what works where? first fold down your rod (this
step is important because you don't want to give the guy impression that
you are moving in on his drift) and say you're not going to crowd him but
have some questions regarding shotting and patterns. Ask then observe.

Do this with different guys on different drifts.

You found three different guys stacking on a faster drifts and hooking
up chrome? No brainer right? Yes, you should stack too.

stacking

F--o-o--o--o---o-------------------------------------ooooooooooMC-----------H

There I just gave you one. Now you have to go and do some work for
yourself.

PEACE...my fellow chrome seeker
OUT

[pmjasper]

Float-angler....I graciously thank you for the information you have provided. I was a bit sketchy on the shot line versus shot pattern but I figured it was what you explained. Although I haven't really steelhead fished before, I have picked up a simple book on shot patterns and will experiment when out on the water. Thanks again for the info as I'm really looking forward to getting out there.

[float_angler]

Book from Raven is a good book but if you want to read...
I would like to recommend

Steelhead Float Fishing: Modern Techniques and Methods by Jim Butler

But more importantly nothing beats being out and getting your line wet
on the river. If you ask the right questions most of the float guys are
a good bunch....well some of them are "Rock Stars" but we won't get
into that right now

[pmjasper]

Thanks flaot-angler. Yeah I'm not really one to bother guys out on the water. If they approach me or offer up info that's great but I won't bother someone fishing a hole or run. I'll have to check out the book you mentioned, Planning on getting out this Saturday and giving it another shot. Not sure on which river or rivers yet, but anything from Racine to Manitowoc is a possibility. Thanks again for all the assistance.

[spincaster22]

The Raven book is a great book for shot paterns.

I typically tapper my shot pattern.

(split shot size's (Black Bird-Reference)


F-Float Black Bird Balsa Float

#1-Largest shot size

#4-Smallest Shot size

All numbers for shot pattern are reference to black bird products

----1-1--F-1---1-----2-----2-------3-----3-----3----------4----------4--------4-------------H