light weight hand tied jig tangling

[jlscjs]

First of all I want to thank the forum for allowing me to post, just found this site and am excited to use it. The first question is this: I have started using a hand tied jig with maybe a 1/8 or 1/16 oz head, I was told by a friend how to use it, he places a large split shot 3-4 ft above the jig, fastens a minnow and drops it into the water. My problem is that the line keeps tangling up around the sinker, thus making a real mess. Any ideas how I can solve this problem, I want the jig at the bottom of the line with the minnow, seems to work quite well for him. Thanks and again thanks for this site.

[DockShootinJack]

Is the minnow tangling the line up?

[jlscjs]

I don't think so, the line around the sinker is wrapping itself around the sinker, as far as I can tell.

[SeaRay]

If you drop the line so that the weight falls faster than the jig this can happen. With the minnow on the jig it is even more buoyant so slow drop is the key. Plus, lots of hits come as the jig/minnow is falling.
I use a 3 jig rig occasionally and if I'm not careful chaos ensues.

[ET Fish]

If it’s 1/8 or 1/16, I would lose the sinker. JMO.

[skeetbum]

Several things come to mind other than what has already been said. If you cast such a setup with two weights you have to make sure that the setup stays fairly straight. If you cast as you normally would I would think a birds nest is a sure thing. If you don’t cast as hard and make sure Theresa little tension on the line, maybe by dragging a finger into the line coming off of the spool, it should keep it somewhat oriented. Or a gentle pitch and stop the line just before it hits the water may also help. I am also casting another vote for losing the split shot. I’m trying to think of how you’re fishing it. Pendulum, trolled, cast and retrieve or what? Casting, definitely lose the shot. Trolling, slow entry into the water while controlling the orientation of the setup. Pendulum, I would also lose the shot. Freelining the rig on the drop is going to foul things up. Hope this helps and let us know what works for you and how you’re fishing it.

[jlscjs]

I just drop it over the edge of the boat and let it sink, no casting whatsoever. Usually we are just drifting or sitting still depending on the wind, no trolling motor or anything.

[chaunc]

I just drop it over the edge of the boat and let it sink, no casting whatsoever. Usually we are just drifting or sitting still depending on the wind, no trolling motor or anything.

Your split shot is way to far away from your bait. Shorten it up to about 8 inches. That will take care of the tangling.

[Jiggin john]

I’m with ET Fish, wouldn’t think you need the sinker with an 1/8 oz jig should be plenty weight.

[deathb4disco]

If it’s 1/8 or 1/16, I would lose the sinker. JMO.

This ^^^^

If you need more weight, use a bigger jig.