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How to make snap weights


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start off with your weights (in this case I used 1,2,3 oz), some alligator clips (Lowes electrical) assorted shrink tubbing (Lowes electrical) and some large spilt rings.

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Step 1. trim alligator clips back so that the whole for the wire is within a 1/4" of the end (this makes attaching the split ring possible), I used my dremel with a cutting disk for this.

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Step 2. attach the weight and the alligator clips with a split ring (I found that its easiest to get the ring started on the weight; and put the weight and alligator clip side be side and twist it on the two and the same time with a pair of needle nose pliers)

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Step 3. Starting with the smallest shrink tube that will fit over the jaws of the alligator clip, cut and heat with a lighter to shrink on to grips. apply 2-3 layers of shrink tubbing, heating each layer before the next is attached (tip: dip the alligator clips in water before you close them so the hot shrink tubbing doesn't stick together)

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Finished snap weights.

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Now you can figure that a 1oz snap weight will get you down about 10ft, a 2oz about 18ft and a 3oz about 22ft.. at 2mph.. now for every 1/10 mph over 2mph you can subtract about 1 foot of depth and for about every 1/10 mph below 2mph you can add 1 foot of depth...this is figuring a 50/50 method (50 feet of line to snap weight then 50 feet of line to rod)

One other way they I like to utilize snap weight is if you are getting a hot rigger bite in shallow water (I only have 2 riggers on my boat, so lets say that they are being run down 4 over 12 fow and back 100ft) I will let out the desired lead, put a 3oz or 4oz snap weight on the line, then place the rod in a holder at a 90 degrees to the boat. I will the let out line with the rod in the holder until the snap weight is down 4 feet. In shallow water this doesnt take much line and you can usually see the snap weight. giving you a sort of poor mans outrigger, giving me 2 down riggers and 2 out riggers.

By the way the 6 snap weight i just made cost around 6 bucks to make. compare that with the 8 or so offshore is getting for one 3oz snap weight.

Tight Lines!

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Double - great post. If I may suggest - try a small piece of rubber windshield wiper hose on the clip first then a single layer of shrink tube.

When planner boards fist came out I used to attach the alligator clip to a large paper clip & just let them slide out the tow cord.

Tom B.

(LongLine)

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thanks Tom!! next batch I will have to give that a try.. I have been thinking about a planner release on the same principle, but using a piece of foam, and crimping a paper clips shaped piece of wire in the sleeve on the gator clip.. sort of like the luarevicks (sp?)

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