I am not a big fan of using split shot but after this interview with Dom Swentoskey [36:41] of the Troutbitten blog and podcast, I'm going to use it a lot more. Dom's method of using split shot is simple and convenient, and he teaches us about placement, adding shot, and removing shot easily—and how to keep it from sliding on your tippet without placing it above a knot. Whether you fish nymphs or streamers, Dom has some great suggestions on using split shot properly.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great tips and questions form listeners, including:

Is a 10-foot, 4-weight fly rod a good all-around rod for fishing in New England?
If I have a floating and full sinking line for bass fishing, would an intermediate line be the next one to try for largemouth bass?
Why aren't there more resources like books on fly fishing for largemouth bass?
How many different floating fly lines do you have at home?
When you are taking a trip, how many floating lines do you take?
I have been steelhead fishing in Alaska with a tight line presentation. In what situations would an indicator be beneficial?
I don't quite understand why we would take food out of a fish's mouth by using a throat pump. How can you justify this?
Will egg flies work in Colorado?
Is it possible to shoot line with a bow-and-arrow cast?
Are there any saltwater barbless hooks?
Why do spawning shrimp patterns always have the egg cluster tied near the head?
A tip on using small magnets to hold hooks at the fly-tying bench
A tip on using a pool noodle to hold larger saltwater flies after tying them
Is an 8-pound bass leader the same as a 3X leader?
A tip from a listener on how to alleviate shoulder pain when fly fishing.

• Help in picking an array of fly rods and lines for fishing for various species in Pennsylvania.
• How to get deeper for crappie in fall.
• Is there a way to determine the line size of older, non-labeled fly lines?
• Is putting a spoon on a fly rod considered fly fishing?
• I bought a Euro rod but don't like that method. How do I use my 10-foot 3-weight rod for dry fly and nymph fishing from a float tube?
• Where do trout go during droughts when the water gets painfully low?
• Do you have tips for casting heavy flies like Clouser Minnows?
• My son and I were frustrated during a blue-wing-olive hatch when the fish would just splash at our dry flies. Do you have any suggestions?
• Do I need to cut the loop off my fly line and attach my leader with a nail knot?
• Should I keep my waders away from electric engines when storing them?
• A tip from a listener on using a pipe cleaner for a material clip on your tying vise.
• I got a pigtail in front of my fly when using a Uni Knot. How can I prevent that in the future?
• How much of a tag end does Tom trim off when he ties on a fly? I seem to use a lot of tippet in the course of a day.

• Advice on the best 6-weight to choose for all-around fly fishing.
• I am having trouble deciding between a 9foot 5-weight and a 4-weight Superfine. Please help me decide
• When should I use micro-swivels in my trout setup?
• Should I worry about getting bitten by a snapping turtle when wading a smallmouth river?
• Why do I see people playing steelhead with their rod held horizontally, pointing at the fish. Aren't you supposed to keep a bend in your rod?
• Can I use the Orvis Knot as a loop knot?
• Can you review how we should handle fish to increase their chances of survival?
• What can I do to renew the floating properties of a line that seems to be in good shape?