Reusing Round Split Shots

[hoosierbass07]

  This spring I've been playing around with using round split shots along with regular Texas rigging with bullet weights and Carolina rigging with egg weights.  I've noticed once I use a split shot I can't open it again.  I usually cut the line or slide it down the line and off the line.  But then I try to re-opening it so I can us it another day and I find it hard so I throw it away at home in the trash.  

 

 My question - do most of you who use those round split shots pitch them when you are done or do re-open them somehow and use them again?  

 

 Thanks

[rippin-lips]

I use the tip of a small knife to get it opened back up.

[hoosierbass07]

 OK.  I tried a different way, holding them with my pliers then trying to pry them open.  It worked!  Cool.  I look forward to a lot of split shot soft plastic fishing this spring.  

[Raul]

Man, there are removable split shot versions. They come with a pair of ears so you can press them and the split shot reopens.

[hoosierbass07]

Yeah, I know about those removable ones but I'm trying the round ones and see how they work.

[rippin-lips]

The totally round ones pick less junk then the removable versions. Another weight style that works well too is the mojo weights. It's like a cylindrical drop shot weight just with a hole through it. Check into them if you aren't already familiar with them.

[hatrix]

The rounds one are better I think because they do pick up less junk like rippin said. I use the ones with ears tough and they become a issue I cut the ears off with pliers. You can only open the ones with ears a few times before they smash down and don't work any more.

I use a hook to open them up if I have no other way to open them. I have been doing that since I was just a kid. You probably also shouldn't be biting them close since they are made of lead but I am guilty of doing that my self so...

[Fishes in trees]

I don't throw the lead away.  Once it is used I throw it in the bottom of the boat.  Every so often when I clean out my boat I pick up the used lead and  I throw it in a jar with all my other used lead and every other season or so I give it to a guy who pours jigs.  Every little bit helps.

[Will Wetline]

Position pliers as shown and squeeze.