Hot Tips on Using Split Shot, with Dom Swentosky

Hot Tips on Using Split Shot, with Dom Swentosky

Author: Tom Rosenbauer, The Orvis Company November 17, 2025 Duration: 1:31:16

I am not a big fan of using split shot but after this interview with Dom Swentosky [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.


For anyone who’s ever felt the tug of a line or wondered about the quiet rhythm of a river, The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast is a steady companion. Host Tom Rosenbauer, a well-known author and the voice behind this series for The Orvis Company, doesn’t just offer tips; he shares a lifetime of curiosity spent on the water. Each week, the conversation unfolds like a guidebook coming to life, covering the tangible skills and the subtle philosophies that define fly-fishing. You’ll hear practical advice on technique and gear, certainly, but also deeper discussions about conservation, reading different waters, and understanding fish behavior. It’s that blend of straightforward education and reflective storytelling that makes this podcast unique. Whether you’re planning your first cast or have decades of experience, the aim is the same: to make your hours by the stream more thoughtful and rewarding. Tune in for a mix of solo episodes from Tom and interviews with other anglers, all grounded in a genuine passion for the sport and the wilderness it depends on. This is more than a series of lessons; it’s an ongoing dialogue for anyone who finds solace and challenge in fly-fishing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast
Podcast Episodes
What's Going on in Florida, with Captain Dan Andrews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:35
My guest this week is Captain Dan Andrews [37:51], co-founder and CEO of Captains for Clean Water, one of Orvis' most trusted conservation partners. Orvis has been aligned with this grass roots group since their inceptio…
How to Pick a Floating Trout Line, with Jesse Haller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:07
Confused about which floating trout line to pick when you need a new one? I'm not surprised as today there is a dizzying array of options and nearly everyone is confused. If you understand what the various options offer…
Fishing for Coastal Cutthroats, with Dylan Tomine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:24
I've had requests in the past for a podcast about chasing coastal cutthroats, so this week my guest is author, "retired" guide, and all-around thoughtful angler Dylan Tomine [33:12]. He tells us where to find them, what…
Fly Fishing for Steelhead and Salmon in Estuaries, with Reed Teuscher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:03
You can catch salmon and steelhead on a fly in salt water before they enter rivers. The fish are bright and strong and may still be actively feeding but the problem is to find them in a big expanse of water. Reed Teusche…
Backcast: Top-Secret Steelhead Tips, with Stefan Woodruff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:17
This podcast was originally published on December 28th, 2016. In this podcast Stefan Woodruff, Orvis-endorsed guide with Ellensburg Anglers in Washington State, reveals (some of) his secrets to catching steelhead, plus a…