Oh boy, the variables that come into play here are mind cracking. I will give you some of my experiences muddin on the Sheyenne. If the current is faster I go with a large single split shot when using worms. The reason is that I've found that rocketing the bait to depth as fast as possible maximizes the time your bait is at the correct depth. When using minnows it's the opposite. I've found that a string of weights allows the minnow to swim a larger circle and seemed to improve bite numbers because the minnow put itself in front of more fish. Now if the current is slow, it's the opposite. The string of small weights move better in the current pushing the worm around more and the large split shot keeps the minnow more anchored. Does that make sense? Now if there are wooden snags in the drift I use the big split shot all the time as the drift needs to be exact to keep the bait out of the brush and wood snags. If the cover is rocks I use the small string of weights as the smaller weights tend to flow around rocks instead of lodging between them. Smaller weights also come off easier without damaging the line as much if you do hang up in the rocks. Sorry for the long winded response, but that is just the beginning. If you use a jighead instead of a hook and splitshot the variables change completely. Hope this made sense.
