Has anyone made the switch from lead split shot to something non-toxic? What are you using? Tungsten? Tin? Something else? I’ve been looking for tungsten split shot with the little wings for easy removal. But I can’t find that type in tungsten. How do you remove them without the little wings? Do you have a split shot pliers? What kind?

I’ll post in the fishing section, too.

I use tungsten, and while I haven't seen split shot style, I have seen bullet/barrel weights and drop shot weights in tungsten.

The reason you don't find tungsten split shots is because tungsten is too brittle and hard to be bent. You can find it in beads, sinkers, anything that you slip a line through rather than snap it on like a split shot (no moving parts). But it's expensive. (very much so compared to lead or tin).

I have made this switch. The most common alternative to lead is Tin split shots. They weight less than Lead, so you'll find yourself using more split shots to achieve desired weights. But no fish will ever die from your split shots so it's a trade off. I just bought them at Cabelas, I'd be surprised if you had a hard time finding Tin split shots.

I’ve never fished drop shot style. But after researching it a little I’m definitely going to try it!

GearGuy: "The reason you don't find tungsten split shots is because tungsten is too brittle and hard to be bent. You can find it in beads, sinkers, anything that you slip a line through rather than snap it on like a split shot (no moving parts). But it's expensive. (very much so compared to lead or tin).
"

I had no idea this was the reason for no wings! Thank you for that explanation. I think I’ll just go with tin. Do you find the shininess of tin can spook fish? I’ve been reading about some ways to dull the shininess.

Goldenbadger: "I’ve never fished drop shot style. But after researching it a little I’m definitely going to try it!"

I started fishing drop shots a few years ago. I freaking love them in the BWCA. It's harder to get snagged up, and when I do, I lift the rod up as tall as I can and give it a nice soft long tug and the weight just lifts up over rocks, the hook is higher up and it doesn't hang on rocks before the weight. If you fish drop shots I recommend buying the ones with the "pineapple" swivel that you just pinch your line in, it takes 2 seconds to attach and detach, and if you snag you can just stick another one on in 2 more seconds.

Goldenbadger: "Do you find the shininess of tin can spook fish? I’ve been reading about some ways to dull the shininess. "

Have not noticed a difference, you could easily spray paint them though. Paint job wouldn't stick for a long time, but then again it'd last longer than the split shot would be in service I bet!