Well SpongeBob… I am no expert but this is what works for me…

If you have a lot of time on your hands (Like my fishing buddy) you could make up pre-weighed and pre-made slinky's. Made from parachute cord and lead shot. Take the para cord and a kitchen knife, light the end of the para cord on fire, blow it out and then flatten with the kitchen knife. Make sure that you have a big enough flat spot for the hole punch. Then fill the cord with lead shot to the weight you want, make several different weights (1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1oz)... for the local waters you fish…

I use the solid lead, and start with a small piece (depending on what the water current looks like) and then add another piece to the swivel as needed. Use the pliers to flatten the lead then punch the hole, and snap it onto the swivel.

What I have found is I have less total rig bust off's with this setup, and with starting off light I don't snag up as much. If you don't get a bounce on the first pass or two then add another piece.

I was going to say just head down to “Sportco” (my local shop) but then I saw you live in NY… so I don't know where you could get the pliers… if you can't find it at you local shop's let me know and if you want to buy a pair and pay shipping I would work it out for ya!

Good Luck…!
Tight Lines...