Jesse, you can crimp a splitshot above your lead to act as a stop for the weight. Right above it will be an immediate 'bolt', or 1 to 2 feet above it (as Scott mentioned) will give the effect of setting the hook as the fish is moving with the bait when the lead reaches the 'stop'.
I hope that makes sense!
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Brian - multi-species angler
All fish are sportfish.
2010 catches:
Sunfish: Bluegill-2, Longear-3, Green-1, LM Bass-1
Buffalo: SM-2
Carp: Common-7, Grass-3
Catfish: Channel-2