Are you looking to reach greater depths when casting? Fishing weights and sinkers are the ticket when your lures or baits just aren’t getting deep enough. There’s a surprising array of sinker shapes and styles, making it possible to rig using any number of simple or advanced configurations. They’ee an essential part of the gear puzzle that lives in nearly every tackle box around.
Read on to learn about the different styles and rigging methods for common sinkers. I’ll let you in on some of my top tips, from my lifetime on the water and years of angling experience. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
What are fishing weights and sinkers?
First off, it’s important to note that fishing weights and sinkers are essentially the same thing. Anglers use them to describe the same things, although some create their own categorizations – but these are completely personal.
For example, I consider sinkers as the category with built-in attachment points and weights as the pinch-on variety. This is purely personal, however, and you might create a different distinction based on personal use and preference. Or you’ll use a single term to describe them all.
It’s important to understand the purpose of using weights. They serve the obvious function of determining sink rates and depth, but they also factor into the hook position while rigging. Your hook (or hooks) will sit relative to your weights, making it possible to control where they present in the water column.
Most weights are made from lead, but toxicity is an issue in some waterways, meaning lead can be banned. Non-toxic weights are made from tin, steel, tungsten, and even concrete or stones.
Best Fishing Weights for Rigging Leaders
When you shop the weight aisle at a big tackle store, the number of options is immense. Different shapes, sizes, and styles hang from the many rows and shelves. I tend to break things into a few simple categories based on function and rigging style.
There are quite a few shapes and sizes within each category, and your choices will depend on how much weight the rod can handle and how you want the weight to function…
No-Knot Weights
Pinch-on sinkers are among the easiest to use. Add one or more to increase sink rate by pinching them to the line with a pair of pliers. I use them often for fly fishing, as well as conventional casting. They’re excellent for more touch-sensitive applications and for rigging on any leader without making modifications. Some even come with a removable tab, making them easy to reuse.
Slip-on weights also fall into this category. They have a rubber stopper built into the weight. You slide the line in the slot alongside the rubber, then twist the rubber to secure the weight. These are really useful and easy to rig. Like pinch-on sinkers, I love these for low-weight needs on lighter gear.
Tie-On Sinkers
The shape profiles of these include round, bell, pyramid, drop-shot, and any other custom shapes that fit a sinker mold. The key feature of tie-on sinkers is the inclusion of a loop for tying the line or adding a swivel. Loops are often metal and integrated into the mold. Some molds also create a loop with the lead or other material, skipping the metal option.
Tie-on sinkers offer a ton of flexibility in rigging when it comes to leader setups. Personally, I love a leader with the sinker tied on the end, and the bait set off a tag end at a surgeon’s knot. The drop shot style is super fun for drifting in rivers and bouncing along the bottom.
Slide-On Sinkers
This category includes sinkers with an opening for the line. You slide them onto the line while rigging. Round and bullet shapes are common. Using bullet sinkers that slide against a soft plastic creates a jig-like rig. You can use knots and stoppers to set depth with slide-on models. These are also popular for Bass fishing with Texas and Carolina rigs.
How to Tie Fishing Weights
There are so many ways to rig a swivel. I’ll cover a few of the more popular rigging methods but you can get creative or research other methods to expand your offerings. The following are just a few ways to approach fishing weights and sinkers:
Bottom Rigs
When the sinker is tied to the bottom of your line, the hook can ride just above the bottom where many fish feed. I often tie a surgeon’s knot with a tag end left intact for the hook and tie the weight to the bottom.
A three-way barrel swivel is also a great method of bottom rigging. The swivel makes it easy to control depth with a weight tied off one end and the hook tied off the perpendicular end.
Trolling Rigs
Some weights have loops on two ends, making them excellent for trolling. Rather than using a downrigger, you can tie an inline system with your hook trailing the weights. Experiment with different weight sizes and motor speeds to find the sweet spot. Anglers can also troll with a pyramid-style sinker but I prefer the inline systems.
Sliding Rigs
If you want the hook as your terminal end, use a sliding rig like those found in Texas or Carolina rigs. A sliding bullet weight can butt right against the hook if desired. Adding a swivel to set depth and having the weight lids against the swivel is a great way to rig. Consider adding a bead or two as buffers to protect knots when rigging sliding swivels. The weight hitting against knots can weaken them throughout the day.
Fishing Weight FAQs
Will weights and sinkers improve your fishing success?
While adding weights is not mandatory for catching fish, they increase your rigging options while helping you get down when the fish are deep. They’re a great tool to have in your arsenal – and generally come affordable. If you want to catch more fish in different conditions, grab some weights and practice different rigging methods with your leaders!
Do you have a favored method of rigging sinkers? We’d love to hear your top techniques in the comments below!
The post Fishing Weights and Sinkers: All You Need to Know appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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