The Best Fishing Weights

Buying Guide

A huge part of fishing success comes from having the right tools in your tackle box. To get started, you’ll at least need the following:

• A state fishing license
• Fishing rod and reel
• Fishing weights
• Fish hooks
• Plastic or cork bobber
• Either live bait or fishing lures

MORE:  Free Fishing Weekend 2024: When you can fish for free in every state

Even someone who has never fished has heard the term “hook, line and sinker.” The fishing line attaches to the hook to capture the fish. But in between the two is something known as a sinker, which is also called a “weight.” A weight makes your line and hook much more manageable, allowing you to direct it. When you toss a hook into the water with a weight on it, the weight and the hook sink, pushing your hook well beyond the surface where it can attract fish.

But there are some things to consider when you’re buying a weight for your fishing line. Most are sold in sets, with varying weights available in one kit. This means you can adjust the weight for the type of water you’re dealing with.

One way weights give you enhanced control is through their shape. A weight with a rounder shape will help keep you from getting stuck if you’re dealing with a waterway that has a muddy or sandy bottom. However, if you’re fishing in waters with rocks, twigs and other obstacles, a thinner, narrower weight will help you navigate those challenges.

Another item that can come in handy while you’re fishing is a bobber. You attach a bobber about 6 to 12 inches above the hook so that when you drop your line into the water, you’ll have a gauge as to how your hook is doing. Since you’ll lack visibility once your hook has sunk, the bobber is essential. As soon as something grabs onto your hook, the bobber’s up and down motion will alert you, letting you know it’s time to take action.

• Lead has traditionally been the most popular material for sinkers, but in recent years, some states have made the use of lead illegal for fishing. States cite concerns that lead sinkers could bring potential harm to wildlife if a fish swallows a sinker. It’s important to check your state regulations before you purchase fishing gear. You can find weights in lead substitute materials like steel, tin, tungsten and alloys.
• Every tackle box should include a split-shot weight, which pack plenty of versatility. You can crimp them onto a line or along with other split-shot weights.
• If you’re buying a large set of weights, make sure you’re getting a variety, especially if you’re starting from scratch. Once you have your collection in place, you can buy weights singly to enhance what you already have.
• Take a close look at how you’ll attach your weight to the line. You’ll want something you can easily clip and unclip so that you can quickly change your weights as you need.
• Some weights come with a swivel built in that helps keep your line from twisting.
• If you plan to fish in turbulent waters with challenging currents, make sure you have some weights in your tackle box that can keep your line in place.
• Some weights ship in a box for easy organization, but you may want to transfer them to a sturdier tackle box. If you don’t already have one, you’ll probably need a high-quality, durable tackle box to take along with you.
• Weights can tend to corrode over time. Choose a high-quality material for best results and make sure you allow your weights to thoroughly dry before closing them up in a storage box until your next use.
• Some fishing weights come with fishing beads, which can attract fish due to their close resemblance to fish eggs.