Fishing Sinkers

No piece of tackle is more important than any other, but the fishing sinker is often the last piece of equipment that a budding angler considers. Choosing a sinker can be tricky, as you will want the right weight in order to drop the hook at the right level for the fish you are targeting. Some of the common types of fishing sinkers include Bell Sinkers, Split Shot Sinkers, Egg and Cone Sinkers, Pyramid Sinkers, Spoon Sinkers and Rubber Core Sinkers.

Bell Sinkers are shaped like small solid bells. There are two types of bell sinker – those with holes at one end in order to attach the line, and those with snaps, which allow them to be attached and detached without cutting the fishing line. Split shot sinkers resemble old fashioned shot, and are round with a groove cut through them. This weight is fastened to the line by running the fishing line along the groove cut into the sinker, which is then tightened around the line.

Egg and Cone sinkers are described by their names, being either egg shaped or cone shaped. They generally are attached to the fishing line through a hole that is bored straight through them. In order to stop the sinkers from moving freely up and down the fishing line, a split shot sinker or swivel is usually required, to help hold them in place. Pyramid sinkers are unique in that they are designed to dig into river beds or sea floors. They are shaped like inverted pyramids, and are attached to the line by a hole that is bored through the base of the pyramid.

Spoon sinkers are shaped like metal spoons, with an extra weight in the spoon. They are designed to plane towards the surface of the water during retrieves and tend not to snag as other sinkers commonly do. Finally Rubber Core Sinkers are sinkers that have a rubber lining incorporated into them. In general they are shaped like ovals, with grooves cut down the middle in a similar fashion to split shot sinkers. The fishing line is placed into the groove, and held there by two pieces of rubber. As the entire groove is lined with rubber, rubber core sinkers are not abrasive on the fishing line and therefore do little damage.

The choice of sinker is always important, but there are certain types of fishing that depend heavily on the type of sinker used. For example bottom fishing requires that the hook and bait be dropped all the way to the seabed, and held there until a fish bites. Choosing the right weight of sinker is crucial here, as is choosing the correct type. In general pyramid sinkers are used for bottom fishing.

In the case of rock fishing, the aim is to sink the hook without getting caught in seaweed or rocks. Therefore spoon sinkers are the best option here, as they will rise towards the surface of the water during a retrieve and therefore avoid many obstacles that could cause snags.

Sometimes you may not wish to keep your hook fixed in one position. For example when shore fishing, you want your bait to move with the waves, in order to resemble the movement of a bait fish. In this situation a light bell, egg or cone sinker is appropriate. You may also find that some fish will tend to abandon your bait, if they feel the resistance of the sinker attached to it. In this case it is also advisable to use a light sinker that is loosely held onto the line. However when you are fishing in strong surf, a heavier more resistant weight is required. It is then that you may choose to use a pyramid sinker, or even a grapnel sinker. Grapnel sinkers have prongs attached to them, which dig into the sand and help to hold the weight in place.

Choosing fishing sinkers that are appropriate for a given situation is a skill that comes with experience, but one that is invaluable to the recreational and sport angler.