Trying to get your bait deeper? A sinker is your best friend and has been a staple of tackle boxes for ages. We'll walk you through some common sinker types that will suit most fishing spots.
How to Put On a Split Shot Weight
Split shots sinkers are easy to add or remove to quickly change the weight on the line.
Split shot weights work well to get just enough weight on the line to sink your bait and work especially well with light baits like salmon eggs, worms or grasshoppers. They’re easy to crimp on and remove if you need to quickly change the weight on your line making them a popular choice for many anglers.
- Position the split shot 1-2 ft from the hook
- Set the line inside the groove inside the weight
- Pinch the sides of the weight with needle nose pliers until it closes around the line. Don’t over crimp the weight to avoid damaging the line
- Tug on the sinker to make sure it’s secure on the line. If the weight moves, pinch it a little tighter with your pliers.
How to Put On a Rubber Core Sinker
Rubber core sinkers are generally heavier than split shots making them better suited for fishing in deeper water. They are also easy to add or remove making them a quick way to change the weight of the line.
- Position the sinker 2 feet above the hook
- Push the line into the slot of the sinker so the line is touching the rubber core
- While holding the line in place, grab the rubber ends at each end of the sinker and twist in opposite directions
- If you need to remove the sinker, untwist the rubber tabs to free the line
How to Put On a Sliding Sinker
Sliding sinkers are great for bottom fishing.
Sliding sinkers are great for bottom fishing and are used in Carolina Rigs, Texas Rigs and more. These sinkers also move along the line when a fish strikes meaning the fish won’t feel resistance and spit out the hook.
- Feed the line from your reel through the hole in the middle of the sinker
- Once you’ve fed the line through, tie the end of the line to a swivel using a uni knot. Don’t know how to tie one? Check out our How to Tie a Uni Knot video.
- Attach a leader to the other end of the swivel using a uni knot
- Tie on your hook to the other end of the leader using a palomar knot or your knot of choice. Don’t know how to tie a palomar knot? Check out our How to Tie a Palomar Knot video.
Need More Help?
West Marine is the perfect place to get ready for your next fishing trip. We offer free line spooling and locally assorted tackle in most of our stores to gear you up for what’s biting in your area. Plus, with plenty of anglers on our crew, we have the know-how you need to get ready. Find your store here.
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