A guide to tying fishing weights for beginners

What is the purpose of using a lead weight when fishing?

Since ancient times, when going out to fish, people have known to tie stones to their fishing lines to help the bait sink to the bottom of the water. Over time, with the advent of metals, lead came to be recognised as a significant advancement, making fishing much easier.

Lead is a material chosen for its many distinctive advantages in fishing. It is heavy, soft and does not undergo chemical reactions or oxidation when in contact with water. Furthermore, as lead melts at a low temperature, it is easy to cast into various shapes, and it is straightforward to attach line-tying rings, whilst remaining extremely inexpensive.

Anglers use lead to cast bait a long way, helping the bait to remain stationary in the desired position, enabling fish to find it quickly and reducing waiting time.

Guide to tying fishing weights

There are many different ways to tie a fishing sinker, but we’d like to briefly outline the simplest method so that any beginner can do it.

Step 1. First, thread the fishing line through the hole in the lead weight.

Step 2. Thread the line a second time

After threading the line through the body of the sinker in step 1, in step 2 you continue to thread the fishing line through the body of the sinker a second time to form a 

Then, use your hand to pull the line tight so that the fishing line forms a loop wrapped around the sinker; after threading the line a second time, you will have the result shown in the image below

The result of Step 2 is a loop of fishing line tightly wrapped around the body of the sinker, as shown below

Step 3. Tie a knot to secure the lead

Take the end of the fishing line (the end attached to the hook) and wrap it around to form a knot next to one end of the hole in the lead body, then pull with your right hand to bring the knot close to the tip of the lead

Step 4. Secure the other end of the sinker

Once you have pulled the knot in Step 3 tight against the hole at the end of the lead, wrap the remaining end of the line around to secure the lead; this is done in exactly the same way as tying the knot in Step 3

And there you have it: we’ve tied the lead securely in front of the hook to keep the bait and hook in place at the bottom. This is how to tie a fixed fishing lead, everyone – it won’t slide up and down

And here is the final result.

Generally, the smaller the sinker, the better. This is because a smaller sinker allows the bait to be displayed in a way that attracts fish without them spotting it or the bait becoming stuck on the bottom, enabling even timid fish to take the bait, whilst also increasing the vibration of the line when there is unusual movement.

The ideal weight range for a tied lead is usually between 15g and 30g. This is considered just enough to allow the bait to drift with the current, making it look natural and lively, and thus more likely to attract fish.

Types of fishing weights

Sliding and fixed sinkers in fishing

There are many different sizes and shapes of lead weights, but fishing weights are generally divided into two basic types:

• Sliding weights: These are weights through which the line can pass
• Fixed sinkers: These are sinkers attached using a swivel

Depending on the type of sinker, there are different ways to attach it to the line, using the appropriate size. Fixed sinkers can be attached directly to the leader or main line by clamping, wrapping or tying a knot. You need to clamp it carefully or use a knot to secure the sinker.

When you cast the line, the sinker will move with the bait, even after the bait has been taken by a fish. With sliding weights, on the other hand, the weight moves along the line; this is usually used with live bait. The line can move when a fish takes the bait without disturbing the weight. Consequently, it creates less drag than a fixed weight and is often suitable for shy or light-biting fish.

So, tying a sinker for river fishing is quite simple; you can certainly give it a go and succeed. All it takes is a bit of dexterity and a little thought, and you’ll be able to do it successfully. Good luck!

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