Who would've thought that a chunk of metal would be so important in the world of fishing?
As it turns out, fishing weights (or sinkers as many call them) play a vital role in fishing.
There are a BUNCH of different ones on the market these days so the goal here is to help break down some of the most common weights as well as an application or two for each.
Bullet/Worm Weights
These are some of the most commonly used weights in the bass fishing world and most are normally paired with Texas-rigged soft plastics.
Regardless of what name is on the sales tag (bullet or worm), the design of these weights helps in preventing your lure from getting caught on various objects you may be fishing.
By design, bullet weights also act as a bait extension and appear less obvious to the fish when fishing Texas rigged soft plastics.
In terms of rigging, some anglers prefer to peg bullet/worm weights with a bobber stopper to prevent the weight from sliding.
Another route some anglers take to add a little bit of noise to their lure profile is to add a bead between the hook and the weight.
Anglers in need of bullet/worm weights typically seek after weights ranging between 1/16 oz. and 1 oz. in size.
Lighter weights (1/16-1/4oz) work great for worm applications whereas heavier weight sizes are typically used for creature baits, areas of thick vegetation, or deep water.
For the most part, bullet and worm weights are going to be made up of either lead or tungsten.
The difference between the two comes down to density.
Tungsten is more dense than lead. Almost twice as dense!
This means that a 1/2oz lead bullet weight is almost twice the size of a 1/2oz tungsten one.
While tungsten is nice to have since it allows you to fish heavier weights without jeopardizing your overall lure profile just know that it also comes with a heftier price tag.
Egg Sinkers
For many years egg sinkers have been a staple for Carolina rigs.
They typically are sold as heavier lures (1/2oz-3oz).
There's a good chance that the egg sinkers in your tool box are the heaviest sinkers you own.
They fall into the category of "slip style" weights, similar to bullet/worm weights, and are typically fished on rigs that remain in contact with the bottom.
Egg sinkers do a great job of making their way over and around rocks thanks to their rounded design.
Heavier weights typically warrant the use of a bead for the purpose of protecting your knot.
Regardless of what rig you pair an egg sinker with, try and keep it free by allowing it to slide.
By doing so you allow the fish to take your lure (in most cases a soft plastic) without feeling the extra weight of the sinker thus lessening the chance that the fish spits out your lure.
Carolina Weights
Instead of squeezing them into the bullet weight and egg sinker sections, it seemed appropriate to give Carolina weights their own category.
The important difference between a standard worm weight or egg sinker and a Carolina weight is what the weight is made of.
Generally, worm weights and egg sinkers are one of two things; lead or tungsten.
Carolina weights on the other hand, though oftentimes sold as worm weights or egg sinkers, are made from brass.
The big difference between brass and that of lead and tungsten has to do with sound and density.
Brass or brass alloy Carolina weights are less dense than a lead or tungsten weight which means using a larger weight to get the same results of a smaller, more dense lead or tungsten weight.
On the flip side....
Despite having a bit of a larger profile, Carolina weights produce a sharper, more high pitch sound than other weights when coming into contact with objects (rocks, shells, timber, etc.).
If sound is a component that you feel is needed for your fishing conditions then a Carolina weight may be best.
Anglers will oftentimes pair Carolina rig weights with a fishing bead to further assist in adding noise to their rigs profile.
Dropshot Weights
If you see a weight with a line clip on it, there is a good chance it's a dropshot weight.
There's nothing unusual about the name - dropshot weights are typically reserved for dropshot fishing.
You will typically find them in three shapes; cylinder, teardrop/bell, or round.
Teardrop/Bell and round dropshot weights are a bit more bulky making them great for adding additional sound to the profile of your lure.
Because of their bulky shape, however, they do not fair as well in timber, grass, or other areas that requires them to slip through small spaces.
Cylinder dropshot weights on the other hand are perfect for areas with timber and grass.
Thanks to the sleek design, a cylinder weight can easily work through hang-up areas.
TIP: When fishing a dropshot rig always use a weaker knot for your weight than what you use for your hook and lure. Most dropshot sinkers have a line clip but if you don't feel comfortable only using the clip to secure the weight consider tying an overhand knot or something that will slip if you do get snagged to avoid breaking off at your hook and losing your entire rig.
Teardrop/Bell Sinkers
Just how "bullet weight" and "worm weight" are interchangeable terms, the same can be said for teardrop and bell sinkers.
Regardless of what you call them, they have multiple uses in fishing.
Teardrop/Bell sinkers are commonly used by anglers fishing from the bank that want to make long casts and let the bait do the work for them.
These weights have an rounded, uneven weight distribution which allows them to roll around and shimmy through most areas that other weights may get hung up on.
Teardrop/Bell sinkers typically include a built-in swivel to prevent line twist and any further complications.
They are generally found in all large retail stores and are oftentimes a cheaper alternative to dedicated dropshot weights.
Nail/Neko Weights
These weights are still a bit new to the fishing world and some anglers may have never even heard of them.
Nail, or Neko, weights really thrive when fishing wacky rigged worms in deeper water.
These weights are designed to be inserted into one end of a soft plastic and nearly hidden from sight and thus creating a Neko rig.
Since being inserted into the soft plastic, this makes nail weights a great alternative to weighted wacky rig hooks which are much more bulky and visible to the fish.
If you like fishing shaky head or wacky rigged worms a Neko rigged worm may be something of interest to you.
Your lure will sit on the bottom like a shaky head yet the action will be that of a wacky rigged worm.
TIP: For the DIY'ers out there, it doesn't take a whole lot of effort to create your own nail weights (any common nail will get the job done). Just snip off about a one inch piece from the head of the nail and use the teeth of your pliers to roughen up the edges. Just like that you've essentially created a nail weight! Small screws are another alternative - just be careful not to tear your soft plastic when threading it in!
Split Shots
Ahh... the good ole' split shot.
There's a good chance this was the first sinker you ever used.
They still have their place in fishing today and for good reasons.
Whether you're fishing a bobber and worm combo or trying to trick finicky fish into biting, a split shot might be the best fishing weight for the job.
They are kind of like the lighter, non-sliding cousin of the egg sinker.
Where most applications that warrant an egg sinker are done so using a baitcaster, a split shot can be the winning ticket for lighter, spinning applications.
When you need to lighten up your lure profile consider using a split shot 12 or so inches above your lure the next time you're dragging a worm around with your spinning rod.
If you find yourself fishing shallow water where a heavy Carolina rig doesn't make much sense, try downsizing to a smaller worm or creature bait and pinch on a split shot.
You just may be surprised by the results!
In Conclusion
Hopefully you now have a good understanding of some of the more common weights and sinkers on the market and how they are used.
Regardless of which weight you find yourself using, always try and go as light as possible.
It's better to start light and increase in weight rather than the other way around.
Lighter weights allow for more natural presentations, make it easier to feel bites, and will oftentimes have less of a chance of getting hung up.
Also, depending on what state you're in, check and make sure there isn't any restrictions on the weights you have in your tackle box.
There are restrictions on lead weights in some states (Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Washington) so if you're affected by this be sure to consider an alternative such as steel, brass, or tungsten.
Time to go catch em'!
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