Sinkers are used alongside baits to help with sinking or gaining casting distance. Learning where to attach this sinker is key to the success of your casting, although there tends to be some confusion about whether the sinker goes above or below the hook.
In general, you should attach your sinker a foot or two above the hook to ensure that the bait sinks or floats well without being too prominent. However, the type of sinkers, like split shot weights, drop sinkers, and sliding sinkers, among others, can make a difference to the positioning.
What kind of sinker you use and for what purpose are some aspects that can determine whether the sinker goes above or below the hook. Take a look at some of these details below.
Does the Sinker Go Above or Below the Hook?
In most cases, the sinker goes above the hook. This can serve the following advantages.
- Floating can be easier to achieve if you place the sinker above the hook since you can establish a certain depth while also maintaining it.
- You can achieve accuracy and precision while casting with the sinker above the hook. This can also help you achieve your desired casting distance.
- Baits of various sizes tend to perform in a natural manner with the sinker floating above the hook.
- In rough water and weather conditions, such as unclear waters, rough winds, and strong currents, the sinker can act as a tether above the hook and help you control your line in the water.
However, in many situations, it is possible that you might need to keep your bait higher up than the sinker, in which case putting the sinker below the hook will serve you better.
There are different types of sinkers, including split shot weights, drop sinkers, rubber core sinkers, sliding sinkers and tied sinkers, among others.
The type of sinker you intend to use can make a huge difference to where you attach it on the line.
The next section will help clarify this for you.
How to Tie the Sinker to the Line
To figure out where to tie the sinker to the line, it is necessary to consider the type of sinker you intend to use.
Note that lead sinkers are banned in some places, so remember to choose wisely.
To find out more about tying sinkers, you can go through the steps highlighted in each of the sections below.
1. Split Shot Weights
These weights are light, small, round, versatile, and simple.
They work well with light or live bait and can be tied in various ways.
A common way to tie these is as follows.
- If using a bobber, make sure you attach it to the line first.
- Take some pliers to hold these weights and gently attach them below the bobber and a couple of inches above the hook and bait.
- You can also position the hook and bait a couple of feet above the sinker for effective floating.
2. Drop Sinkers
Drop sinkers can drop to the ground or bed of the water body so that the hook with the bait floats well in the water.
Here are the steps involved in this process:
- Drop sinkers come with loops and wires at the top so that you can easily attach them to the fishing line.
- Make sure you position them well below the hook and attach them firmly.
- Replace the weight with a smaller or larger one based on the depth you are dealing with.
3. Sliding Sinkers
Sliding sinkers (also called egg sinkers or slip sinkers) work well with live bait.
Learn where and how to tie them below:
- These sinkers come with a hole in the middle. Push your line through the hole and tie a knot to secure this sinker in place.
- The hook and bait should follow the sinker. Place them 2-3 inches below the sinker.
- This should result in your sinker drifting or sliding on the ground, making it easier for the hook to sink too.
4. Rubber Core Sinkers
These sinkers are long and cylindrical and have a rubber core.
They are heavy and work well in deeper waters.
These come with slits or grooves that can make the attachment process simpler.
Here is how it works:
- Locate a point two feet above the hook to attach this sinker using pliers or simply pinching it onto the line.
- The line should go inside the slit or groove, after which you will need to twist the rubber corners to help secure the line around the weight.
How Do You Use a Sinker?
To use a fishing sinker, you will need to attach it to your fishing line.
This is typically done by threading the line through the hole in the sinker and tying a knot to secure it in place.
You can adjust the position of the sinker on the line to achieve the desired depth.
Once you have attached the sinker to your line, you can then attach your bait or lure to the line below the sinker.
When you cast your line into the water, the sinker will help the bait or lure sink to the desired depth, where it is more likely to be noticed by fish.
It is important to use the right size and type of sinker for the type of fishing you are doing, as well as the conditions of the water.
How Much Weight Should You Put on a Fishing Line?
The amount of weight you put on a fishing line depends on the type of fishing you are doing, the type of bait or lure you are using, and the conditions of the water.
Here are a few general guidelines to help you determine the right amount of weight for your fishing line:
- If you are fishing in a stream or river, you will typically need less weight than if you are fishing in a lake or ocean. This is because the current in the water helps to carry your bait or lure downstream, and too much weight can make it difficult to cast.
- If you are using a light bait or lure, you may need to use more weight to help it sink to the desired depth. On the other hand, if you are using a heavy bait or lure, you may need to use less weight to prevent it from sinking too quickly.
- The depth of the water and the type of bottom can also affect the amount of weight you need. In deeper water, you may need to use more weight to reach the desired depth, while in shallower water, you may need to use less weight. Similarly, if the bottom is rocky or uneven, you may need to use more weight to keep your bait or lure in contact with the bottom.
It is important to experiment with different weights to find the right balance for the type of fishing you are doing.
An experienced fishing guide or a knowledgeable salesperson at a fishing supply store can also provide guidance on the right amount of weight to use.
Conclusion
On a standard basis, sinkers and baits tend to perform better if you attach the sinker above the hook.
This particularly works for options like a split shot, rubber core, and sliding sinker, whereas drop sinkers often require the sinker to go below the hook.
Make sure you figure out how to tie the sinker to the line or hook accurately to ensure accuracy, distance, and depth.
Tight lines, bend rods, and may all your fishes come true!