Fishing Weights: How to Use Sinkers for Depth, Distance, and Control
Learn how to use fishing weights, including flat stainless and improvised sandstone sinkers drilled with an awl for depth and casting control.
Fishing Weights: How to Use Sinkers for Depth, Distance, and Control
Fishing weights—also called sinkers—might look simple, but they’re one of the most important parts of your fishing setup. A good weight helps your bait reach the right depth, cast farther, and stay steady in moving water. Whether you’re fishing with a hand caster, a rod and reel, or an improvised line, understanding how to use weights correctly can make the difference between a quiet day and a full stringer.
What Fishing Weights Do
A fishing weight’s job is to help your bait or lure sink, stabilize, and stay where fish are feeding. Without one, your bait may drift on the surface, float out of position, or never reach the deeper water where bigger fish live.
Why They Matter
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Depth Control: Brings bait down to where fish are.
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Casting Distance: Adds momentum so you can cast farther with less effort.
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Stability: Keeps your rig from drifting in wind or current.
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Presentation: Makes bait look natural and balanced underwater.
→ Learn more in Fishing 101: Beginner’s Guide
Common Types of Fishing Weights
Fishing weights come in many shapes and materials. Each one serves a slightly different purpose depending on your water conditions and gear.
1. Split Shot Weights
Small, round weights that pinch directly onto your line. Perfect for fine-tuning depth or balancing a bobber setup. They go both off, and on easily and quickly with no knots neccesary.
Best for: Beginners, panfish, and light freshwater rigs.
2. Egg Sinkers
Oval-shaped weights with a hole through the center. They slide freely on the line, allowing a fish to bite without feeling resistance.
Best for: Catfish, trout, and bottom rigs.
3. Bullet Weights
Cone-shaped sinkers used with soft plastic baits. They glide through weeds without snagging.
Best for: Bass fishing and heavy cover.
4. Pyramid Sinkers
Four-sided weights that dig into sand or mud to hold position in strong current.
Best for: Surf or river fishing.
5. Bank Sinkers
Rounded or teardrop-shaped weights that sink quickly and resist rolling.
Best for: Deep lakes and moderate currents.
6. Flat Weights
Ultra-thin flat stainless steel weights designed for compact carry and multi-use functionality. These low-profile weights can double as micro spinners, adding flash and motion to your setup while also balancing your line. Perfect for wallet kits, Altoids tin kits or micro survival rigs where space matters.
Best for: Minimalist and survival setups; ideal for hand casters and ultralight EDC fishing kits.
→ Learn more about Fishing Bobbers and Depth Control
How to Use Fishing Weights
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Attach the Weight:
Place your sinker 6–12 inches above the hook. This gives your bait a natural range of movement. -
Adjust for Depth:
Add or remove weight depending on the current or how deep the fish are holding. -
Balance the Setup:
If using a bobber, make sure the weight doesn’t pull it under. -
Check Your Line Strength:
Heavy weights on light lines can cause breakage. Match your setup for strength and balance.
Example: Classic Bobber Rig
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Hook at the end of the line
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Split shot 8 inches above
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Bobber 2–3 feet above that
Simple, effective, and ideal for learning line control.
Improvised Fishing Weights
If you don’t have standard sinkers, you can make functional replacements with a little creativity. Improvised weights work surprisingly well when you understand the goal—get your bait to the right depth, and keep it there.
1. Washers or Nuts
Small metal hardware items can be tied or clipped to your line for easy, adjustable weight.
2. Stones or Pebbles
Smooth, dense stones sink fast and are easy to find anywhere. Wrap them in cloth or tie them with cord.
3. Sandstone Drill-Through Weight
This is a durable and field-friendly option. Choose a small piece of sandstone—it’s soft enough to carve but dense enough to sink.
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Use a pointed tool like an awl or sharp nail to drill a hole through the center.
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Thread your line directly through the hole.
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Add a small knot or stopper above it to keep it from sliding.
It’s simple, reusable, and fits right in with primitive or bushcraft-style fishing.
4. Clay or Mud Weights
Shape clay or wet mud into a ball around your line. Once dry, it’ll harden and sink temporarily weighting lightweight rigs effectively.
5. Wire or Scrap Metal
Twist soft wire into a small ball or coil—it sinks quickly and can be reshaped.
When to Use More (or Less) Weight
| Situation | Recommended Weight |
|---|---|
| Shallow, still water | 1 small split shot |
| Deep or fast current | Egg or bank sinker |
| Surf fishing | Pyramid sinker |
| Long casts | Heavier bullet or flat weight |
| Compact survival rig | Flat stainless weight or drilled sandstone |
Rule of thumb: Start light and increase gradually until your bait holds steady in the water column.
FAQ: Fishing Weights
Q: Do I always need a weight?
A: Not always. Topwater lures or floating baits don’t require one, but for most fishing, a weight helps reach active fish faster.
Q: What’s the best size for beginners?
A: Start small—around 1/8 oz. Add more if the bait won’t sink or drifts too much.
Q: Are lead weights safe?
A: Lead works, but lead-free alternatives like tin, steel, or Grim’s stainless Flat Weights are safer for the environment.
Q: Can I make my own fishing weights?
A: Yes. Washers, stones, or drilled sandstone pieces make excellent replacements.
Q: Can weights also attract fish?
A: Yes. Flat stainless weights can double as spinners—adding both flash and balance to your rig.
About Grim Workshop
At Grim Workshop, we believe preparedness starts with smart, simple design. Our flatpack gear—from micro tools to reusable stainless steel weights—is built to fit anywhere, work everywhere, and keep you Everyday Ready without the bulk.
→ Explore our Fishing Tools Collection for compact, reusable Flat Weights and kits.
→ Keep learning in our Fishing Skills Library to master the essentials of survival fishing.