How to Put a Sinker on Your Fishing Line

How to Put a Sinker on Your Fishing Line

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Sinkers are lead or brass weights used to get bait to the bottom of a body of water. Sinkers come in a variety of sizes and styles. Some sinkers are tied securely to the line, others are threaded on so they can slide freely. Each type of sinker has a specific application. Some sinker types include egg, bullet, bell and split shot. Sinkers are used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

Items you will need

  • Fishing line

  • Sinker

  • Swivels

  • Beads

  • Hooks

Carolina Rig

Step 1

Thread the line through an egg sinker. Use the lightest weight sinker possible. Heavy sinkers will prevent you from feeling a fish bite.

Step 2

Thread on three to four plastic beads. The beads protect the knot and make noise while fishing the rig.

Step 3

Tie on a swivel using a strong knot. Attach the hook to the swivel with a 2 to 3 foot length of line. Plastic worms are the preferred bait for a Carolina rig.

Slip Sinker Rig

Step 1

Thread a bell type sinker onto the fishing line, then a plastic bead or two. Like the Carolina rig the beads will protect the knot from the sinker.

Step 2

Create a leader by tying a hook to 12 to 18 inches of fishing line.

Step 3

Tie the hook line to one loop of the swivel. Tie the main line to the other end of the swivel.

Drop Shot Rig

Step 1

Tie a hook about 18 inches from the end of the line. The tag end will be used with a sinker.

Step 2

Crimp split shot on to the tag line. The position of the sinker will determine how high the bait will run in relationship to the bottom.

Step 3

Start with the least amount of weight and add split shot as needed. Trim any extra line from the tag end.

Texas Rig

Step 1

Thread a bullet sinker onto the main line. Be sure to thread the line through the small end of the sinker.

Step 2

Tie a worm hook to the line. Always use a sharp hook to help with hook set.

Step 3

Trim any excess line. Use a 6-inch or longer plastic worm as bait.

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