How to Tie Fishing Sinkers

Fishing sinkers are an integral part of many fishing rigs in both freshwater and saltwater. They come in a variety of shapes, including pyramid, round or cannonball, and elongated, such as the bank weight. Many sinkers feature a brass wire loop inserted during the mold process. You can use this loop to attach the sinker to the fishing line. Select the proper knot when attaching weights to prevent accidental break-offs during a cast or while fishing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing sinker with brass wire loop
Fishing line
Scissors or snips

Step 1

Tie a fishing sinker onto your fishing line with a Palomar knot. Thread the free end of your fishing line through the wire loop of the sinker so that 5 to 6 inches of the line extends through.

Step 2

Turn the free end of the line back toward the sinker, forming a working loop. Feed it through the wire loop the same way it originally passed through. Pull the free end of the line beside the main line to form a doubled line.

Step 3

Hold the working loop with one hand and the doubled line with the other. Tie a simple overhand knot and pull the working loop down and around the bottom of the sinker.

Step 4

Moisten the Palomar knot with water or saliva and pull the knot tight. Adjust the knot as you pull so that it rests securely against the wire loop of the sinker.

Step 5

Cut excess from the free end of the line with scissors or snips. Trim the free end so that no more than 1/8 inch of line extends from the knot.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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