How to Tie Fishing Weights on Fishing Line

A fishing weight is useful for fishing because it will keep your line at a predetermined depth to increase the chance of a catch. The fishing weight is placed on the fishing line a certain distance up from the hook. There are many different designs of weights but split shot, ball and spoon sinkers are some of the most common. A few general rules will let you tie almost any weight to a line.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Attaching Your Weights

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing line Fishing weight
Fishing line
Fishing weight

Step 1

Choose your fishing weight. Smaller streams and rivers will require smaller weights than ocean fishing.

Step 2

Decide how far up from the hook you will attach the weight. In general, 1 to 2 feet up the line will suffice.

Step 3

Lay the line out straight. Avoid tangling the line when attaching the fishing weight. If needed, kneel on the line as you attach the weights.

Step 4

Attach the weight to the line. If you have a split shot weight, simply close it over the line and pinch it tight. No tying is involved.

If you are using a ball or spoon sinkers, simply run the line through the hole and use a knot of your choice to tie the two ends together, leaving enough room a foot or so down for the line for the hook.

Step 5

Tie the hook on the end of the line and you are ready to fish. Berkeley braid knots are good to use for this. After tying the hook on the line, make sure there are no tangles or knots that could weaken it.

Tips & Warnings

Use tweezers to pull the knots tight and untie small tangles.

If using lead sinkers, always wash your hands afterward to avoid lead contamination.

Resources

Article Written By Justin Chen

Justin Chen is a freelance writer and photographer with 6 years of professional experience in outdoor activities, extreme sports, travel and marketing topics. His professional work experience includes publication with KOMO 4 News Seattle, Fisher Interactive Network, and Demand Studios. He is a current Pre-Med student at Walla Walla University.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...