How to Make Sinker Molds

alex.lines on Flickr

Most fishermen use live bait or jigs requiring the use of a sinker on the line. An easy way to make your own sinkers at home is by using a potato to hold the melted lead. You can cut the sinker mold space any way you prefer; the most common are bell sinkers or walking sinkers. Bell sinkers are cone-shaped, and their size depends on the weight of the jig or bait and strength of the current in which you are fishing. Walking sinkers are commonly used to make bait look alive and are shaped like thick zippers. They should be at least twice as wide as they are thick to catch the current and "walk" while being heavy enough to keep at the bottom of the water.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Potato Knife Spoon Sinker eyes Pencil Lead
Potato
Knife
Spoon
Sinker eyes
Pencil
Lead

Step 1

Bell sinkers, in various sizes.

Cut a potato in half across the narrow side.

Step 2

Walking sinker.

Use a small spoon or knife to carve out an area inside the middle of the potato. It should not exceed one inch long. For bell sinkers, carve out a cone-shaped area with the wide end at the top of the potato. For a walking sinker, use a knife or nail to hollow out a space with sides that incline much less than with a bell sinker. The top part of the potato hollow--which will be the bottom of the walking sinker--should be the thickest part.

Step 3

Push the sinker eye into the potato at the bottom of the carved out area. Use a pencil to push the eye if the space is too narrow for your finger. The eye should be hidden, but its metal spokes should be sticking out for the molten lead to fill around and adhere to.

Step 4

Hold your potato upright while using as a mold. The potato should not get hot enough to burn your hand, but wear gloves if you are uncomfortable.

Step 5

Allow up to 30 minutes for the molten lead to solidify and cool. Once it is cool enough to handle, pop it from the mold. It is ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

Melt the lead in a well-ventilated area. Do not handle lead with your bare hands.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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