What Is the Purpose of a Weight on a Fishing Line?

Fishing with a weight on your line is an important part of any successful fishing trip. A weight, or sinker, helps to keep your bait in the water column and in the strike zone of any fish you are Targeting. They also help to keep your line from floating up to the surface and away from any fish that may be swimming around.

The type of weight you choose will depend on several factors such as the depth you are fishing, the type of water you are fishing in, and the size of your line. Weights come in many different sizes and shapes and can be used for a variety of applications.

The most common type of weight used for fishing is a split shot weight. This type of weight is shaped like two halves with a hole in the middle and is generally made out of lead or other heavy metals.

It can easily be attached to your line by pinching it onto the line with pliers or a special tool called a split shot crimper. Split shot weights come in various sizes ranging from 1/16th ounce up to 1 ounce and can be used for both shallow and deep water applications.

Another popular type of weight for fishing is a slip sinker. This type of weight slides up and down the line without having to be re-tied each time it needs to be adjusted. Slip sinkers are generally heavier than split shot weights and come in sizes ranging from 1/4 ounce up to 6 ounces depending on what kind of application they are being used for.

There are also specialty weights available such as drop shot weights, Carolina rig weights, and jig heads that can be used for specific techniques or applications. Each one has its own unique purpose but all serve the same basic purpose: keeping your bait in the strike zone where fish can see it!

Conclusion: The purpose of using a weight on a fishing line is to help keep your bait at an appropriate depth within striking distance of any fish that may be present in the area. Different types and sizes of weights can be used depending on what kind of application they are being used for, but all serve the same basic purpose: keeping your bait visible so that you have better chances at catching a fish!

Photo of author

Lindsay Collins