Fishing Sinkers/Weights/Ballast

The Different Types of Forms and Uses of Fishing Weights (Sinkers)

Fishing sinks are one of the most important fishing tools for anglers.

Fishing sinkers are usually made of tin, why tin? Because tin is an object which when it enters water does not decrease in mass/weight, unlike stone or iron which when it enters water will reduce its mass or even require a certain amount of time so that mass can increase due to water pressure.

The use of ballast is widely used in basic fishing techniques, although it does not rule out the possibility of also being used in other techniques. It is important for an angler to understand that the use of ballast must be adjusted to the current/water conditions at the target spot and also the fishing technique.

The heavier/larger/width of the ballast used will greatly affect the pressure in the water, the fishing line and the vibration of the fish.

Sinkers made of tin are usually also used as ballast in other fishing gear such as nets and trawls.

Therefore, in this article, MahakamMancing will try to provide you with information about the various types and their uses and also some terms that anglers may need to understand.

Use of Fishing Sinkers

Tin has many uses in fishing line. Here are some of the common uses of lead ballast in fishing lines:

• Helps place fishing bait at the desired bottom depth.
• Sinkers is not only useful as an addition to the fishing line but also as an increase in throwing power so that you can throw the bait as far as you want.
• If you use a float above it, the ballast is useful for keeping the bait at the point of throwing and maintaining the stability of the string under water pressure.
• In certain fishing conditions with certain fish targets, the condition of the strings remaining tight and tense is very necessary, sinkers is the solution.

Types of Fishing Sinkers and Their Respective Uses

Currently, it is very common to find various types, names, and forms of fishing sinkers. There are many types of various forms and various mentions of their names, each of which has different functions and uses.

Here are some models of the form and use of lead sinkers:

1. Sand Sinkers

The size of this type of tin is usually small with a small mass.

There are oval ones and also round ones, there is a small hole in the middle to insert the strings into.

This small form is often used for fishing in calm and shallow water, ponds and ponds. Because this type of sinkers does not require throwing bait that is far away.

2. Sheet Sinkers/ Leaf Sinkers

It is called sheetsinkers because it looks like small sheets that can be torn and folded. Usually used when fishing using a type of bait that is not firmly snagged on the hook such as moss and pellets.

However, in other cases, this type of ballast can also be used for live bait in the sea, such as small fish so that the bait can swim freely on the seabed.

The use of tin is quite easy and simple, namely by tearing it and then folding it on the fishing line.

3. Heart Sinkers

The shape that looks like a heart and there are some codes on it. Often used for sea fishing with sand and gloss fishing techniques.

4. Carambola Sinkers

It is called a bank ballast because of its shape which is like a star fruit, hence the name.

This type of sinkers is rarely used because it is quite difficult to find it in fishing shops in general.

Basically this type is almost the same as the type of heart ballast which also has a code and is often used when fishing at sea.

5. Cone Sinkers

The shape is like a cone so it is named so. If seen its shape resembles a bullet.

This sinkers is very suitable for use in fresh water but is also possible for use in the sea. The weight depends on the size, ranging from small, medium to large.

6. Pyramid Sinkers

Named primamid because it looks like a pyramid.

This sinkers is usually made so that a further throw with the tip of the pyramid shape will function to stick in the sand. Suitable for use when we fish with sandy techniques.

The goal is for the bait to quickly reach the bottom and get stuck in the sand.

7. Sinkers Gundu (Round)

The shape is round and available from the smallest to the largest sizes. Above it there is a hole to insert the strings.

Suitable for use in both fresh and sea water.

8. Mesh Sinkers

Tin like this is usually widely used by fishermen. Its main use is as a sinkers aid in trawlers and nets.

9. Egg Sinkers

The shape, which almost resembles a perfect egg shape, is very suitable for fishing with basic techniques in spots full of rocks and debris with the aim that the bait moves freely so it is not easy to get snagged.

10. Diamond / Gem Sinkers

The shape is unique like a gem, quite difficult to find in fishing shops. Its use is the same as egg tin which is very suitable for use in spots where there are lots of rocks and debris.

11. Sinkers Split Shot

This type is very useful if we like to change ballast. In this type of fishing sinker, the string is placed in the middle of the lead and then clamped so that it can stick to the fishing line. This type of sinkers can really help you when you feel that the weight doesn't match your weight. You can also quickly change from one ballast size to another without disassembling the fishing line.

12. Dipsey Sinkers

This is sinkers which is also difficult to find in fishing shops in general.

there is a round hook on it and is often used in fish finder equipment.

Meaning of Number Codes in Several Forms of Sinkers

If you are an angler who is just getting into this hobby? Or maybe you are an old angler who is very familiar with fishing rods. However, when you find these codes on the ballast, you don't understand it and you start to wonder, "What does the code written on the ballast mean, especially the oval-shaped ballast that is often found?"

MahakamMancing will try to explain what these codes actually mean.

Generally written are letters and numbers, for example J1, J2, J3 and so on. Usually each fishing lead manufacturer issues lead with a different mix but still at the same weight.

Here's code explanation:

Conclusion

Those are some reviews about lead ballast from its shape to its uses. Some of the forms above are forms of lead ballast that are often used by anglers in general.

At present there may be more forms and new designs of lead ballast made by tin producing factories. That's all from MahakamMancing, I hope it will be useful for anglers all over the world.