Fishing with a sliding weight is a popular technique among anglers for a variety of different species and situations.

A sliding weight is a small, cylindrical weight that can slide up and down the fishing line, allowing the angler to easily adjust the depth at which the bait or lure is presented.

This technique is especially useful when fishing in areas with varying depths, such as near drop-offs, and underwater structures, or when fishing in moving water. The sliding weight system allows anglers to control the depth of their bait or lure, which can be an effective way of getting it in front of the fish they are trying to catch.

In this article, we will explore the different types of sliding weights and their uses, as well as the benefits of using this technique.

Sliding weight for Fishing: Sinker Functions

A Sliding weight lead on a float rod is a great way to increase your fishing efficiency by increasing the sensitivity of the bite indication. The equipment is improved over time, focusing on the experience of experienced fishermen, the conditions of fishing, on the type of fish.

Float fishing enthusiasts continue to experiment with sinkers and floats, mainly in order to maintain the integrity of the gear. Therefore, the times of stationary sinkers are finally a thing of the past.

The sinker is the most important part of fishing equipment, which is distinguished by a significant variety and performs a number of specific functions.

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1. Brings the float to the most stable and sensitive state.
2. Transmits bite information.
3. Delivers the hook to the designated fishing spot.
4. Holds the bait at the required distance.
5. Tightens the line to increase the sensitivity of bite information.
6. Informs about the movements of the hook and bait when fishing in the current.

Sinkers for float fishing rods are stationary (deaf) and sliding. Their difference lies in the method of attachment to the fishing line. Deaf sinkers are fixed on it without the ability to move along the thread while sliding ones due to the hole inside are able to easily move along the length of the fishing line. They are fixed with the help of stoppers, stop knots or silicone cambric.

Sliding weights come in a variety of shapes. The most common is a drop and an olive, less often a shot. They are made from alloys of tungsten and lead. Modern anglers prefer tungsten weights as they are heavier than lead weights and are smaller. Thus, they win in the fight against waves and currents.

Lead is a toxic substance. In many European countries and the USA, this material is prohibited for the production of fishing loads.

Every self-respecting angler has in his arsenal a whole set of sinkers of different shapes and weights since the adjustment of the equipment occurs mainly directly during fishing.

Sliding weight for Fishing: For Floats

The sliding float has a number of advantages:

[caption id="attachment_2690" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Sliding weight for Fishing Sinker functions 2[/caption]

• Unlike a stationary one, the sliding weight does not pinch the fishing line, and does not lead to twisting, thereby increasing its service life;
• The fish that has captured the bait will not be alert due to the additional weight of the sinker due to the easy movement of the fishing line in it;
• For the same reason, the float will react even to a slight bite of the smallest fish;
• Due to the stoppers used, the likelihood of the load sliding toward the hook is reduced.

Despite all these advantages, the sliding weight has one significant drawback: the nozzle is located at the bottom without movement and sooner or later becomes invisible or unattractive to fish.

A float rod with a sliding sinker becomes even more productive if the load is suspended. The fact is that suspended weights with the help of a leash hold the nozzle above the bottom surface, helping it to move and become the most noticeable against the background of the river bottom.

In such a sinker, the leash is attached to the fishing line with a small loop. Such a small innovation changes the principle of operation: the weight slides along the thread during bites, in other words, it becomes mobile.

The advantages of this design:

• Due to the fact that the contact surface of the loop and the fishing line is lower than between the sinker and the fishing line, the force of friction and resistance between them will be barely perceptible;
• A thinner leader smoothes out the stiffness of the line;
• The minimum bite of the fish becomes very noticeable and palpable;
• Increases the catchability of the rod.

Making a sinker is not difficult:

1. On a small piece of fishing line, a sinker is attached on one side, on the other, at a distance of about 10 cm from the load, a small loop of about 2 mm is knitted. in diameter; the ends of the thread are cut off.
2. The thread for the leash should be taken twice as thin as the main one - so that when hooked, it can be easily torn off while maintaining the main gear; in addition, the thin thread of the leash resists waterless and allows the nozzle to rise above the bottom surface.
3. The main thread is passed through the loop of the leash, at the unused end of which a hook is attached.
4. The sinker is shifted from the hook by 25 cm, and a stopper-limiter made of foam or cork is fixed on the main fishing line.

[caption id="attachment_2691" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Sliding weight for Fishing[/caption]

The use of lead pellets as a stopper for a sliding hanging sinker is unacceptable: with its weight, it will lower the fishing line with a nozzle to the bottom.

A fishing rod with a sliding sinker can also be supplemented with a sliding float. Why is it necessary to give the float the opportunity to move along the fishing line?

Fishing rods with a sliding float are especially effective when casting over long distances - from 20 to 30 m, as well as when fishing during a strong current at a depth of up to 4 m.

In addition, a sliding bobber has another advantage: a large sinker can be attached to it, which can keep the bait close to the bottom.

How to make a fishing rod with a sliding sinker and float:

1. You will need a sinker, a float, a swivel with a clasp, and stoppers.
2. We string the first stopper on the main line, which will be designed to set the depth.
3. Next, we put a swivel with a clasp, to which we attach the float.
4. We put another stopper on the fishing thread, which will hold the float at a distance of one and a half of its own dimensions from the sinker so that when pulling the fishing line out of the water they do not twist together.
5. After that, we string the weight and the third stopper.
6. We attach a hook to the end of the main fishing line; if you do not use a leash, then it is advisable to attach another one to the third stopper in order to avoid the load moving off the hook.

You can perform this design with an additional leash.

Sliding floats significantly benefit compared to "deaf" ones. Their use is justified when catching large fish at a great distance in strong winds or strong currents.

Whether to equip your fishing rods or not with such tackle is a personal matter for everyone. But it is well known that a sliding sinker saves the line and increases the catchability of the rods, and, consequently, the catch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using a sliding weight system is a valuable technique for anglers who want to fish at different depths and in varying conditions. It allows the angler to control the depth of their bait or lure which can be effective when fishing in areas with varying depths or structures, or in moving water.

The sliding weight system is versatile and can be used for a variety of different species and fishing situations.

To choose the right sliding weight for your needs, consider the type of fish you will be targeting, the conditions of the water, and the type of lures or bait you will be using.

Practice rigging and setting up the sliding weight system and you'll be able to confidently and easily adjust your bait or lure's depth, catching more fish and enjoying the fun of it.

Fishing is always a game of experimentation and adaptability and the sliding weight system is one of the most useful tools in an angler's arsenal. It is an easy technique to learn and it will increase the chances of catching more fish, making fishing more enjoyable and satisfying.