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Why Should I Bother With Tungsten Sinkers? 2025


fishing user avatar*Hootie reply : 

I mean they are so expensive. Any justifiable reason? Don't tell me environment, I know all about that song and dance.

What are the, {if any} real benefits, as it pertains to my fishing. I mean, really, nearly $8.00 for three 1/4 oz. sinkers? I don't get it,

or am I missing something? Just asking, not trying to start an argument. I am all for buying them, if they accomplish a legitimate

purpose.

 

Hootie

 

 


fishing user avatarKevin22 reply : 

Increased sensitivity, smaller profile weight, and a very high price. That is the essence of tungsten weights. 


fishing user avatariabass8 reply : 

The biggest draw to tungsten is it's smaller profile in comparison lead in similar sizes. It is also more sensitive than lead as tungsten transmits vibration very well. 


fishing user avatartomustang reply : 

I only bought them when they were 75% off clearance at dicks, besides that discount I wouldn't pay $5 to $10 on a few weights.


fishing user avatarJake Coucoules reply : 

They are smaller and more dense so you have a much better feel of the bottom. I feel that they are only necessary for flipping and c-rigs,


fishing user avatarULG reply : 

U can catch fish with lead js as well. But there are times when the added benefits are a plus, the sensitivity being the highest benefit. But honestly, just bite th bullet, buy a pack or 2. If u feel like they work better for u, then invest in some. Look at it like this, wouks u buy a 6-7 dollar plug??? Probly so if it catches fish. Would u buy a plug thts 2-3 bucks if it also caught fish but the more expensive plug had better features? Probly so. Bottom line is they both catch fish. And if ur pocket book has a problm with them n u catch plenty of fish. Then just leave thm on the rack, but i would honestly reccomend buying a pack of ur most commonly used size. Its th same as a extra value meal at mc d's! So get u a pack n u make the call, "is it worth it???" thats up to u my friend. But strongly reccomend it. Let us kno how it goes


fishing user avatar38 Super Fan reply : 

I feel the increased sensitivity claims of tungsten are overrated, it's only slightly more sensitive at best. Outside of punching, I don't use tungsten.


fishing user avatar5fishlimit reply : 

I use both. I use lead if I'm fishing an area that I know to have a mud or sandy bottom. I use tungsten around riprap because it's more dense than lead and less likely to get stuck in the rocks.


fishing user avatarbuzzfrog reply : 

got a bunch as gifts call it my FANCY tackle, only use it when I am with friend in boat, from shore it is lead and brass all the way, but first time I used my *** 13 with braid and tungsten on a Trig I was amazed..


fishing user avatarFireguyfrank58 reply : 

I have been using tungsten this season an I'm hooked! I love the size and feel. I lost 2 this morning on 15lb fluoro, made me sick! Those were my last 2 so I put a lead weight on and I could tell a big difference. Seemed like I lost a lot of feel. I may use something cheaper for fluoro though since I'm much more prone to loosing it on a snag. Ill use it for braid all the time though.


fishing user avatarBluebasser86 reply : 

I have a few I use when I'm flipping grass because the smaller profile helps it get through the weeds better. It may have a couple other very slight advantages like slightly faster fall because of the smaller profile and such but not any big enough advantages for me to fish with them just for fun. 


fishing user avatarChris at Tech reply : 

I was originally skeptical as well but I bought some and I do feel an increase in sensitivity.

If you don't want to go all the way to tungsten, try brass. A bit more than lead, but also a better option than lead ( at least to me)


fishing user avatarrippin-lips reply : 

www.alleystungsten.com


fishing user avatarmartintheduck reply : 

Tungesten gives more noise when c-rigging. Using a weighted worm setup, pop a glass/tungsten bead between the hook and weight and you'll get some good noise attraction.

 

 

Lead weights always get chewed up on the bottom for me, and sometimes get sharp edges - had those edges cut my line before. Tungsten doesn't chew up like that. 

 

Cheapest tungsten weights I've found are H20 Brand @ Academy. 


fishing user avatarhookset on 3 reply : 
  On 7/14/2013 at 12:00 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

I have a few I use when I'm flipping grass because the smaller profile helps it get through the weeds better. It may have a couple other very slight advantages like slightly faster fall because of the smaller profile and such but not any big enough advantages for me to fish with them just for fun. 

 

X2. Exactly what I was thinking. In grass they do come through easier.

 

I mainly like them in bigger sizes, as the smaller profile than similar size lead makes them more nimble working them in different types of cover.


fishing user avatarKMS64 reply : 

Haven't tried them yet.  Can't make myself spend the $.


fishing user avatardeep reply : 
  On 7/14/2013 at 9:20 PM, Chris at Tech said:

If you don't want to go all the way to tungsten, try brass. A bit more than lead, but also a better option than lead ( at least to me)

 

Could you elaborate a little?


fishing user avatarChris at Tech reply : 
  On 7/15/2013 at 9:08 PM, deep said:

Could you elaborate a little?

 

Sure -- I never thought about brass sinkers until a guide I was fishing with handed me one.  I won't say they're as good as tungsten at transmitting the bottom or a bite, but I found they provided a better feel than lead.  But of course they're more expensive than lead.


fishing user avatarArv reply : 

Size and sensitivity are why I buy them. Whether they are worth the amount you pay for them is up to you.


fishing user avatarRevival reply : 
  On 7/15/2013 at 11:30 AM, KMS64 said:

Haven't tried them yet.  Can't make myself spend the $.

 

Same here, especially how much i snag up.  It would be like losing a lure.  I really would like to try them though.


fishing user avatarDogBone_384 reply : 

If you live in Mass where lead weights under 1 oz. aren't legal to fish with, they're a decent choice.


fishing user avatarSwampLife reply : 

I finally tried them been fishing them for a month or two.. I fish with 1/8 and honestly I don't know if its a big difference.. The size is a lot smaller which I like but with that size weight I don't know if it increases sensitivity.. I have the strike king ones..

As far as losing them..I only use them on Texas rigs and If I get hung up on something I just pull the boat to it, reel up slack line , put the rod tip down and get it right out...


fishing user avatargobig reply : 

There are a few reasons for tungsten.

 

One is punching, its a flat out must have. The smaller profile of the weight allows you to get through the grass mats better. It also is good for downsizing baits and keeping the profile small.

 

Some cranks have tungsten in them which allows for really effective weight transfer that equates to longer casts.

 

The noise factor, tungsten weights and rattles have a different sound.

 

Higher sensitivity, you can feel the bottom really well. When the bite is real soft it is easier to detect. Being that you can feel distinct differences in the bottom, when fish are holding at the edges of composition changes you can keep the bait in the right area longer because its easy to feel the change.

 

Its also great for shooting those high ducks and geese. All I got to say is "dead coyote"


fishing user avatar---=Martin=--- reply : 

They sound kewl!!!

 

LOL, JK! I'm a gadget freak and a hardware snob, sometimes :), so i purchased some at walmart, i think they were $5 for 4 weights 1/8oz each.

 

i also noticed that the lead bullet weights i use have uneven and sometimes rough edges in the line hole, causing slight damage to the end of the line, tungstens are smooth as silk, they appear to be manufactured better and then painted black. i like that :)


fishing user avatardeep reply : 
  On 7/15/2013 at 10:58 PM, Chris at Tech said:

Sure -- I never thought about brass sinkers until a guide I was fishing with handed me one.  I won't say they're as good as tungsten at transmitting the bottom or a bite, but I found they provided a better feel than lead.  But of course they're more expensive than lead.

 

Cool man, thanks. Maybe I'll pick some brass bullet weights up. Strange thing is I looked it up, and brass seems to be less dense than lead (unlike tungsten)!


fishing user avatarcraww reply : 

The profile does it for me...ever tx rig w/a 1/2oz or 5/8 weight? That's a big glob of metal, larger in diameter than the worm. I feel a pegged, painted tungsten weight just looks more natural.




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