Where to put the weights on a fishing line

If it is your first time fishing, there may be a lot more elements that factor into the process than you originally realize. From picking out the right bait and lures for different types of fish, to selecting the right pole and reel combination, there are many things to take into account when creating the perfect setup. If you have not been fishing long, or maybe it is your first time out, weighting a fishing pole and securing the hook to it make be foreign territory. For the first time fisher, here are some helpful tips and tricks to get you setup for success in your fishing endeavors.

For the first time fisherman, fishing with a sinker or weighted line may seem like a strange or unfamiliar style of fishing, but it can prove to be a very successful type of fishing that can really reel in more fish with the attractive aesthetics of the hook and sinker. Hooking and weighting a line can be a tricky task, so figuring out the right way to do it is key to your success.

Tying the right knot and securing the hook to the line is the first step in successfully setting up your fishing line and pole. A clinched knot is one of the simplest and best ones you can use for securing a hook to the end of your line, and mastering this one is a great thing to do in order to be successful on your fishing trips. The first element of this knot is to feed about 6 inches of line through the eye of the hook and feed it back alongside the line. You should then wrap the line around the hook several times to hold it down tightly. You can then guide the line back through the loop formed as it creates a smaller loop as well. Pass the line through the larger loop now and tie the line tight and cut the extra line.

When adding the weight to the line, apply the sinkers roughly a foot and a half above the hook itself. Pass the line through the opening of the sinker and pinch it shut tightly with either your hand or a pair of pliers to make sure it is fastened as securely as possible. Once you have the hook tied and the sinker secured, you are ready to hit the water. Make sure everything is in place before casting, and happy fishing!

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• Jun 15, 2015
• John Harley

Fishing can be a rewarding sport for people of all ages and backgrounds. When fishing with live or artificial bait, it is important to securely attach the right hook and enough weight to the end of the line. Experienced fishermen develop their own style and may use a different method for preparing the line. However, beginners can have just as much luck with a simple rig.

Items you will need

• Fishing pole with line

• Hook

• Weight

• Needle-nose pliers

Consider the size of the fish you will be attempting to catch. This will help you determine the size of the hook that will be needed. A vast variety of hooks and weights are available in the fishing market, and choosing the right combination with which to rig your pole comes with experience. The average freshwater hook is between size 6 and 10. For now, remember that a hook that is too small will be easier for the target fish to shake off in the water, and a hook that is too large will not fit in the mouth of the fish.

Select a proper amount of weight for the water depth and current. A heavy line is more likely to get caught on the bottom of the waterway. Too little or no weight on the end of the line will cause the line to float at the surface or be quickly swept away by the current. An average of one or two weights will be needed. A balance of the right amount of weight will present the hook and bait at a level where the fish can easily pursue it.

Give the fishing line some slack, and tie the hook to the line. TakeMeFishing.org, an informative website devoted to fishing, recommends using the improved clinch knot. To begin the clinch knot, pull the loose end of the line through the eye of your hook. Next, wrap the loose end of the fishing line at least five times around the line going into the hook. Finally, guide the loose end of the line through the loop next to the eye of the hook. Pull the knot tight.

Use a nail clipper or fishing line scissors to delicately trim the excess line sticking out of the knot. Do not burn the excess line off because this weakens the fishing line. Test your knot by pulling lightly on the hook. Most lines aren't fashioned to withstand the strength of a human, so tug gently to test your knot.

Attach one or two weights to the fishing line. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service suggests placing the weighs 6 to 12 inches above the hook. Most weights are incredibly easy to attach with the use of needle-nose pliers. Hold the weight so that the line runs through its crevice. Once in place, squeeze this crevice shut around the line with your pliers.

Bait the hook and test your rig by casting it into the water. If you are constantly getting caught on the bottom, there is too much weight on the line, and if your line won't sink very far into the water, you are using too little weight. Adjust accordingly.

Tips

• A fishing knot is stronger when it is wet first. Use your saliva or water to moisten at least 6 inches of the end of the line.

References

Tips

• A fishing knot is stronger when it is wet first. Use your saliva or water to moisten at least 6 inches of the end of the line.

Writer Bio

Kate Zimmerman (pseudonym) has attended college for business management and writing. Her work can be found on multiple websites, including Golflink, eHow, Travel Trails and Answerbag. Her articles cover a wide variety of topics such as health, hunting, fishing, nature, and many more.

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