Why Should I Bother With Tungsten Sinkers?

[*Hootie]

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

 

 

[Kevin22]

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

[iabass8]

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. 

[tomustang]

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.

[Jake Coucoules]

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,

[ULG]

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

[38 Super Fan]

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.

[5fishlimit]

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.

[buzzfrog]

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..

[Fireguyfrank58]

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.

[Bluebasser86]

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. 

[Chris at Tech]

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)

[rippin-lips]

www.alleystungsten.com

[martintheduck]

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. 

[hookset on 3]

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.

[KMS64]

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

[deep]

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?

[Chris at Tech]

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.

[Arv]

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

[Revival]

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.

[DogBone_384]

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

[SwampLife]

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...

[gobig]

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"

[CountBassula]

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

[deep]

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)!