Tungsten Vs. Lead

[fishinphilly]

over the past 2 years I've been using tungsten almost exclusively, so i was wondering is there a time when you will use lead over tungsten?

[gulfcaptain]

I carry lead in 1/8-1/4oz sizes.  Fishing light line.....4-8lb I'll fish lead.  Also only fish lead when I dropshot as I don't feel their is a benefit for tungsten in that application.

[doyle8218]

I don't use tungsten unless fishing rock or very hard bottom.

[fisherrw]

I never use it to expensive. Stick with lead.

[Brian-S]

I use tungsten for all weights that are added to the baits ( texas rigs, etc ) but for jigs, shaky heads etc still stick with lead due to the options! 

 

Brian 

[*Hootie]

I was on here about a year ago, questioning whether or not I was going to continue using tungsten worm weights, or switch back to lead because of the price. Well, I stayed with the tungsten. I have even started using tungsten jigs and spinnerbaits. It's hopeless....lol.

Hootie

[gulfcaptain]

I was on here about a year ago, questioning whether or not I was going to continue using tungsten worm weights, or switch back to lead because of the price. Well, I stayed with the tungsten. I have even started using tungsten jigs and spinnerbaits. It's hopeless....lol.

Hootie

I have a few jigs myself as well as using tungsten jig heads for my A-rig baits.... just sometimes you need that smaller heavy jig.  Is there such a thing as the "tungsten monkey" now?  I know for all my flipping weights Siebert has one of the best prices.   

[WRB]

Unless lead is illegal in your state there is little advantage to using tungsten other than 50% smaller size verses lead. Bullet weights under a 1/4 oz, size shouldn't be a issue, the cost of $1.30+ per 1/8-1/4 oz is extreme. If you are punching with 3/4 to 1 1/2 oz weights, tungsten smaller size an advantage, the cost of $7+ is insane for a weight, got to pay the piper for the smaller size.

I use painted brass bullet weights in lieu of tungsten for years in the 1/8-1/4 bullet weights, catch as many or more bass than other anglers fishing the same lake. The painted brass are about .25 cents each, still 5X lead bullet weights, 1/5th the price of tungsten, hard and gives you the same feedback without sharp edges to worry about.

IF lead wasn't banned in some states, tungsten weights would never have been be made for fishing.

Tom

[Dredd]

What WRB said - look up your local laws. Here in NY its illegal to use lead.

[Comfortably Numb]

I also see no need for tungsten in most applications. If you cant feel a texas rigged with lead you need a new rod or line.

[Big C]

1/2 ounce tungsten bullet weight is heavier than a 1/2 ounce lead weight.

[Catt]

1/2 ounce tungsten bullet weight is heavier than a 1/2 ounce lead weight.

And a half ounce of feathers is heavier than both!

[kcdinkerz]

Lol

[*Hootie]

I also see no need for tungsten in most applications. If you cant feel a texas rigged with lead you need a new rod or line.

True, very true and, OH!,...on the same hand,.... I see no need for a $420 dollar rod,....but I have one...er'.... three of them...and one $550...lol.

Hootie

[Sam]

Once again, it is personal preference.

 

If you are going to punch through grass you need a compact weight that is the same diameter as your plastic. Tungsten fits this bill.

 

On the other hand, if you are fishing areas where you are going to get hung up and lose your baits then lead is the prescription.

 

In between it is personal preference.

[Dogmatic]

Use tungsten for everything, except split shot, and that's only because I had a supply of lead, once that's gone I will make the switch. There's only one reason to use lead, cost.

[Catt]

I also see no need for tungsten in most applications. If you cant feel a texas rigged with lead you need a new rod or line.

I feel the exact same way

I can make the longest cast I can into20' of water with a 1/4 oz bullet weight and I can tell y'all when it hits bottom. And that's with 15# Big Game which I told aint conducive to bottom lures.

I don't know where y'all buy 3/4-1.5 oz lead weights but mine do not have a larger diameter than tungsten, they're just longer.

Not only can I flip/pitch/punch heavy to matted vegetation with lead I can bring it back out cleanly, I can do it with a Jig-n-Craw!