Sorry, But Here We Go...

[ThatZX14Fella]

I'm thinking about switching up weights from lead to tungsten since I haven't been getting hung up on stuff as much lately. Just wanting to know some of the benefits.

[kickerfish1]

Smaller in diameter compared to lead

Denser so they transmit vibration better leading to more feel

Only negative is cost

[Smokinal]

Smaller in diameter compared to lead

Denser so they transmit vibration better leading to more feel

Only negative is cost

All of the above. Plus, they just seem to cast better. Not sure why but I like a 1/4 for t-rigged worms and they just cast better than lead, transmit the bottom better and keep the worm pegged to the bottom better than lead. I'll never go back to lead. I watch for sales and stock up when I find them. Watch your local Dick's for clearance. Check Wally world too.

[the reel ess]

Come through grass on the bottom better. Here's a potential drawback. They don't dent or bend so they can be abrasive on your line knot. I've been using a glass bead between the tungsten weight and the hook. It protects the knot and certainly doesn't seem to be hurting anything. I heard Scott Martin refer to this as a sort of T-rig rattle.

[Further North]

Come through grass on the bottom better. Here's a potential drawback. They don't dent or bend so they can be abrasive on your line knot. I've been using a glass bead between the tungsten weight and the hook. It protects the knot and certainly doesn't seem to be hurting anything. I heard Scott Martin refer to this as a sort of T-rig rattle.

I use a plastic bead rather than the glass ones - they are softer and less brittle than the glass ones and are easier on the knot and line.

[ThatZX14Fella]

Alright, thanks guys. Think I'll pick a couple of packs up and try them out.

[papajoe222]

The only reply that I disagree with, generally speaking, is that they come through grass better.  If reel ess is actually referring to grass vegetation, I'd concur.  If the reference is to weeds in general, I've found a lead weight actually aids in working your bait as it is wider and pushes the weeds out away from the front of your bait.  That is the only time I see them as a negative.

[the reel ess]

The only reply that I disagree with, generally speaking, is that they come through grass better.  If reel ess is actually referring to grass vegetation, I'd concur.  If the reference is to weeds in general, I've found a lead weight actually aids in working your bait as it is wider and pushes the weeds out away from the front of your bait.  That is the only time I see them as a negative.

Submerged bottom grass. And "better" not "great". I was getting some bites and LOTS of grass with the lead bullet weights. Tungsten has a much smaller profile for the same weight.

[Fisher-O-men]

If you're not getting snagged you're not fishing in the right place!

[FishTank]

Love tungsten weights but hate the cost compared to lead.  With that said, it may just be me, but I seem to catch more fish with them than lead.

[RoLo]

I've found a lead weight actually aids in working your bait as it is wider and pushes the weeds out away from the front of your bait. 

 

Papa nailed it.

When dealing with bullet sinkers under 1/2 ounce, I'll always opt for lead or steel.

The broader beam of a lead or steel bullet sinker provides a nice weed deflector.

This is especially important in tandem with a wide-bodied lure that creates a step-down shoulder to the tungsten weight.

In Florida, a shouldered rig would snag weeds every 5 feet  

 

Roger

[ThatZX14Fella]

If you're not getting snagged you're not fishing in the right place!

 

I get caught up, but since I now fish out of a kayak I manage to get unhung most of the time now. Lol

[HoosierHawgs]

All of the above. Plus, they just seem to cast better. Not sure why but I like a 1/4 for t-rigged worms and they just cast better than lead, transmit the bottom better and keep the worm pegged to the bottom better than lead. I'll never go back to lead. I watch for sales and stock up when I find them. Watch your local Dick's for clearance. Check Wally world too.

Denser it is, better it will cast. That's why small, heavy, lipless baits cast like bullets

[flyfisher]

I made the switch over to tungsten this season when Bass Pro was having heir sale on their house brand during the spring sale.  I bought quite a few packs of different sizes .  Sure they are more expensive but my results have been better this year than previous.  I also haven't lost any yet so the added cost isn't an issue to me if it performs better.

[Jon G]

I thought tungsten was a gimmick at first but after using I realized how good it is. They are expensive but I just stock up on them when they are on sale. I don't care about brand either I just grab what ever is on sale and what's the cheapest.