Tried Some Tungsten Today

[Mobasser]

Had a couple of hours to fish this afternoon. Myself, Catt, and Scaleface spoke about tungsten slip sinkers the other day, so, I stopped by Wal Mart and bought two packs of SK tungsten slip sinkers. 1 package 1/8, and 1 package 3/8 oz. So far, I think I like em. I like the smaller size, and I think they transmit some extra feel on my Texas rig. I rigged with a Zoom finesse worm, color Old Purple, Gama 2/0 straight shank hook, and my usual Big Game 12lb line. I can see the benefit of tungsten, although I've fished standard lead sinkers for many years. They're certainly not cheap at 10 bucks for eight sinkers. I'm still undecided on them. I may try some brass sinkers also. I can paint them myself if need be. Ended up catching one keeper, and three smaller fish today. I'm sure I'm late to the party on these tungsten weights, as it seems like everyone has been throwing em for a while now. I still need to fish them some more to be completely sold on the benefit verses the cost. Lead weights have worked well for me for a long time, so, we'll see how it goes....

[Log Catcher]

I have a few tungsten sinkers in 1/4 and 3/8 ounce weights. I don't use them very often due to the expense when you get hung up and lose them. I am still just as happy with lead sinkers. 

[jbsoonerfan]

I thought they quit making lead 20 years ago? LOL!

 

I started using tungsten a long time ago and there is no way I could go back to lead. My buddy was throwing a 1/4 oz lead weight the other day and I thought he had a 1 oz punching weight on.

[MN Fisher]

7 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I thought they quit making lead 20 years ago? LOL!

Water Gremlin still makes lots of lead weights here in MN. Of course they occasionally get into trouble with the MN Pollution Control Agency over discharge from their plant - last was just this past November.

[Bird]

When you buy in bulk, your committed. 

[Hammer 4]

Just to add, you can find tungsten weight via the interwebs if you look hard enough..Not as fancy as some of the high priced weights, but get the job done.

[Fishes in trees]

For me, the jury is still out, as far as using tungsten for drop shot weights.   (I haven't bought any and don't plan on buying any.)   However, for tx rigging, the jury has been in for a while now Tungsten is far superior IMO.  3 years ago a buddy told me and told me to go to tungsten and my worm results would be better and I didn't believe him, because after all, weight is weight, then I bought some -  had a GREAT day tx rigging  10" worms dropping through standing timber.   So I bought some tungsten on close outs, then that winter bought more - I'm convinced that tungsten weights catch more fish than lead weights.

[basser27]

I’ve had lead and steel/brass fray my line. 100% tungsten user here for that reason. The smaller size doesn’t hurt either

[DitchPanda]

I didn't believe the hype for years myself. A dollar for one small weight..what kind of crap is that? So I had to try it for myself and see what all this was about. Now I only use lead for catfishing or in split shot form under a bobber for panfish.

 

[Bluebasser86]

It's great in sizes above 1/2oz, I don't really see the benefit in smaller sizes though. I lose too many sinkers to zebra mussels to fish it on everything.

[scaleface]

I just started using them last fall , after losing a large bass . Another angler told me tungsten catches more because it doesnt blow their mouth open like a large lead weight . I dont believe that  but decided to try them . I have noticed they are more sensitive .

[schplurg]

22 hours ago, Mobasser said:

Had a couple of hours to fish this afternoon. Myself, Catt, and Scaleface spoke about tungsten slip sinkers the other day, so, I stopped by Wal Mart and bought two packs of SK tungsten slip sinkers. 1 package 1/8, and 1 package 3/8 oz. So far, I think I like em. I like the smaller size, and I think they transmit some extra feel on my Texas rig. I rigged with a Zoom finesse worm, color Old Purple, Gama 2/0 straight shank hook, and my usual Big Game 12lb line. I can see the benefit of tungsten, although I've fished standard lead sinkers for many years. They're certainly not cheap at 10 bucks for eight sinkers. I'm still undecided on them. I may try some brass sinkers also. I can paint them myself if need be. Ended up catching one keeper, and three smaller fish today. I'm sure I'm late to the party on these tungsten weights, as it seems like everyone has been throwing em for a while now. I still need to fish them some more to be completely sold on the benefit verses the cost. Lead weights have worked well for me for a long time, so, we'll see how it goes....

 

The bold bit above is enough info to make my decision, yikes!

[Teal]

They are expensive, but paired up with a decent rod and braid, it is a noticeable different in feel.  I wont go back to lead.   I'll quit smoking Marlboros and eating out  before I quit tungsten.

[A-Jay]

Been a Tungsten user & abuser for a while.

Superior to lead IMO when it comes to bottom contact baits; except in silt or on very soft bottoms.

Then I'll used lead. 

First cast while fishing a 3/8 oz tungsten bullet weight in front of a Texas rigged plastic, 

I set the hook 10 times 'on the tap' - it was small pieces of wood, not fish.

I was convinced after that.

A-Jay

[DomQ]

I bought a bunch of stainless steel weights from bass pro, I paint them with my desired colour nail polish (that my girlfriend has) and clearcoat to protect. Works fine for me. I also use them as the bodies for my inline spinners that I make. Love them!

[mcipinkie]

Drink that Kool Aid !!

 

[Smalls]

You can find better prices online. I just stocked up on flipping, dropshot and worm weights, tungsten Ned heads and a couple other things for $40. I think I had 35 pieces total on the order.