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Sinker weights

Posted by tony_gissy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=tony_gissy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 3/4/2013, 10:54 pm

Just a question. What weight do u all use for fishing. I use 5oz bos thinking of going to a 6oz. And is it true a casting rod cant handle more than a 4oz sinker. I use a 15 foot uglystick and really like it.

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by Phill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Phill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 3/4/2013, 11:19 pm, in reply to "Sinker weights "
Tackle Tactics

Why do you want to go to 6oz and that's not true about casting rods . English rods tend to be very specific on their casting weights .

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by tony_gissy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=tony_gissy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 4/4/2013, 3:56 am, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "

If i havd a half pille on it dont go as far as a whole 1 would thats all. Only thinking at this stage.

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by racepics <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=racepics' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 4/4/2013, 6:23 am, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "

6oz plus a whole pilly is a heap of weight (especially when the pillies you buy these days are the size of big yems)
I haven't actually weighed the combo of rig/sinker/bait but the best distance I can get with my 222's is with a 5oz and half a pilly or less.

http://www.paniasurfcasting.org
http://www.surfcaster.co.nz

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by Hangler <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Hangler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 4/4/2013, 9:05 am, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "

Surely the size of the sinker would depend on whether you are targeting a certain specie of fish, and the angler's age and strength to handle the heavier weight to load the rod's action for distance.

For general fishing I find it far more satisfying to use the lightest weight the rod is comfortable handling. I use headless anchovies rather than pilchards, the heads are removed on an angle so when the frozen bait defrosts, the gut cavity contents will leach out forming a small burley trail.

I avoid break out sinkers whenever possible, but obviously if there is a current running then they are necessary. However, I appreciate that from the number of anglers who always use these sinkers regardless of the tidal conditions, I am very probably in a minority. Nothing unusual there.

Re: Sinker weights

Thanks guys might stick to a 5oz. I use anchovey to the same way. But i split 1 down the mid and wrap it around it

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by jaypeegee <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=jaypeegee' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 4/4/2013, 6:46 pm, in reply to "Sinker weights "

Heavy weights for heavy current. (5 and 6 oz)
Or if I want to load the SONIK

Lighter if casting closer or in still waters.

SONIK rated to 6oz
Other rods vary.

Horses for courses I guess.

Re: Sinker weights

There was a method of surfcasting that was once very popular, although it was necessary to have a long stretch of beach to yourself. This involved using a ball sinker and actually encouraging the end gear to move using the tidal current. This was handy for a bait to move quite realistically into a gut, channel or known feeding hole.

The angler would make a cast, then holding the rod quite high, he would walk along the beach at the same rate the sinker was moving. This presented the bait in the best way possible and at times was quite deadly. This method seems to have fallen from favour, it is now rarely seen or written about. This was known as 'Walking The Dog'.

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by GaryK <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=GaryK' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 4/4/2013, 10:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "

The dogs are still getting walked Hangler. Deadly at Ocean Beach here in HB.

The snapper don't know where the car park is!
Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by Neville Haglund <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Neville+Haglund' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/5/2013, 1:43 pm, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "

We GT guys walk the dogs on the surface.

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by Hangler <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Hangler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 11/5/2013, 2:44 pm, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "

If by GT you mean gin and tonic, then when walking they usually encourage me to fall over.

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by Charlie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Charlie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 13/5/2013, 8:54 pm, in reply to "Sinker weights "

5 1/4oz (150gms)this is the weight that they use in tournament casting in England.Make my own as they are near to impossible to buy.

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by Phill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Phill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 13/5/2013, 9:04 pm, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "

You only have to look at the Tackle Tactics online shop, the host of this forum.
http://www.tackletactics.co.nz/sinkers.html

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by Rex HB <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Rex+HB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 13/5/2013, 10:02 pm, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "

Recently Ive started using one rod with 6kg line, a lighter siglon shock leader (Phil has these) and a 3oz sinker. The other rod has 8kg line, a 30kg shock leader and a 5oz sinker.

I'm just about getting the same distance with anchovies and bonito on both. And often the lighter line gets the hook ups. Obviously a big surf beach might not suit lighter line but its certainly opened my eyes to challenging the idea that a big sinker always equals better distance and more fish.

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by James HB <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=James+HB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 13/5/2013, 10:44 pm, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "

Also the ac tion of the rod plays a big part Rex. Softer rods such as SLX. Penn Slammer, load easier generally with a lighter weight sinker than say a 222. I use 5oz on my 222s and 4oz on Ethans Slammer and veritas. Generally the distance is about the same with my distance rod a bit further.

No excuses, just get out there!!

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by Hangler <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Hangler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 14/5/2013, 8:33 am, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "

Rex, welcome to the light brigade, you will find it so rewarding.

Phill, can you please tell me if there is any show you will be getting the new sinkers that incorporate the plastic bait ejection clip. I know you have the weight with the wire that holds the bait and this frees the baited hook when it hits the water surface. However, this has now been improved upon and the new 'Gemini' weight (I think) works on the same principal as the plastic cone, where water pressure moves a cone up the weight and ejects the bait. These look to be very useful.

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by Phill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Phill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 14/5/2013, 8:51 am, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "
Tackle Tactics

Hi Hangler, do you mean the Gemini Splash Down. These sinkers would suit your fine wire hooks perfectly. We can manufacture to order and we also have the mould kits available on our web site.

Re: Sinker weights

Hi Phill, a picture paints a thousand words, I found this clip on YouTube.

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by Rex HB <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Rex+HB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 14/5/2013, 10:44 am, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "

Thats quite clever isnt it. I imagine the sinkers will be expensive though.

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by Phill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Phill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 14/5/2013, 12:24 pm, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "
Tackle Tactics

You are correct Rex, Breakaway will only sell complete leads, the shipping cost is the killer.
The beauty of the Splash Down is that the hook is traped so if you lay it on the ground behind you it will not come undone, which makes it very safe.

Re: Sinker weights

Phill, I have had a look at your site but I can't find a lead that is called 'splash down'. Are you able to be a little more precise with the whereabouts of the lead you mean? Many thanks.

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by Phill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Phill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 14/5/2013, 1:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "
Tackle Tactics

We currently sell the moulds and componentry for the splash downs here:
http://www.tackletactics.co.nz/moulds-and-components.html

However, we can manufacture the Splash Down sinkers to order.. if interested please let us know.

We also supply the Splash Down Solo bait clips which can be used with your normal breakout sinkers:
http://www.tackletactics.co.nz/clips.html

Re: Sinker weights

Posted by racepics <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=racepics' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 14/5/2013, 2:08 pm, in reply to "Re: Sinker weights "

I purchased some those clips a while back - but have been unable to use them due to the Gammy hooks being too thick to fit in the slot.
Might have to get some fine-wire hooks so I can try them out

http://www.paniasurfcasting.org
http://www.surfcaster.co.nz

Re: Sinker weights

I have just ordered three packets of those 'splash down' clips, they look to be the ideal solution especially when casting anchovy bait.

Thanks for the help, Phill. Once I try them I will give a write up for others who may be interested.

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