Weights

Sinkers are essential for presenting your baits and rigs properly when sea fishing. When chosen well, they provide bottom holding power, bite detection and casting distance, whether you fish from shore or from a boat.

Choosing the right sinker shape for sea fishing

Each sinker shape is designed for a specific situation. Egg or pear-shaped sinkers are versatile and suitable for both sliding and fixed rigs. Breakout (grip) sinkers offer excellent holding power in strong currents or on exposed beaches thanks to their wires that anchor into the bottom. Streamlined or “missile” shapes cut through the air more easily and allow for longer casts, which is very useful in surfcasting or when fishing from jetties and piers.

On rocky or mixed bottoms, more compact sinkers help reduce snags. On sand or mud, wide-based or flat-profile models stabilize the rig more effectively. The goal is always to find the right balance between holding power, sensitivity and casting distance.

Sea sinkers and fishing techniques

The type of sinker changes depending on the technique you use. From the shore, surfcasting sinkers (pyramid, cone, missile, breakout) let you cast far while keeping the rig in place despite waves. Sliding rigs give your bait more freedom of movement and improve bite detection.

• Surfcasting: streamlined or pyramid sinkers for distance, breakout sinkers for tough conditions.
• Boat fishing: heavier, more compact sinkers used for vertical or drift fishing to keep the line as straight as possible.
• Rockfishing and light fishing: small egg or ball sinkers to fine-tune the presentation close to rocks and structure.
• Lures and specific rigs: some rigs use sliding or in-line sinkers to control the swimming depth of the lure.

Weight, conditions and seasonality

The weight you choose mainly depends on depth, current, wind strength and the casting distance you want to reach. In calm, shallow water, 1.5–3 oz (around 40–80 g) is often enough. When the swell builds, the current picks up or you need to reach a distant sandbar or reef, weights of 3.5–7 oz (around 100–200 g) or more can become necessary.

In winter and in mid-season, rougher seas usually require heavier sinkers or shapes that grip the bottom better. In summer, when conditions are often more stable, you can lighten your rigs to gain sensitivity and stealth.

Tips for using and maintaining sea sinkers

Prepare several rigs with different sinker weights so you can quickly adapt to changing conditions. Varying the weight also lets you test different casting distances and find more quickly where the fish are holding.

After each trip, rinse your rig accessories in fresh water, even though the sinkers themselves are not very sensitive to corrosion. Regularly check swivels, clips and sleeves near the sinker, as these are the parts that wear out fastest from salt and friction. In snaggy areas, favor simple rigs that are easy to rebuild if you get hung up.

FAQ - Sea fishing sinkers

What sinker weight should I use for sea fishing? From the shore, start around 2–3 oz (about 60–80 g) in calm seas and increase gradually (3.5–5 oz or more) if swell, current or desired casting distance require it. From a boat, adjust mainly to the strength of the current and the depth.

What type of sinker is best for surfcasting from shore? For maximum distance, choose streamlined or missile sinkers. When waves and current are strong, switch to breakout or pyramid sinkers that anchor the rig better and limit line drift.

Do I need several sinker shapes for a single session? Having several shapes and weights is a real advantage: you can quickly change casting distance, bottom grip or presentation according to changing weather, tide and fish activity.