IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS
Informative articles to help you better understand and utilize the Tools of the Trade

“Back to Basics” Vol. 6
Weights, getting down with it

In this month's "Back to Basics" we will cover weights. We will talk about the different styles of weights and when to use them. These tips will help guide you in determining which weight to use during your next outing. These are general guidelines that I use to help me perform better and catch more fish.

Styles:
There are several different styles of weights on the market. Today, we will cover the two most popular, bullet and egg shaped.

Weights in General:
Weights come in many sizes from 1/64th of an ounce to 2 ounces plus. They are made from lead, brass, or tungsten. Each of the different materials comes in the verity (should this be variety?) of weights. What makes them different is that depending on the material used they have different sizes for the same weight. Tungsten, being the heaviest of these weights, has the smallest size for any given weight. The smaller size assists you in keeping the bait more natural looking, and it has less surface area for the fish to feel with their mouth. Each size and shape has its own time and situation to use it. Common sense will tell you that the smaller the weight the slower your bait will fall. This is critical to understand because how the fish are biting will dictate how fast or slow your bait needs to fall. Non-aggressive fish will have a tendency to bite a faster falling bait out of reaction rather than slower falling bait that they can study closer. Another factor in determining weight size is the wind. On windier days a heavier weight is needed to get the bait to the intended target without the wind repositioning it.

Bullet Weights:
The bullet weight is shaped just as it implies, it looks like a bullet. Bullet weights are more commonly used in heavy cover such as brush or grass because the shape allows it to move through the cover easier. Its pointed nose has a tendency to bury itself in the rocks and get hung up.

As far as pegging goes, some people like to peg their weight while others don't. When you peg the bait to the weight it keeps the bait and weight in contact at all times. This can be important when fishing brush because the bait could get hung on a branch and the weight is several feet below it sitting on the bottom. Then when you go to move your bait all you are doing is moving the branch until the bait comes free, and when it does it will most likely fall away from the brush and out of the strike zone. When fishing matted grass pegging your weight is critical to get the bait through the grass.

Rick's Applications:

• 1/64 to 1/8 ounce - swimming worms
• 1/8 to 1/4 ounce - Texas rig in brush
• 1/4 to 3/8 ounce - Texas rig in grass
• 3/8 to 3/4 ounce - Carolina rig in grass or brush
• 1 ounce plus - Punching heavy matted grass

Rick's Reminders:

• The lighter the weight the slower the bait will fall
• Heavy winds can cause you to have to use a heavier weight
• Peg the weight to keep the bait and weight in contact with each other
• Can be used for Carolina-Rigging in brush or grass

Egg Weights:
Just like the bullet weight the egg weight has a shape as implied, like an egg. The most common use for egg weights is for Carolina rigging, especially when doing it in the rocks. Because of its shape, the blunt nose of an egg weight is easier to move through rocks without getting hung up. Eggs weights can be used in heavy cover such as brush piles and grass but their shape allows them to hang on the brush or grab the grass. When Carolina-Rigging, be careful if you're using a lead weight. If it is coming in contact with the knot on the leader it will cause the knot to fray and break easier and sooner. A helpful way to protect the knot it to use plastic, glass, or brass beads in front of the weight. Not only will this help protect the knot, but it will create a clicking sound that sounds similar to bait such as crayfish.

Rick's Applications:

• 1/4 to 1/2 ounce for Carolina-Rigging in water 1-12 foot deep
• 1/2 to 1 ounce for Carolina-Rigging in water 10+ foot deep

Rick's Reminders:

• Protect your knot - use plastic, glass, or brass beads in front of the weight
• The deeper the water the heavier the weight you will need to keep in contact with the bottom
• Heavy winds can cause you to have to use a heavier weight

I hope you have found this month's "Back to Basics" informative and it helps you to increase your catch! Visit my website for more articles. If you are interested in a particular topic, send a request to rick@ricktilson.com. Check back next month for another informative "Back to Basics".'

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