Heavy Tungsten Fishing Weights & Jigs
Lead is a toxic substance, and efforts by environmentalists to eliminate lead from fishing tackle have persisted for years. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) has documented instances of mortality in certain waterbird species, particularly the common loon, attributed to the ingestion of lead fishing tackle. Despite this, the ASA has actively engaged in educating legislators and the public about the minimal environmental repercussions of lead tackle. They emphasize the potential negative effects that an unjustified ban on such tackle could have on fishing participation and the sportfishing industry.
Why You Should Fish With Tungsten
Tungsten, being 1.7 times denser than lead, possesses greater hardness, providing heightened sensitivity, and enhancing your ability to sense the bottom composition and structure when using your lure. The tungsten sinker offers improved feedback on your bait’s actions, whether you’re fishing in areas with wood, rocks, sand, or clay bottoms.
Utilizing a tungsten weight also aids anglers in detecting bites more effectively. The sensation of the weight hitting the bottom and the loss of contact typically indicates that a bass has taken in the lure, signaling the need to set the hook.
Another benefit of tungsten is the distinct sound it produces when the weight makes contact with a hard bottom or piece of cover. A tungsten weight generates a pronounced ticking and clacking noise, reminiscent of a jig rattle, especially when striking rocks.
Due to its higher density than lead, tungsten sinkers are more compact than lead sinkers of equivalent weight. The size of tungsten, in comparison to lead, is 50% smaller. For instance, a 1/4-ounce tungsten weight will exhibit a smaller profile than a 1/4-ounce lead sinker. The reduced size allows for accurate casts in windy conditions and enhances precision when flipping and pitching your lure.
To improve your chances of catching more bass, consider removing lead from your rig and substituting it with a tungsten weight.
