When surf fishing, it's important to use a good sinker. Sinkers can include pyramid, pancake, bank and breakaway sinkers. Each of these sinkers has a markedly different design. One type of sinker will work better than another, depending upon the prevailing water and weather conditions. To get the most out of your terminal fishing gear, equip your rig with the surf-fishing sinker that's right for the job.
Pyramid Sinkers
Perhaps the most popular of surf-fishing sinkers, pyramid sinkers are exactly that: a four-sided pyramid with an eyelet fixed to its flat, square bottom. These weights are particularly effective in rougher water and will hold the bottom easily. Pyramid sinkers are also good for weather conditions when wind may drag your line or when you're fishing in the shore break. Pyramids can be a little more difficult to reel in, but that's because they work so well.
Pancake Sinkers
A flat, round lead disc with an eyelet on the edge, a pancake sinker will effectively slide across the bottom, moved either by you or by the surf. Pancake sinkers will not roll as bank sinkers do, preventing your line from becoming twisted. Unlike pyramid sinkers or breakaway sinkers that dig in, pancakes will sit on the surface of the bottom. You can slowly retrieve the weight easily, moving bait into potentially more productive waters.
Breakaway Sinkers
Breakaway sinkers are particularly effective when fishing in rough and choppy waters. These sinkers have either fixed and flexible or spring-loaded wires that project outward from the lead weight. The wires help to hold the weight to the bottom in rough conditions but will fold back and easily release the weight from the bottom when retrieved.
Bank Sinkers
Bank sinkers have a classic teardrop shape. In rougher conditions, bank sinkers can be easily moved by the surf and tend to roll, often twisting your line in the process. In calm conditions, however, bank sinkers can be very effective. They cast more easily and often farther than other sinkers of similar weight. They also retrieve more easily than a pyramid or breakaway sinker.
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