Whether you are setting up a Carolina rig with a plastic worm or a drop shot rig with natural bait, when fishing for bass, you often need a fishing weight. Each type of weight is specifically designed for a different style of bait presentation. Fishing weights suitable for bass rigs are widely available at sporting goods stores, tackle shops and online and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
Worm Weights
Also known as bullet weights, anglers use worm weights with artificial worms and other soft plastic baits. These weights make the lure heavy enough to cast, yet the streamlined profile of the weight allows it to move through the water naturally. Two rigs in particular, the Carolina rig and a Texas rig, use worm weights. In the Carolina rig, the fisherman threads the main fishing line through the worm weight, then adds a small bead to the line and ties it to a swivel. The other end of the swivel holds the leader line, hook and plastic worm. The weight is bounced along the bottom to give the worm action. The Texas rig omits the bead and swivel and ties the fishing line directly to the hook. The worm weight sits directly on the eyelet of the hook and the nose of the worm. The weight then slides on the main line, which imparts a more natural movement to the lure.
Split Shot Weights
When live bait fishing for bass, split shot weights are very useful. These are round lead sinkers cut almost completely through the center with a small hinge left to hold the two pieces together. Frequently used when bobber fishing, split shots crimp onto the fishing line, helping keep the live bait down in the water and adding more mass to make casting easier. The more weight you need, the more split shots you can add to the line.
Drop Shot Weights
A fairly new type of fishing rig, called a drop shot, is gaining in popularity. In a drop shot rig, the angler attaches a small round or cylindrical weight with an eyelet to the main fishing line. The angler then ties a Palomar knot to tie a drop shot hook or octopus hook about 18 inches to 2 feet above the weight. This weighted rig can use either natural or artificial bait. Drop shot weights are often made of lead, although tungsten and other materials are becoming more popular.
Finesse Weights
Finesse weights are an excellent alternative to worm weights when setting up a Carolina or Texas rig. These slender, cylindrical weights have a hollow core that allows them to slide onto fishing line easily. The narrow profile of the weights makes them perfect to work in rough and weedy areas. Anglers can easily lock these weights in place along the main fishing line with specialty stops designed specifically for finesse weights.
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