There are several types of weights used in fishing. Although the shape and method of attachment to the line varies, the purpose of the weight does not change. It's job is to add sufficient mass to the tackle so the light-weight fishing line can be cast and it also serves the role of making the tackle heavy enough to sink beneath the surface of the water, hence the nickname "sinker." Cigar weights are cylinder-shaped with tapered ends. Cigar weights designed for trolling have metal loops on each where the fishing line can be attached. Cigar weights for bottom fishing have rubber cores and length-wise slits where the line is inserted.
Cigar Weights for Trolling
Step 1
Determine how deep the trolling tackle needs to be beneath the surface of the water to match the fish, conditions and trolling speed.
Step 2
Tie a leader with a swivel hook to the fishing line at the appropriate distance from the bait. The deeper you want the bait to be in the water, the heavier and closer the cigar weight will be to the tackle. Tie the leader by inserting the line through the leader's metal eye. Make a medium-sized loop in the line and wrap the end of the line around the top of the loop seven times. Insert the free end of the line through the center of the loop and slowly pull tight.
Step 3
Open the clip on the swivel hook and clip it to the metal eye on the cigar weight.
Step 4
Close the clip and gently pull on the weight to make sure there is no slippage on the knot.
Cigar Weights for Bottom Fishing
Step 1
Determine how far the bait needs to be above the bottom of the lake or river. This will vary based for each species of fish and their feeding habits.
Step 2
Place the cigar weight on the line that distance from the bait. For example, when fishing for lake trout, most trout will feed about 18 inches from the bottom of the lake. Attach the cigar weight 18 inches up the line from the bait.
Step 3
Lay the line inside the groove that runs length-wise on the cigar weight.
Step 4
Twist the cigar weight's left rubber tab clockwise several times. This wraps the fishing line around one end of the rubber core, securing the line in place.
Step 5
Twist the cigar weight's right rubber tab counter-clockwise several times to complete attaching the weight to the line.
Tips and Warnings
- Rubber core weights will slip after repeated casts so frequently check the distance and re-attach the weight if necessary.
- Fishing line can also get tangled with in rubber core weights, making them difficult to remove. To untangle the line, pull the rubber core out of the weight, through the longitudinal slit and unwrap the line.
Things You'll Need
- Fishing line
- Cigar weight, either trolling or rubber core
References
- "The Art of Freshwater Fishing"; Dick Sternberg, David Maas; 1998
- "McClane's Secrets of Successful Fishing"; Albert Jules McClane; 1980
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