Where Do You Put the Weight on a Fishing Line?

by Pablo Koch-Schick May 15, 2025

Ever wondered why some anglers reel in fish after fish while others spend all day watching their bait float aimlessly? A big part of the equation is fishing weight placement. Put the weight in the wrong spot, and you might scare off fish or let your bait sink too deep. Get it right, and you’ll have the perfect bait presentation to entice even the pickiest trout, catfish, or walleye.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to attaching a weight to your fishing line. It depends on your fishing conditions, the species you’re targeting, and how you want your bait to move in the water. Whether you're fishing from a boat, casting from shore, or working a river, understanding split shot weights, egg sinkers, sliding sinkers, and other sinkers is key to increasing your angling success.

In this guide, we discuss where to put the weight on your fishing line, why it matters, and how to fine-tune your setup for the best results. Let’s get into it, before another fish hits and you miss out!

Understanding Fishing Line Weights

If you’ve ever lost a fish because your bait floated too high or sank too fast, you already know how crucial fishing line weights are. These small but mighty tools help control your bait presentation, ensuring it stays in the strike zone where fish like salmon, trout, and catfish are most likely to bite.

But here’s the thing, choosing the right weight isn’t just about picking the heaviest sinker you can find and tossing it on your main line. It’s a balancing act. Too much weight, and your bait drops like a rock, looking unnatural. Too little, and it might drift too freely, making it hard to catch fish in deeper water or strong currents.

There are several types of fishing weights, each designed for different fishing conditions:

Split shot weights – Small and easy to attach, these let you fine-tune your setup by adding extra weight when needed.
Egg sinkers – Typically shaped like, well, an egg, these allow the line to slide freely, keeping your bait looking more natural.
Sliding sinkers – Ideal for live bait rigs, these move along the fishing line, making them perfect for fish that tend to nibble before they commit.
Bullet weights – Common in bass fishing, these help lures move smoothly through vegetation.
Trolling sinkers – Heavier weights designed to keep your bait down while trolling through deeper water.

Understanding how each type of fishing weight works and when to use it, makes a huge difference in your angling success. The goal? Keep your bait looking natural, avoid lost fish, and give yourself the best shot at landing a trophy catch.

Choosing the Right Weight

Picking the right weight for your fishing line is all about understanding your fishing conditions and what you’re targeting. Too heavy, and your bait drops straight to the bottom like a rock. Too light, and it drifts aimlessly, never reaching the fish. So how do you strike the perfect balance?

Here are the important factors to consider:

Water Conditions – If you’re fishing in deeper water, strong currents, or windy conditions, you’ll need a larger weight like a slip sinker or trolling sinker to keep your bait steady.
Target Species – Catfish and walleye often hang out near the bottom, so heavier egg sinkers or bullet weights help you reach them. Meanwhile, fish like trout and salmon prefer bait that moves naturally in the water, meaning a lighter split shot might be the way to go.
Bait Type – Live bait? Keep it natural with a sliding weight that lets it move freely. Artificial lures? Match the weight to your rig to avoid affecting the lure’s action.
Depth Control – When fishing at different depths, adjust your weight placement to keep your bait where the fish are biting. Adding extra weight can help your bait stay in the strike zone longer.

Weight Placement on a Fishing Line

Where you place your fishing weight on the line can be the difference between a great day of fishing and a whole lot of nothing. Get it wrong, and you risk spooking fish, missing strikes, or making your bait look unnatural.

So, where should you put the weight?

Above the hook – This is the most common setup. Placing a split shot weight or egg sinker on the leader line keeps your bait at the right depth without affecting its movement.
On a sliding rig – Using a sliding sinker allows your bait to move freely while keeping it anchored in deeper water. This works well when fish are finicky and need to feel less resistance before they commit.
Between the swivel and main line – If you’re fishing with a swivel, adding a weight between the main line and leader line can help prevent tangles and keep your bait positioned properly.
Inline with the lure – Some lures work best with a bit of extra weight to help them sink naturally, especially in fast-moving rivers or lakes.

The trick is adjusting weight placement based on the depth you’re targeting and how you want your bait to behave in the water. If you're getting too many snags or your bait isn't staying put, tweak your rig until you find the sweet spot.

Using Split Shot Weights

When you need to make small, precise adjustments to your fishing line, split shot weights are the go-to option. These tiny, clamping lead weights are perfect for fine-tuning your bait presentation, whether you're fishing in shallow water, adjusting for current changes, or trying to keep your bait suspended just right.

Why Use Split Shot Weights?

Easy to Attach and Remove – Just pinch them onto the line with your pliers, and you’re good to go. Need less weight? Just take one off.
Perfect for Subtle Adjustments – Unlike bulkier sinkers, split shot weights let you fine-tune how your bait sinks without making it look unnatural.
Great for Light Rigs – If you’re targeting trout, salmon, or other fish that feed higher in the water column, these are a great way to control depth without weighing down your rig too much.

Where to Place a Split Shot Weight

A few inches above the hook – Keeps your bait steady while allowing natural movement.
Spaced out along the leader line – If you need to get your bait deeper but want a gradual sink, placing multiple split shots at intervals along your leader line can help.
Above a float – Helps keep your bait in place when fishing with a bobber or float rig.

Using Egg Sinkers

When you need your bait to reach deeper water while still allowing for natural movement, egg sinkers are a solid choice. These typically oval shaped weights are designed to slide freely along the fishing line.

Why Use Egg Sinkers?

Allows the Line to Move Freely – Unlike fixed lead weights, an egg sinker lets a fish take the bait without feeling resistance, which means fewer spooked fish and more solid hookups.
Ideal for Bottom Fishing – Perfect for fishing in lakes and rivers, where you need to keep your bait near the bottom without it getting stuck in every rock and snag.
Works with Live Bait – If you’re fishing with worms, minnows, or other live bait, an egg sinker helps maintain a natural motion, increasing your chances to catch fish.

How to Rig an Egg Sinker

Slide the egg sinker onto your main line – The hole through the center lets the line move freely.
Add a plastic bead – This prevents the sinker from damaging your knot and provides a small cushion.
Tie on a swivel – This stops the egg sinker from sliding all the way down to the hook and keeps your rig balanced.
Attach the leader line and hook – Depending on your fishing conditions, you can adjust the leader length to control how high the bait hovers above the bottom.

When to Use an Egg Sinker

When fishing for bottom-feeders.
In currents or moving water, where a stationary bait presentation is needed.
When fish are biting lightly and you don’t want them to feel the resistance of a heavy sinker.

If you’re not getting bites, try adjusting the size of your egg sinker. A larger weight might keep your bait too low, while a smaller one could let it drift too much. It’s all about finding that perfect balancing act.

Surf Fishing & Environmental Considerations

If you're fishing from shore, especially in the surf, weight selection is even more important. Strong currents, waves, and wind can push your bait around, making it harder to keep it in the strike zone.

Use a heavier weight – A slip sinker or bullet weight can help anchor your bait in rough surf.
Experiment with placement – Keeping the sinker closer to the hook can prevent excessive drifting, but too close might look unnatural.
Watch the tides – Incoming tides often mean stronger currents, requiring larger sinkers to hold position.

Beyond surf fishing, other environmental factors - like water depth, bottom structure, and vegetation should also guide your weight placement. Fishing in a river? You might need a rubber core sinker to avoid snags. Fishing a deep lake? A trolling sinker can help you get down to where the fish are.

Taking Care of Your Fishing Gear

A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your fishing rod, reel, and line in top shape:

Check for a frayed line – A damaged main line increases your chances of a lost fish when a big one strikes.
Store weights properly – Keep lead weights dry to avoid corrosion and rust.
Inspect knots & swivels – A weak knot can be the difference between landing a trophy catch and telling a story about the one that got away.

Mastering Weight Placement for a Better Catch

Placing the right weight in the right spot isn’t just a small detail, it’s the difference between a frustrating day and angling success. Whether you’re fishing in deeper water, casting from shore, or adjusting for strong currents, understanding split shot weights, egg sinkers, and sliding sinkers will help you catch more fish.

And if you want to skip the trial and error? Join us at Reel Coquina Fishing, where we handle the details so you can focus on the thrill of the catch!