Which Weight When?

[Smallie_Stalker]

Here are four types of weights I currently have for fishing in the salty stuff. What is the best situation for me to use each of these weights in?

[Pferox]

You actually only have three different weights there, the weight on the left and center are both Pyramid weights, just slightly different styles.  They are the most widely used weights with small to medium sized baits in softer bottoms.  They kind of bury into the bottom to hold.  I try these weights before I go to the heavy duty weights the spyders.

The coin shaped weight works best on rocky bottoms, or when you want a little movement of the rig.

The one on the left is a spider weight, the wires get bent out like the legs of a spyder and they will dig into the soft bottom, giving a firmer hold.  These are commonly used in surf or heavier currents, where it isn't too snaggy.  As a matter of fact they work in snaggy / grassy areas too because the legs will straighten out and release when enough pressure is put on them.  Provided the lead portion hasn't hookup under a rock or something.  Solid bottoms are a little more challenging for them to penetrate, but will anchor.



With practice, you will see where each weight works best.

As an example, in the Bayou because the currents usually aren't that bad, I use a 1 or 2 ounce pyramid, never had a need for a spyder weight. 

When in the surf, all I use are spyder weights ranging in what ever weights my rods can handle.

On the pier, in the surf, there are times that you can get away with a pyramid weight, but as the currents kick up, using the same size spider weight will usually hold in a lot heavier current.

[Smallie_Stalker]

That is extremely helpful. Thank you. My notebook is filling up fast.