How much of an effect does the size of the weight have on the fish?

The size of the weight can be quite important to the fish you are aiming for.  Depending on the type of fish, you will find them suspended at different depths in the water and biting at different levels within the lake.  If you use a heavy sinker, you will only be able to target bottom feeders or fish that are resting on the bottom in order to avoid extreme temperatures (heat or cold, depending on the season).  However, if you use a very light weight or no weight and float your rig, you’ll only find feeders in the shallows or sunfish.

Choosing the right weight for your fishing endeavors is as important as choosing the right size hook.  You want to have a weight that is heavy enough to dive to the depth you desire and to present a realistic imitation of a food source for the fish you wish to catch.  However, you don’t want to weigh down the bait too heavily, as this will make it difficult for the fish to get a good grip and try to take off with the bait, getting hooked in the process.

If you are jigging, you will probably find that several other factors also affect your weight choice.  For example, if it is a windy day, you’ll need heavier weight to keep the jig on target without slapping around in the waves too heavily.  By contrast, if you are jigging in shallows, a lighter weight will work better.  Also assess the activity level of the fish in question before choosing a weight.

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