How to Install Split Shot Sinkers on Fishing Lines

Fishing sinkers provide weight to the line and hook to drop the setup deep below the water surface. Sinkers are helpful when fishing for deep-water-dwelling species like catfish, walleye, bass and pike. In addition, sinkers are helpful in fast-moving water as they give extra weight to the line and hook, helping them maintain a more static position in the current. Split-shot sinkers are among the easier sinkers to use, as they require no knots or swivels to place on the line.

Things You'll Need

  • Multi-tool with pliers or small needle nose pliers
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Open the sinker by using a flat-blade or plier tip to pry the two nocks apart. Split shots are round with a collar that has tow nocks. Push them apart enough to slide onto a fishing line.

    • 2

      Hold the fishing lure or hook in one hand and slide the open nocks on the split-shot sinkers onto the line, just above the hook or lure.

    • 3

      Slide the sinkers up approximately 8 to 12 inches. The distance is determined by the depth of the water you are fishing, the size of the sinker and the size of the hook or lure. As a general rule, the larger the hook, the farther up the line from the hook the sinker should be.

    • 4

      Pinch the nocks together so they hug the line. Use needle nose pliers or the plier tool on a multi-tool. Pinch the sinker as tight as possible to prevent the sinker from moving on the line.