How to Bass Fish With a Sliding Sinker

If you want to catch bottom-feeding fish like bass, use a sliding sinker rig. Sliding sinker rigs are attached above the hook or leader. The sliding sinker hits the bottom of the water source. When the bass fish eat the bait on the hook, the fishing line slides through the sliding sinker without the knowledge of the bass fish. The angler is alerted that the bass is on the hook and can quickly snare it onto the hook. Normally, bass fish retreat at any signs of movement, such as a tug from the fixed sinker.

Things You'll Need

  • Fishing line
  • Small leader
  • Pliers
  • Hook
  • Fin bait
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Instructions

    • 1

      Insert the end of a fishing line into the hole of the sliding sinker. Push the sliding sinker toward the tip of the fishing rod.

    • 2

      Clamp a small leader onto the fishing line 2 ½ feet from the end of the fishing line, using pliers.

    • 3

      Skip Step 2 if you are a beginner. It is easier for the slider hook to reach the bottom of the water source without the small leader.

    • 4

      Tie a hook to the end of the fishing line. The hook should be similar in size to your bait.

    • 5

      Insert the tip of the hook to the belly of fin bait. The fin bait swims away from the boat in a downward direction.