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[Go to weights section]   [Go to hooks section]

Weights

Weights for angling are used for two main purposes:

1. To make a float sit properly in the water.
2. To hold a bait on the bottom when legering.

Weights used to make a float sit properly in the water are called split shot. Split shot were once all made from lead. Due to problems with the harm caused to wildlife, and in particular swans, the use of lead is now limited by law to the smaller sizes of shot. All shot that is larger than a number eight must now be made from non-toxic materials.

Non-toxic shot sizes: Lead shot sizes:
SSG (Swan Shot 1.6g) No.8 (0.06g)
AAA (0.8g) No.10 (0.03g)
BB (0.4g) No.12 (0.01g)
No.1 (0.3g) No.13 (0.005g)
No.4 (0.2g)
No.6 (0.1g)

[ Note: illustrations are not to scale ]

Any weights that are used to hold bait on the bottom are called legers. There are many different shapes and sizes of leger available; and one of the most common is the Arsley bomb shape.

As with split shot there are environmental rules to follow, where any leger that weighs less than one ounce (28g) has to be made from non-toxic materials.

[ < Arsley bomb ] [ < Non-toxic leger ]

A simple method of attaching a leger is known as the running leger, and this is illustrated in the diagram below:



Please note that in high water or stronger currents it may be necessary to use a heavier weight.

Hooks

There are a vast array of hooks to choose from, and for the novice angler this could be confusing. However, if you follow these simple rules it will make selecting hooks easier:

1. Does the hook suit the size of line?
2. What size of fish are you expecting to catch?
3. What bait are you going to use?

There are two types of hook; spade-end and eyed and both types can either be barbed or barbless.

Spade-end hooks: Eyed hooks:
barbed hook with spade-end barbed hook with eye
barbless hook with spade-end barbless hook with eye

Spade-end hooks are whipped onto the line by hand or with a hook tyer. Eyed hooks are connected to the line by passing the hook through the eye and tying a knot in the line (refer to the line and knots section). Ready-tied hook-to-nylon hook lengths are also available for your convenience.

More and more anglers are using barbless hooks and many clubs and commercial fisheries do not allow barbed hooks to be used, as barbless types are kinder to the fish.

SAFE recommends to always use a barbless hook!

Hook sizes:

[ Note: illustrations are not to scale ]