Lead sinkers - is there a better way

Anyone out there got a better way of getting the bait to the bottom.
The cost of lead sinkers is making me look for alternatives . I am talking about a replacement for 16 , 20 and 24s that i normally use in deep water. Looked at making my own but where do you get the lead? does anyone make there own or use something else like steel bar and how does it go.
A day on the water is getting quite expensive with fuel , bait etc and losing 1/2 a dozen sinkers just adds to the cost.
Paul


SPESS's picture

Posts: 3356

Date Joined: 29/12/06

I make my own with sinker

Thu, 2007-10-25 11:00

I make my own with sinker molds when i run out. I get the lead from various scrap yards around the place. Various prices. Also check out ya guys in the know like electrians, air-con guys etc they usally have some floating around as well.

Alternate are jigs which if you keep an eye out you can pick them up for $2 each for 400gm ones. Not that much cheaper but alittle. I also know guys who use house bricks in half and they work but it looks stupid and not sure if its legal or not.

The only thing that i really do is like i said look out for tackle sales and insted of buying that rod you want thats 30% off stock up on terminal tackle like sinkers, swivel etc. You might be surprised how much you save. And dont beaffraid to ask for discount if you are getting a few most blokes are pretty good =]

Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!

tailor marc's picture

Posts: 2979

Date Joined: 27/09/06

Cant beat the good old

Thu, 2007-10-25 11:04

Cant beat the good old sparkplug!

Go to a mechanic and im sure you will find heeps.

Work well when fishing sinker/sparkplug on the bottom and  hooks midway up

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Colin Hay's picture

Posts: 10407

Date Joined: 23/10/07

Wheel balance leads

Thu, 2007-10-25 11:09

I used to collect old wheel ballance leads from tyre and brake centres
Regards Colin

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dogsoldier's picture

Posts: 943

Date Joined: 04/11/05

If you know anyone that does

Thu, 2007-10-25 12:20

If you know anyone that does house demolition you can pick up lead through thats way as some old houses have lots of lead in the roof,moulds might set you back 30-50 bucks then make your own just about to do a batch myself just dont use the bbq to heat up the pot otherwise the mrs might want to take a chunk out of you and use a face mask because of the fumes.melting old bike inner tubes you can the coat the finished sinkers which when banged against the side of the boat does not leave any marks and act like a little shock absorber
 
Tackle junkie
 Andrew

Mitta79's picture

Posts: 274

Date Joined: 16/12/06

I get my lead from any tyre

Thu, 2007-10-25 13:17

I get my lead from any tyre centre. It usually costs around $30 for a 20 litre bucket full. That equates to about 40kg of lead.

Cheers Mitta79

Posts: 485

Date Joined: 09/11/06

thanks guys

Thu, 2007-10-25 14:02

Some interesting ideas. Did't think about the tyre places! Spark plugs are too light for fishing 100 mtrs deep and the 1/2 house brick ( only when no one is looking). Dogsoldier - the melted tyres are a great idea , why didnt I think of that?
Sounds like i'm not the only one trying to save a few bucks.
Paul
Any day fishing is a great day !!

PilbaraBrad's picture

Posts: 3628

Date Joined: 16/05/07

must agree i too use wheel

Thu, 2007-10-25 14:41

must agree i too use wheel balance lead.  I usually get about 30 or 40kg for a carton of piss.  Go to any tyre selling mob and they will have heaps of the stuff.  each sinker works out about the cost of a sip of beer, not too bad.

Goatch's picture

Posts: 1011

Date Joined: 03/07/07

Wheel balance lead weights....

Thu, 2007-10-25 15:22

Something has just popped out of the grey matter, those  wheel weights contain a small amount of tin which from experience helps to cast a more robust lead lure which takes a bit of a belting around the rocks not being as soft as say straight lead (roof flashing)


Does a one legged duck swim in an eliptic circle

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Just one more cast , honest !!!