In the Sport of Catfishing, we have found the need for many different styles of weights and sizes. Rather if you are fishing in lakes, streams or rivers will govern the types of weights
used. The angler has to take into account the type of bottom rather it be rock, gravel, sand, mud or a combination of all. Will the fish be in holes, rocky structures or perhaps a log jam is
something else to consider.
Most retail outlets will carry the generic types of weights that they expect us to adapt to all of our various fishing conditions. Mainly egg sinkers and a few no rolls with out any size to
them. There are solutions for us to make our own that will save money in the long run.
The bass caster mold by Do-it is one of the most versatile molds for making several types of weights. This particular mold shown is the 3, 4 and 5 ounce. To make the inserts, I took a
paperclip, cut it in half and wrapped it around a 16 penny finish nail. Some of these I added a swivel for line twist.
Picture BCS1s.jpg
Picture BCS1s shows the mold laid open with the various components used. The 5 ounce has the half paperclip on the swivel with another paperclip that is doubled over that will come out the
bottom of the weight. The 4 ounce is just a clip on the weight for a 3 way rig. On the 3 ounce is a 3/32 brass pin that will make a slip sinker for the various sizes.
Picture BCS4s.jpg
Picture BCS4s shows how you will have to secure the pins in place with a small piece of masking tape across it as the molds will have to be flipped up side down in order to pour the lead in.
I had to modify the pour spouts with a file so that the lead will pour in much faster creating a better pour of the lead at lower temperatures.
Picture BCS2s.jpg
These are the 3 various weights that you can pour for the drop sinker or 3 way rig. The first one has the swivel on it so that it will roll with the current. The center is just a basic
generic bass caster weight. The far right one you will spread out the paperclip so it will hang up and come off without much pressure.
Picture BCS3s.jpg
The far left is designed to be much like a spoon sinker. Simply smash this one with a hammer to the desired thickness. The middle weight is the slip sinker no roll. Leave the pin in the
weight after casting, remove the slag from the end and hammer it down. Make sure you twist the pin after you hit it two or three times so it will come out much easier. The right weight is a
simple slip sinker that you can pull the pins while the lead is still in the molds.
Be very careful and wear gloves and eye protection. Pouring lead is very dangerous and make sure you have a good fan going to exhaust the fumes from the lead. I like to secure the mold
together with a C Clamp so that it will not open while I am pouring. These bass caster molds do come in weights up to 20 ounces as this will give you several options of the type of weights
that you can pour out of each one to get started making your own weights.
Check with your local bait shops and tackle stores and ask them about the Do-It molds. They make a variety sizes and many types of weight molds that run around 30 dollars give or take a few.
Good Luck, Be safe and save yourself a few dollars in tackle over the long run.
