Deep drop weight substitutes

[VViCKiD]

Hi guys,

I've hearinng about people using all sorts of substitutes for deep dropping. Eg. Steel reinforcing bars, window sash weights etc.

Just wondering what gauge people use for the bars and where do you get the sash weights?

Thx in advance

[Witha]

The one time I've been out the sash weights seemed perfect, but apparently they're harder to come by these days? Other method was concrete in pvc pipe I think.

[VViCKiD]

Yeh I tried looking for the sash weights but can't seem to find them. Pvc and concrete didn't sound that dense though.

I've heard of 24mm steel reo bars though Bunnings only seems to sell 12mm as thickest

[hotbite]

Two house bricks put together with cable ties, then attached with a "break away' dropper below your hooks.

[GH1952]

We use sash weights and if you know a couple of builders ask them to look out for them.

I tried pvc tubes with concrete of different lengths and size but found that they are to light and if there is any current you won't get to the bottom.

The other option is to make a mould and then use lead, I've seen some good moulds on some of the deep drop sites

[Overdraft]

30mm Reo bar goes alright. And you don't mind leaving that on the bottom.

I've used house bricks but the drag on them is crazy. The boys got a little emotional when there breakaways didn't break.

[VViCKiD]

Thanks guys. Sounds the 32mm reo bar is the go. Found a place that sells them $52 for 6m. Sounds a bit cheap to me though. Perhaps I was quoted wrong. How do you rig the bar? Do you drill a hole in it?

[Overdraft]

Mate we just put 2 cable ties around the bar and create a loop.

[VViCKiD]

do u lose them from slipping often ?

[rexaway1234]

I use 36mm reo bar chopped down length about 400mm

It's 8kg per metre weight in that gauge

Can drill hold thru surprisingly easily and loop some heavy gauge wire or get an exhaust shop to tack weld the same wire in loop across end

So then alignment with weight falls vertical for less drag and helps reduce snagging up too

Works out about 7 bucks a sinker I think

[rexaway1234]

^{like this or drill hole thru for same effect}

[VViCKiD]

thanks rexaway. Thats a great idea. I'll probably drill and use cable ties for an easy breakaway if need be.
I've order 32mm x 45cm lengths cut. should be 13 deep drop weights on a 6m length

[amkr]

get an exhaust shop to tack weld the same wire in loop across end

If you're willing to travel out south west sydney, I'd tack weld it on for you.

[VViCKiD]

Massive thanks amkr ! But I'd hate to trouble you

[rexaway1234]

I wouldn't have the breakaway on the sinker so close though

Asking for trouble getting your main rig snagged up

6m of 60 lb mono breakaway below main rig attached to sinker

I run 130lb main line braid

[rexaway1234]

Or like this

[VViCKiD]

Ohh I was going to have 1m of 20lb line for a break away

[rexaway1234]

20lb will almost snap just from jerking of a 3kg sinker in the water from the boat moving with waves

[Dfishin]

And you will cut your hands trying to drop the sinker over side and trying to stop slow it with only 20lb breakaway.

I use 50lb line from Bigw ( cost about $3.50 for 500m )for my sinker dropper which is anywhere from 5- 15 meters depending where we are fishing. 200-300 lb main line and droppers to the hooks. I use window sash weights but im a builder so i do get them from some renovations.

Your sinker is best off being Lead as it can be smaller in size for same weight as steel. then you have less water drag meaning less weight required.

You can buy some good big tear drop sinkers, I think they are about 500g - 1500g. they are the best but are pricey espeicially if your going to fish browns. I have made sinkers for deep drop same way as you would make a snapper lead but I use empty coke cans or the skinny V cans are good. Pour lead into can with the top cut off, Have a ring of fencing wire ready to set into the top of it before lead sets.

Dave

[VViCKiD]

Thanks for the pointers guys. Will change to some nice 50lb line from big w

Cheers

[matblack]

Rio is the go with half a small chain link welded to the top ,make a few different lenghts depending on what the current is doing