Let’s be honest, if you’ve ever stared at your tackle box and wondered, “Do I need to add a weight to this lure or not?” — you’re not alone.
It’s a common question, especially for beginner anglers. The truth is, some lures work great on their own, and others need a little help getting to where the fish are.
So let’s dive deep (literally and figuratively) into when, why, and how to use weights with fishing lures. We’ll go over different types of lures, the role of weights, how to rig them, and how they affect your fishing success.
1. Quick Answer: Do Fishing Lures Need Weights?
Sometimes. It depends on the type of lure, the depth you’re fishing, the current, and how you want your presentation to look.
Some lures are designed with built-in weight. Others float. Some need help sinking fast in deep water or staying near the bottom.
So the real question is: What are you trying to do with your lure?
2. Understanding Lure Types and Weight Requirements
Let’s break it down by lure category.
a. Crankbaits
Built-in weight: Yes
Extra weight needed? Usually not
Crankbaits are designed to sink or dive when retrieved. Their lip and internal weight system handle the job.
b. Spinnerbaits
Built-in weight: Yes
Spinnerbaits have weighted heads that help them sink and maintain their action.
c. Topwater Lures (poppers, frogs, etc.)
Built-in weight: No (they’re meant to float)
Add weight? Never — defeats the purpose!
d. Soft Plastics (worms, craws, swimbaits)
Built-in weight: No
Add weight? Often, depending on rig
These are where weights become more relevant. Soft plastics are super versatile, and weights help them sink, swim, or crawl along the bottom.
3. When You Definitely Need Weights
a. Fishing Deep Water
Fish don’t always hang out near the surface. To get your lure down to them, you need to add weight.
Drop shot rigs
Texas rigs with bullet weights
Carolina rigs
b. Strong Currents
In rivers or fast-moving water, an unweighted lure might just float away. A heavier rig keeps your presentation down in the strike zone.
c. Windy Conditions
Wind creates surface drag. Weights help keep your lure where it needs to be and make casting easier.
d. Bottom Fishing
Targeting bottom-dwellers like bass or catfish? You’ll want to keep your lure hugging the lake or river floor.
4. When You Should Avoid Weights
a. Topwater Fishing
Topwater lures rely on being buoyant. Adding weight will sink them, and you’ll lose their popping, walking, or buzzing action.
b. Shallow Water Sight Fishing
If you’re working skinny water (2 feet or less), you don’t need much weight. Let your lure glide naturally.
c. Suspended Fish (mid-column)
Suspending jerkbaits are tuned to hover. Adding weight could ruin their neutral buoyancy.
5. Types of Fishing Weights and How to Use Them
| Weight Type | Best For | How It’s Used |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | Texas rigs | Slides over line before hook |
| Split Shot | Light finesse rigs | Pinched directly onto the line |
| Egg Sinkers | Carolina rigs | Free-slides above swivel |
| Jig Head | Soft plastics | Combines hook + weight |
| Drop Shot Weight | Vertical finesse | Tied below hook, drops lure vertically |
🎣 Diagram: Common Weight Rigs
6. How to Match Weight to Conditions
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here are some quick guidelines:
| Condition | Recommended Weight |
| Shallow pond (1-3 ft) | None or 1/16 oz |
| Moderate depth lake (5-10 ft) | 1/8 oz to 3/8 oz |
| Deep lake (10-20+ ft) | 1/2 oz to 1 oz |
| River fishing | 3/8 oz to 1+ oz (depends on current) |
Also consider your rod strength, line weight, and lure size.
7. Pros and Cons of Adding Weight
👍 Pros:
Gets your bait to the strike zone
Improves casting distance
Helps fight wind or current
Creates bottom contact
👎 Cons:
May reduce lure action
Can spook fish in clear/shallow water
Adds complexity to rigging
That’s why you have to choose wisely — don’t just add weight by default.
8. Pro Tips for Weight Selection
Start light. Add weight only if needed.
Use tungsten for smaller, denser weights (better sensitivity).
Peg your weights if you’re punching heavy cover.
Keep your setup balanced. A light rod + heavy sinker = poor casting.
Experiment! Try fishing the same lure with and without weight.
9. Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Bass Fishing a Weedy Lake
Use a Texas-rigged worm with a 3/8 oz bullet weight to punch through vegetation.
Scenario 2: Trout in a Slow River
Use a split shot rig with a floating worm. One or two small weights is plenty.
Scenario 3: Surfcasting in the Ocean
Use a 1 oz+ pyramid sinker to keep your bait in place against the tide.
10. Final Verdict: Do Lures Need Weights?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
The key is understanding what your lure is designed to do and matching your weight to your fishing goals.
Weights help get your lure to the fish, but too much weight can ruin its natural action. As with most things in fishing, balance is everything.
Want More Tips Like This?
Check out lurebolt.com — your go-to source for:
Lure selection guides
Rigging tutorials
DIY tackle tips
Honest gear reviews
Whether you’re fishing ponds or open ocean, we help you make smarter tackle choices.
🎣 Fish smarter. Catch more. LureBolt.com.