Core Lead Fishing Weights
Lead core fishing weights are both a cheap and effective. It’s an effective an dynamic weight that can be customized to the right size, attached to the various clips (crimped) and many other options. Lead core are sold in large coils or individual sized pieces. In my opinion, the cheapest and best way to go is to buy the large coil so you can cut the sizes you want. These coils will last you a long time.
The most popular and used diameter is likely the 1/4″ diameter core lead. As you get smaller the the length of the lead can get to large and is impractical. These are the most common core lead diameters:
- 1/4″ (0.65 cm)
- 3/16″ (0.48 cm)
- 1/8″ (0.32 cm)

You need a Balanced Setup
Lead core weight is typically used for drift fishing under a float and this is to ensure you have a properly balanced float. In order to ensure your float is sitting in the correct position in the water column adjusting the weight is key. As mentioned, core lead is effective here as you can cut specific sizes off a coil to ensure you have the perfectly balanced float/setup! The next question is what is the ideal lead size for your float? That’s what this calculator tool below is for…
Try Our Lead Size Calculator
This handy tool does a quick calculation for the length of core lead you need for a balanced setup. You simply choose the size of the float, diameter of the lead and the tool will provide you with the recommended length. There is also additional options to include other weight you may have below the float (jigs, baits, etc) and it will adjust the lead size recommendation. And it will also warn you if you’re using too much weight. Check it out!