In the whole scheme of things is tungsten really worth the extra cost? Sure tungsten is 50% smaller and you can feel cover/bottom better, but at nearly six bucks for three. Lead on the other hand; is 50% bigger and slightly less sensitive, but you can get a pack of ten for three bucks. More fish have been caught using lead weights than any other material weight combined, a tried and true material. Is tungsten really worth it? (Also keep in mind this is for people who actually purchase their own weights and not those who get them from sponsors.)

I'll say that I'm not a granola crispy type but I'd imagine less lead in the water is a good thing environmentally. Not entirely sure but I believe I heard some states were starting to ban lead. Don't quote me on that though.

That's true; I forgot about that, but I still don't think that being more environmentally friendly is worth 6 bucks haha.

That's true; I forgot about that, but I still don't think that being more environmentally friendly is worth 6 bucks haha.

 

Guess I figure if I'm not losing them and can re-use them over and over, the $6 doesn't really bother me that much.

In the whole scheme of things is tungsten really worth the extra cost? Sure tungsten is 50% smaller and you can feel cover/bottom better, but at nearly six bucks for three. Lead on the other hand; is 50% bigger and slightly less sensitive, but you can get a pack of ten for three bucks. More fish have been caught using lead weights than any other material weight combined, a tried and true material. Is tungsten really worth it? (Also keep in mind this is for people who actually purchase their own weights and not those who get them from sponsors.)

 

You're absolutely correct.  More fish have been caught using lead than all the other weights combined.

 

Of course that's because more lead weights are used than all other weights combined.

 

To get an accurate picture of which weight catches more fish, you'd need an accurate count of fish caught per type of weight.

 

That won't work either, because you'd have to factor in the skill levels of those using each type of weight.

 

Further, you'd have to factor in the quality of fishing in those states which have banned the use of lead, Massachusetts being one of those states.  How does the catch rate in MA compare to the catch rates in states which allow lead?

 

So, being from MA, I'm now using tungsten.  I don't like the size of the other lead substitutes, be they steel, brass or bismuth.  That's just my preference.  The fishes preference.....?????

 

My guess would be that in finesse presentations, tungsten would have an advantage over lead or other lead substitutes. 

 

Is it worth the cost?  That's up to each of us to determine. 

 

Some say that Senkos aren't worth the higher cost.  Others claim they are more than worth the extra cost because they are superior to other brands.

 

You'll get differing opinions from all quarters.  In the end, the right decision is the one we each make, whether it's based on cost, effectiveness, or a combination of the two.

Lead for fun fishing.

 

Tungston for serious tournament fishing.

 

On new waters tungsten weights can help you determine the bottom structure. 

 

With the introduction of the new down and side scan electronics you can see the bottom so the need for tungsten is diminished.

 

Punching through grass gives tungsten an advantage over lead so on the Potomac you may want to use tungsten when fishing the grass.

The answer is, as always, it depends. If you are punching mats, you definitely want tungsten because you can have a 1oz or 2oz tungsten weight that is half the size of its lead counterpart. As others said, you can feel the bottom better and feel structure better. The biggest advantage to me is that you can get the same amount of weight on your line without greatly inreasing the profile of your bait or altering its shape in the water. I use tungsten 90% of the time, there are few situations where I will use lead. Yes, it does cost more, but I have the budget for that.

Do like I did, try it for a few months. Then go back to lead. For me night and day difference.  It still kills me to buy them, but then again I get 6 weights for 12-14 bucks. They last me a long time, alot longer then some of the other fishing lures you can buy.

Also rocks -- tungsten is better.  It' a place I kind of hate to use tungsten because you lose some rigs, but it doesn't get mashed up like lead does.  Anytime I'm around rock, I go with tungsten.  Actually, anytime I have tungsten I use it.

When you're in a boat and you can move over to a snag to get it loose, use tungsten.

 

I'd be hesitant to use bank fishing since your chances of getting snags back is less.

I have been using them for a few weeks, and I have to say, I like them and they do make a difference. That being said, if I wasn't working at BPS, and getting a discount, I probably,....well, no, I would not be using them.

Hootie

They don't sell lead bullet weights here in NY, so it's tungsten, tin, or brass for me. I like to match the size of the weight to the worm, so I carry a few tin bullets when I want to use a light weight with a big worm. Other than that, the insert free, painted black tungsten weights work fine for me.

I love tungsten weights, I just don't love it when I lose one.  They definitely transmit bottom feel better and they're far superior in punching applications in my eyes. The cost of them sucks, but I always try to capitalize when I see a deal.  

no in my opinion.  Lead is only a minor thing in the water compared to the hundreds of companies that dump pollution in the water.  Also, lead weights work just great.  No need in paying double for Tungsten.  

I pretty much use tungsten for everything minus split shots and mojo rigs.

Most of us are spending $4/gallon for truck and boat gas, umteen thousands on boat and gear already.  So for a couple more bucks, I catch more fish and get a much better read of what I'm fishing?  You bet, I buy tungsten!  In the grand scheme of things, how many weights do you lose, anyway?   I don't lose that many.

My state seems to be moving lead free little by little so my choice is made for me

Most of us are spending $4/gallon for truck and boat gas, umteen thousands on boat and gear already. So for a couple more bucks, I catch more fish and get a much better read of what I'm fishing? You bet, I buy tungsten! In the grand scheme of things, how many weights do you lose, anyway? I don't lose that many.

^^^ Im fishing from both the shore and boat and have a limited budget so when I loose a 2 dollar weight plus like a dollar hook and lure I'm not the happiest haha but I can see your coming from a professional stand point

I agree with flechero on this. I am a fairly latecomer to the tungsten party, but the benefits out-way the cost in my opinion. I don't lose many and for the cost of a few gallons of gas I can fish tungsten all year. Most of us have to make value judgments about tackle. I choose to use other gear that some would find inferior, yet it works fine for me. We each must decide if tungsten,  fluorocarbon line, good crankbaits, premium plastics, jigs or any other fishing related item is worth the cost. It's all good. 

CrossK-  Heck, I don't even tournament fish (haven't in almost 10 years) so this is all from a recreational point of view.  Tungsten weights are $1-$3 each which is barley a 1/3 of the cost of a good crankbait...  If money is tight and you have to budget buy all your tackle, I get it, I have been there in the past.  If you buy luckycraft cranks and then buy lead- I don't get it.  ...lol 

 

For as little time as I get on the water these days, an extra 0 - $10 per day to catch more fish is a good use of funds in my opinion.  On good days, I lose no tungsten so it only costs more sometimes. 

It has definite benefits, but I rarely use them because of price.  I can catch them on lead just as well so not something I make a priority.

The way I lose drop shot weights, it would cost more in tungsten weights than what I spend in gas for a day on the water! Glad I make my own lead ones!

I don't use tungsten for drop shot AT ALL. We pour our own. I go through a couple hundred a year.

With lead being totally out of the equation here in MA, I've been using Bismouth/Tin alloy jigs, tungsten or steel T-rigs.