Bullet Weight Chart

A bullet weight is a cone-shaped sinker used primarily with Texas rigs and Carolina rigs. The bullet shape slides through cover (grass, wood, rocks) without snagging. It's the standard weight for soft plastic fishing in heavy cover. Use our Texas rig weight calculator for specific recommendations based on your conditions.

For shallow water (1-10 ft) with light cover, start with 1/8-1/4 oz. For moderate depth (10-20 ft) or heavy cover, use 1/4-3/8 oz. For deep water (20+ ft) or strong current, use 3/8-1/2 oz. Always use the lightest weight that lets you feel the bottom. Our Texas rig weight calculator gives personalized recommendations.

Tungsten is denser than lead — a 1/4 oz tungsten bullet is physically smaller, falls faster, and transmits more bottom feel. Lead is cheaper and works well for most situations. Use tungsten when you want a compact profile or better sensitivity. The size difference matters in heavy cover where a smaller weight gets through grass more easily.

In sparse cover (light grass, scattered wood), use lighter weights — 1/8-1/4 oz. In heavy cover (thick mats, laydowns, docks), use heavier weights — 1/4-3/8 oz — to punch through. In open water or rock, match weight to depth and current. Our chart above covers common scenarios.

Bullet weights have a pointed nose that slides through cover. Worm weights (cylinder or egg shaped) are better for open water or light cover. Bullet weights are the standard for Texas rigs in cover. Worm weights work for Carolina rigs or open-water presentations. Both are available in lead and tungsten.