DIY Dragging Weights For Catfish!

After trying several different types of dragging weights, I took the things I liked from them and made my own. It saves me money and these are the best dragging weights I have used.

[@user-cp6cu6tq8f]

I watch and was amazed how simple this is. But I wondered? Why ain't he just using a heat gun? Well I got all the supplies, made my first one and used a heat gun....and now I know why he Didn't use a heat gun....lol. Awesome video and thanks!!

[@robertvargo9824]

I love this. Thanks for sharing.

[@allkindsofoutdooractivities]

Great video! Nice set up

[@bobbywelch6035]

Tip, keep the heat shrink in the blue part of the flame, otherwise you can burn the heat shrink. Going to try this out, but I will use my heat gun and not the lighter.

[@Popareeno]

Great video. Seen a few and this in my opinion is the best one.

[@downriverfishing3639]

Papa Reno G I agree! I did a bunch of research before I started making these. Some folks argued that the heat shrink would not hold up but I’ve had some for a year now that are still dragging just fine.

[@luzgarcia9499]

I keep running this idea.great idea man

[@RetiredRick]

looks like a winner to me ,thanks

[@jonathanpartridge8155]

I will try this for sure

[@bryangreen3158]

Like your idea.

[@johnoileroutdoorsman1534]

GREAT EDUCATIONAL VIDEO

[@jonathanpartridge8155]

Sweet idea man!!!! Thanks for the hack. I am going to put it to the test for sure.. You should show us a complete set up that you use..

[@downriverfishing3639]

I have a video where I go over my dragging rig. If you click on my channel you should see the video on it. Thanks for watching!

[@sargentt6003]

A mono leader tied to swivel ran thru the tubing and down thru the bullet weight with a double or triple knot and then crimped off. Much stronger to pull against rather than only the grip of the shrink tube.

[@bradbex9051]

Great Video.

[@FishingKit]

That's awesome man. I never used these style weights but I'm gonna have to make some up this upcoming spring.

[@downriverfishing3639]

Fishing Kit they work great for pulling baits through structure. You will still get snagged every now and then but these weights reduce the amount of times by a lot!

[@FishingKit]

@@downriverfishing3639 right on, it'll definitely be better than dragging a regular lead. Nice video btw

[@dougfrump3732]

​@@downriverfishing3639was

[@rogerkilby4303]

Good job Sir !!! 👏

[@downriverfishing3639]

Thank you!

[@j.j.clingman4083]

Awesome how to video!! I have a whole bunch of 8’ sticks of 1/2” and 3/4” heat shrink and I’m thinking I can get that stuff to work with maybe some wheel weights for the lead for the weight and a buddy of mine is a cocker and uses that backer rod by the 1000’ rolls in sizes 1/4” all the way up to 2” in 1/4” increments!! I bet one of the sizes he has will fit inside and work great also!! I think I might have everything to try and make some my self also!! Great idea thanks again buddy!!

[@downriverfishing3639]

I’m sure it will work! I did use marine grade heat shrink though. Not sure if that will matter much but if you have issues with them holding up that could be why.

[@josecovas7716]

Made some and tested them in the swimming pool. Although they float the same way as in your water filled tub, when you drag them, they reverse and drag the opposite of how they float. Drag as if your pulling a “C”. I Made them exactly like in your video.

[@downriverfishing3639]

The point of them is to get snagged as little as possible. Doesn’t matter which way they float. The point of the float is to keep the top up off of the bottom.

[@FishingWithJBT]

Great video man! I just subbed,im gonna start drifting and everything soon this is exactly what i was looking for 👌

[@downriverfishing3639]

Get after it brotha!

[@wazup3333]

@@downriverfishing3639 is this good for casting? What would you suggest to make 4-6oz without it being that long?

[@downriverfishing3639]

@@wazup3333 I would not use this for casting. This setup is best used for dragging baits.

[@wazup3333]

@@downriverfishing3639 I need something lie this for casting off of jettys since I keep getting snagged

[@downriverfishing3639]

@@wazup3333 use a pencil weight. I think they make them in higher weights.

[@danmaciosekmaciosek6166]

Great video

[@downriverfishing3639]

Dan Maciosek Maciosek thank you!

[@donaldmartin4980]

I will just fill mine with dry sand.

[@jonathanmiller7499]

Sand won't keep a bend...

[@donaldmartin4980]

@@jonathanmiller7499 it seems to work well in plastic tubing ..

[@dwaynenewton4855]

What size bullet weight and snap swivel do you use?

[@harrietdavis3229]

good video😉

[@ramrodrymensnyder2648]

Awesome video. Great looking design!! Gonna make some up. I think its worth noting that it is important to use a lube that is not petro based, anything petro based would eat the backer rod and could potentially even eat the shrink tubing. I know most people would probably know that, but still worth mention lol. Thanks for the video...im off to go buy some tubing!

[@downriverfishing3639]

Good advice man, but I have no clue to be honest. I had to use the oil to get it the foam in the tubing. I tried to do it without lube but was not successful.

[@daviddaigrepont9485]

If I want 2oz of weight should I use a slightly heavier weight to counter the buoyancy of the foam?

[@hillbillymoonshiners9353]

Ok thanks

[@davidstrickland4569]

What is backer material used for under normal conditions. Where would you find it in Lowes

[@lancerudy9934]

The swivel will not spin?

[@WeekendPursuitOutdoors]

Was just curious as to why you need to crimper the bullet weight? Water is gonna get in there from the top reguardless? Also how easy does that swivel pull out if it get hung up?

[@downriverfishing3639]

You are exactly right. Water does still get in so no need in crimping unless you put something under the swivel to keep water from traveling through the swivel. It holds up great I haven’t had one slip yet. I’ve found that the hook gets snagged a lot more often then the weights. I’ve got another video you can check out about the rig I’m running now to help with that issue.

[@sherrybeaubien7007]

Good video man..thank you! Not to complain but that music is purdy bad tho. I’ll look forward to seeing another one!

[@newvocabulary]

Meanwhile I just used a stapler, some rusted bbs, and thick straws. 0 issues.

[@hillbillymoonshiners9353]

Put links up where you bought the foam, tubing and roll weight please

[@copper118]

He did i though it was in the video it’s on amazon

[@robertdixon01]

noticed the blount county tn tag. same county im from

[@miamiwax5504]

2 questions 1. Is this marine grade heat shrink or is regular fine? marine grade is twice as expensive! 2. what is the purpose of the bullet weight? why not just have the lead roll flush at the end of the tube and heat it? im sure it would seal tight just like the bullet weight. anyways i'm trying to use this rig to fish inlets in florida for snapper. will let u know how it works. i'm tired of my sinkers getting snagged!

[@downriverfishing3639]

miamiwax yes it is marine grade. There is no reason for the bullet weight you can definitely shrink it up to the weight. Hope it works well for you! I’ve been using mine for about 3 months now and I really like them.

[@miamiwax5504]

@@downriverfishing3639 yeah this is the best design i've seen. will post again with my results. take care!

[@wazup3333]

@@miamiwax5504 what are your results?

[@Just_The_Average_Dude]

What size swivels do you use? No problems with them pulling out?

[@downriverfishing3639]

Justin Case buddy I just grabbed the biggest ones they had at academy. Never had one pop out. The heat shrink wraps nice and tight.

[@Traumamonkey]

Drive a finish nail into the bullet weight To plug the hole. Then you can just snip it off some cutters.

[@SlimAdventures]

I feel there’s a better way to seal these then jusy shrink tubing… also how does it stay together? Just the shrink tubing?

[@chevyemert5655]

Maybe there is. This way just something I throw together that worked well. The shrink does hole it all together. I’ve used them a bunch over the years and haven’t had any issues other than the do seem to bend where the foam meets the lead. It’s doesn’t hurt anything structurally and moves through the water straight.

[@SlimAdventures]

@@chevyemert5655 aslong as it all holds I guess no reason to over complicate it. Thank you for the advise👍🏻

[@hahmmo]

man you are genius! thank u

[@downriverfishing3639]

I am no genius but I do have a good idea from time to time lol.

[@76whalen]

How do you keep the water out of the swivel end? What size swivels are you useing

[@BPinney]

I imagine the foam helps with that.

[@luzgarcia9499]

Great idea. But did u catch any fish

[@chevyemert5655]

Lots of fish have been caught with them.

[@luzgarcia9499]

Great idea though THANK YOU. BE SAFE

[@WeekendPursuitOutdoors]

Are you sure the heat shrink is 3/8"? I bought 3/8" heat shrink and 3/8" backer. I used olive oil and I cant get it to go in the heat shrink more than about 3" We ended up running thread down the heat shrink and tying it to the foam and made 2 of them but the string keeps breaking because the foam is so snug. I'm gonna order a bigger diameter heat shrink then I'll just slightly heat it to fit snug in the foam then shrink it down on the lead and the swivel.

[@downriverfishing3639]

Yep, it’ was 3/8. Next time you could try a smaller diameter backer or larger diameter heat shrink. It was difficult to get it the first couple of times. You have to role the oil around in the heat shrink to lube it all up.

[@WeekendPursuitOutdoors]

@@downriverfishing3639 Ya we oiled it up extremely well. It's just slow going. I ordered a 3:1.....1/2" shrink tubing that I think will work out perfect as it will shrink up past 1/4" so should be ALOT easier to put the foam in then shrink it up on the lead and then the swivel. Thanks for the reply!

[@lazkug7793]

Why use backer? Air is lighter than foam. Just stick a dowel or piece of pencil in, then your swivel. ..and shrink wrap all.

[@WeekendPursuitOutdoors]

@@lazkug7793 It wont be air tight with the swivel and the heat shrink tubing will fill with water!

[@ponyup90]

Why does every youtuber have to put the hip hop sound tracks in the background ?

[@johnathonkelp3587]

Just to piss you off.

[@ponyup90]

@@johnathonkelp3587 probably some truth to that

[@daviddaigrepont9485]

Yeah. I don't care for the music either. But the idea is great.

[@sargentt6003]

They need the distraction to sell you on a half ass design

[@laughingdog5201]

Links to buy?

[@Mr4twitch]

What does it do when you have it rigged with the other float?

[@downriverfishing3639]

If you’re talking about the float that’s above the hook it’s all to keep your bait up off the bottom so you avoid as many snags as possible.

[@Mr4twitch]

@@downriverfishing3639 but is two ounces enough to keep the float down?

[@downriverfishing3639]

@@Mr4twitch yep! You can put more weight in them if you want but 2oz is where I like them. Those floats are not very strong 1 oz will send them to the bottom.

[@Mr4twitch]

@@downriverfishing3639 I made mine with ball bearings

[@luzgarcia9499]

😊

[@timroy8949]

i dont understand the purpose of the bullet weight, please explain, thanks

[@downriverfishing3639]

No real purpose other than closing the bottom. I’m sure you could do several different things. It’s just something I had laying around.

[@danb3703]

@@downriverfishing3639 I think you can by lead without a hollow center. They call the hollow center "hollow core" If you buy the stuff that isnt cored out, you can just heat shrink that at the bottom and your good to go.

[@TheSpeyfisher]

What is your complete setup? Show how to fish it!!!!

[@downriverfishing3639]

Man any of my dragging videos show how to use them. Check them out!

[@tnsteele95]

What is the purpose of dragging at all? I cant find where anyone explains this at all on any KZbin channel or forum. Everyone does it...but nobody says why. Lol. Why not just suspend slightly off the bottom?

[@downriverfishing3639]

Tennessee Flipper I use a dragging weight to slow troll big baits. The long slender shape makes them cut through structure much better than any other weight. I use the foam in the top of mine to keep them sitting up if I do come to a stop. I do suspend baits sometimes but I have better success with my baits being as far away from the boat as I can get them.

[@hokep61]

Look up some illustrations of the Santee trolling rig for catfish. The Santee trolling rig is one of the more popular for this type or dragging weight. Suspending slightly off the bottom when trolling only works with a fairly level bottom. The Santee rig keeps the weight on the bottom, the short attached line with a float keeps the bait off the bottom. This is generally what you want when trolling for catfish.

[@hillbillymoonshiners9353]

Don't crush the end of the weight smash it and use a heat gun not lighter😎👍

[@downriverfishing3639]

Hillbilly Moonshiners that’s the proper way of doing it lol! And I will look and see if I can find a link but I bought them at Home Depot.

[@Mr4twitch]

You don't need a heat gun

[@Mr4twitch]

@@downriverfishing3639 I know someone that rewires LS motors and he usually uses a torch

[@downriverfishing3639]

@@Mr4twitch I’ll probably just keep using a lighter to be honest. I don’t have to make these very often and have no other need for a heat gun.

[@Mr4twitch]

@@downriverfishing3639 yeah, you don't really need a heat gun. I use a lighter too.

[@fishracer7]

The bullet lead coil is $15 a pound. That's not cheap.

[@downriverfishing3639]

When I made the video it was much cheaper.

[@FishingWithJBT]

Its still cheap considering 4 dragging sinkers from company websites is 20$ or more

[@flgators197]

I love Blount county!!

[@Johnleefromthemist]

environment friendly ? unsure what a California game warden would say ?

[@c.p.anesti201]

Anyone have any luck with these ? I built 15 after watching this video exactly to his/ your specs.

[@c.p.anesti201]

3 drifts no gear lost no catfish either….