Hi Guys,

I recently came across some videos of slide bait fishing and I'm interested in trying. However the gears are quite pricey. For example 1 grapnel sinker costs $7.20. So I'm wondering if star sinkers (I've already got a bunch of them) can be used instead.

In terms of holding to the bottom and casting distance does the grapnel outperform the star. Anyone done comparison between the two?

Probably not.

I have never tried slide fishing. But from what I understand the main line needs to be under tension. Star sinkers do not grip the sand enough. A grapnel sinker is the only option.

$7.20 would be for a large one. Do you need one that big?

A star sinker would work if it had wires...Maybe you could drill some small holes and insert some wires.

Thanks for your reply itsaboat! I'll try the smaller grapnel The slide rig itself is pricey too! So just thinking about how I could do it cheaper but maybe not possible.

Try eBay. I just found a place in Penrith selling them on eBay 10 for $20 = $2 each and that includes postage.

You could make your own. It is just a piece of wire coiled at one end and then bent into shape. The hardest part would be soldering or welding an eye at the other end.

But at $2 each, I would just buy the 10 pack. If you are only beach fishing you will almost never lose one

Thanks itsaboat!

As Isaboat stated you can drill holes in the sinker base and make your own using old pushbike wheel spokes this is what we make ours from.good luck

Thanks fisher6278