Weights, swivels, floats, beads and leaders — the small parts that break first.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy
Terminal tackle is everything between the main line and the hook. It is cheap, it decides how your bait behaves, and it is where most tackle failures occur.
Bullet or bomb weights slide for Texas rigs and legering. Split shot pinches on for fine float adjustments. Grip leads have wires to hold in surf. Drop-shot weights clip onto the tag end so they pull free from snags rather than losing the whole rig.
Prevent line twist from spinners and spinning baits. Barrel swivels are standard; ball-bearing swivels spin more freely under load. A swivel also acts as a stop for sliding weights and as a leader connection point.
Wagglers attach at the bottom end only and suit stillwater. Stick floats and avons are for flowing water. Controller floats provide casting weight for surface baits. Pole floats are the most sensitive, used with a fixed line on a pole.
Lead clips that release the weight if a fish breaks off, rig tubing to protect flanks, and rubber beads that cushion knots. These are welfare items as much as performance ones — a fish should never be left towing a snagged lead.
| Style | Rig | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet / worm weight | Texas rig | Slides, nose-first fall, comes through cover |
| Split shot | Float rigs | Fine-tunes float tip position |
| Drop-shot weight | Drop shot | Clips on tag end, pulls free from snags |
| Bomb / pear lead | Legering, carp | Casts well, holds on soft bottoms |
| Grip lead | Surf casting | Wires hold position in strong surf |
| Jig head | Soft plastics | Weight and hook combined, point rides up |
