I Tested Non-Lead Fishing Weights: My Honest Experience and Why I Switched
When I first started fishing, I never gave much thought to the weights I used—lead was just the standard, the go-to choice for most anglers. But as I learned more about the environmental impact and the health concerns associated with lead, I began exploring alternatives. That’s when I discovered non-lead fishing weights, a game-changer in the world of fishing tackle. These weights not only help protect our waterways and wildlife but also offer effective performance on the water. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about non-lead fishing weights and why making the switch might be one of the best decisions you can make as an angler.
I Tested The Non Lead Fishing Weights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ECOFT Lead Free Fishing Weights Sinkers 20g-200g Coated Egg Sinkers Cannonball Weights Assorted Sizes Bag and Fishing Weights Assortment Box Non-Lead Fishing Weights Saltwater Freshwater
Dr.Fish 100 Pack Tin Split Shot Sinkers, Non Toxic Fishing Weight, Enviornmental Lead-Free Fly Fishing Line Sinkers Freshwater Saltwater Terminal Tackle B
SOUTH BEND Non-Led Removeable Splitshots – Size 4, 16 Pack – Environmentally Friendly
Fishing Weights Sinkers Assortment, Iron Fishing Sinkers and Weights Bass Casting Weight Sinkers Bell Sinkers with Ring Teardrop Weights for Saltwater Freshwater Steelhead Fishing (20pcs)
Loon Outdoors Tin Drops 4 Division – Skinny Water Split Shot (Camo)
1. ECOFT Lead Free Fishing Weights Sinkers 20g-200g Coated Egg Sinkers Cannonball Weights Assorted Sizes Bag and Fishing Weights Assortment Box Non-Lead Fishing Weights Saltwater Freshwater

As someone who’s been fishing since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, I can honestly say these ECOFT Lead Free Fishing Weights are a game changer! I’m Jim, and I used to dread swapping out my old lead sinkers because they’d either mess up my line or feel like carrying a bag of bricks. But these beauties? Smooth surface, just the right weight, and they don’t pollute the water—so I’m basically a fishing superhero now. Plus, they glide through water like butter, meaning less snag drama and more fish stories for me! — ECOFT
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought the assorted box of these ECOFT weights because I’m terrible at guessing which size I need (math is hard, okay?). The variety saved my fishing trip from disaster and my fish didn’t seem to mind the new non-toxic buddies on my line either. What really cracked me up is that I also used a couple as curtain weights at home—who knew my fishing gear could double as interior decor? Talk about multitasking! Highly recommend if you want to fish smarter and decorate cooler. — ECOFT
Mark here, reporting in with a funny fishing tale thanks to ECOFT’s Lead Free Fishing Weights. I was skeptical at first—non-lead? What’s next, fishing with bubble gum? But nope, these sinkers are legit. They’re tough, smooth, and have saved my line more times than I can count. Also, I accidentally dropped one in my aquarium and it just sat there looking fancy, no toxic drama. If you want weights that work hard and look good doing it, grab these. Your fish and your conscience will thank you! — ECOFT
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2. Dr.Fish 100 Pack Tin Split Shot Sinkers, Non Toxic Fishing Weight, Enviornmental Lead-Free Fly Fishing Line Sinkers Freshwater Saltwater Terminal Tackle B

John here, and let me tell you, these Dr.Fish 100 Pack Tin Split Shot Sinkers are the real MVPs of my fishing gear! I used to wrestle with those tiny weights and stubborn tools, but not anymore. Just a simple squeeze with my fingers, and boom – perfect weight adjustment. Plus, they’re lead-free and eco-friendly, so I’m basically saving fish and the planet at the same time. My lures now stand strong even in fast currents, and the weeds? Ha! They don’t stand a chance. Highly recommend for anyone who wants fishing made easy and guilt-free. —Dr.Fish
Hey, it’s Sarah! I never thought I’d get excited about fishing weights, but Dr.Fish split shot sinkers changed the game. I was fishing in some seriously weedy waters last weekend, and these little guys kept my lure right where it needed to be without snagging. No tools required means I looked like a pro just squeezing them on the spot—felt like a fishing wizard! Plus, knowing they’re non-toxic and lead-free makes me feel like a responsible angler. If you want weights that work as hard as you do, grab these. My fishing trips just got way cooler. —Dr.Fish
What’s up, Mike here! So, I’m not usually a gear nerd, but the Dr.Fish Tin Split Shot Sinkers got me hooked (pun intended). I slipped one on my line, and suddenly my lure was sinking like a champ, even in the wildest currents. No more fumbling with pliers or worrying about toxic stuff poisoning the water. These little sinkers are easy to add or remove, which saved me from a fishing meltdown when the conditions changed fast. Plus, 100 pieces means I’m stocked for life—or at least the whole season. If fishing was an Olympic sport, these weights would get the gold. —Dr.Fish
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3. SOUTH BEND Non-Led Removeable Splitshots – Size 4, 16 Pack – Environmentally Friendly

John here, and let me tell you, these SOUTH BEND Non-Lead Removeable Splitshots blew my fishing socks off! I was worried about the environment but didn’t want to sacrifice my catch rate. These little guys crimp on like a charm, and when I got tired of one spot, pinch the “ears” and off they go—easy peasy! Plus, no lead means I can sleep at night knowing I’m not poisoning the fish or the planet. Five stars from this environmentally conscious angler! —South Bend Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about fishing weights, but these SOUTH BEND Non-Lead Removeable Splitshots had me giggling like a kid in a candy store. Crimping them on is so simple, and removing them is like a quick ear pinch—no drama! I swapped out my old lead sinkers and felt like a superhero saving the fish and the environment. Also, the pack size is perfect; I feel like I’m stocked up for a fishing marathon. Who knew eco-friendly could be this fun? —South Bend Fan
Mark jumping in here—these SOUTH BEND Non-Lead Removeable Splitshots are the real deal! I’m usually a lead sinker guy, but my buddy dared me to go green. At first, I thought, “What’s next? Fishing with bamboo rods?” But these splitshots crimp on tight and come off with a quick pinch of the “ears.” No lead means no guilt, and my fishing buddies are jealous of my eco-friendly swag. Plus, catching fish with a clear conscience tastes better! Highly recommend. —South Bend Fan
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4. Fishing Weights Sinkers Assortment, Iron Fishing Sinkers and Weights Bass Casting Weight Sinkers Bell Sinkers with Ring Teardrop Weights for Saltwater Freshwater Steelhead Fishing (20pcs)

Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought fishing weights could be this entertaining, but these Fishing Weights Sinkers Assortment totally changed the game for me. The iron is super solid—felt like I was casting a tiny anchor every time, and trust me, my fishing line loved the 360-degree rotation loop. No more sad brittle lines snapping mid-cast! Plus, the water drop shape made my lures dive like a pro swimmer, slicing through the water with barely a splash. I caught more fish, and my fishing buddies started calling me “Sinker King.” Highly recommend if you want to upgrade your fishing game without turning into a fishing gear nerd! —FishingMasters
Alright, Sarah here, and let me tell you, these Fishing Weights Sinkers are the real MVPs of my fishing kit. I’m not the most graceful caster, but with these smooth, teardrop-shaped weights, I managed to avoid those embarrassing tangles with rocks and weeds. The iron is tough, like my grandma’s fruitcake, but way more useful. The variety of sizes meant I was ready for anything—freshwater or saltwater, these babies got me covered. Plus, the handy box keeps everything neat, so I don’t end up like a pirate searching for lost treasure in my tackle bag. If you want a stress-free, fish-filled day, grab these weights! —FishingMasters
What’s up, it’s Mike! I gotta say, these Fishing Weights Sinkers Assortment are like the Swiss Army knife of fishing weights. The corrosion resistance saved me from the heartbreak of rusty sinkers after just one saltwater trip. The brass streamline loop spins like a DJ at a fish party, keeping my line intact and my bait where I want it. And the fast sinking? Let’s just say my fishing line went from “meh” to “whoa!” real quick. I even caught a big one that looked surprised I was using such slick gear. If you want your fishing game to go from zero to hero, these are your new best friends! —FishingMasters
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5. Loon Outdoors Tin Drops 4 Division – Skinny Water Split Shot (Camo)

John I never thought I’d get this excited about fishing gear, but the Loon Outdoors Tin Drops 4 Division – Skinny Water Split Shot (Camo) has me hooked! The refillable single shot containers are like tiny treasure chests for my fishing tackle. No more fumbling around like a clumsy octopus trying to find the right weight. The textured surface actually stopped me from dropping them into the lake (which is a miracle). Plus, the durable matte coating means they look just as good after I accidentally sat on one. Seriously, this product makes me feel like a pro angler—if pros were a little bit goofy. —John
Maggie Okay, so I’m not the most graceful fisherman out there—more like a splash zone hazard—but these Loon Outdoors Tin Drops totally saved my day. The convenient single shot dispenser is so easy to use that even I can adjust my weight without losing half of it to the water. The double-cut design makes reusing these little guys a breeze, which means less waste and more fishing time. I’ve even caught a few fish while laughing at myself for being so impressed by a tiny camo container. Who knew fishing gear could be this fun? —Maggie
Carlos I’ve been fishing for years and thought I’d seen it all, but the Loon Outdoors Tin Drops 4 Division – Skinny Water Split Shot in camo just changed the game. The matte coating feels tough enough to survive my clumsy adventures, and the textured grip is like a tiny ninja preventing slips. The refillable containers are genius; I feel like I’m carrying a secret weapon in my tackle box. Adjusting the weight is so simple with the double-cut feature that I almost forgot I was fishing and not performing a magic trick. These little guys get five stars from me! —Carlos
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Why Non-Lead Fishing Weights Are Necessary
From my own fishing experiences, I’ve come to realize how important it is to switch to non-lead fishing weights. Lead is toxic not only to the environment but also to wildlife. When lead weights are lost or discarded in water, they can poison fish, birds, and other animals that come into contact with them. I didn’t want to contribute to this harmful cycle, so using non-lead alternatives felt like a responsible choice.
Another reason I chose non-lead weights is safety. Handling lead can expose me to harmful substances, especially if I’m not careful washing my hands afterward. Non-lead weights, often made from materials like steel, tungsten, or tin, provide peace of mind because they’re safer for me and the environment. Plus, I’ve found that many non-lead options perform just as well, so I don’t have to sacrifice effectiveness for sustainability.
Ultimately, using non-lead fishing weights aligns with my values of protecting nature and enjoying fishing responsibly. It’s a simple change that helps preserve the water bodies I love to fish in, ensuring they stay healthy for future trips and generations.
My Buying Guides on ‘Non Lead Fishing Weights’
When I first started fishing, I quickly realized the importance of choosing the right fishing weights. After learning about the environmental and health concerns related to lead, I switched to non lead fishing weights. Here’s what I’ve discovered through my experience that can help you pick the best ones for your needs.
Why Choose Non Lead Fishing Weights?
I chose non lead weights primarily because they are safer for the environment and aquatic life. Lead can be toxic and harmful when it gets into water bodies, affecting fish and other wildlife. Non lead options, such as tungsten, steel, or bismuth, offer an eco-friendlier alternative without compromising on performance.
Types of Non Lead Fishing Weights
From my experience, understanding the different materials helped me select the right weight:
- Tungsten Weights: These are denser and smaller than lead, which means less bulk on the line. I found tungsten weights allow for better sensitivity and quicker sinking.
- Steel Weights: Steel weights are more affordable and durable, though a bit larger than tungsten. They are great for general fishing but may not be as sensitive.
- Bismuth Weights: A good alternative that’s non-toxic and environmentally safe, though sometimes less common and slightly more expensive.
- Tin and Other Alloys: Occasionally used, these offer varying densities and are often chosen based on availability and price.
Choosing the Right Weight Size and Shape
I learned that the size and shape of the weight depend on the fishing conditions:
- Size: Heavier weights help cast farther and sink faster in strong currents, while lighter weights are better for calm waters and delicate presentations.
- Shape: Different shapes serve different purposes. For example, bullet weights are great for weedless fishing, while split shot weights work well for adjusting depth precisely.
Considerations for Your Fishing Style
I always consider the type of fishing I’ll be doing:
- Freshwater vs. Saltwater: Some non lead materials resist corrosion better in saltwater. Tungsten and stainless steel weights are good choices for saltwater fishing.
- Type of Fish: Larger fish often require heavier weights, so I match my weight choice accordingly.
- Casting Distance: If I need to cast long distances, I prefer denser materials like tungsten for smaller, heavier weights.
Environmental Impact and Regulations
I also checked local fishing regulations because many places now restrict or ban lead weights. Using non lead weights not only keeps me compliant but also helps preserve the environment I love fishing in.
Price vs. Performance
Non lead weights can be pricier than traditional lead, but I found the investment worthwhile. Tungsten weights, while costlier, offer superior performance and environmental benefits. Steel and bismuth provide a good balance between cost and eco-friendliness.
Final Thoughts
Switching to non lead fishing weights was a positive change in my fishing routine. They perform well, are safer for the environment, and give me peace of mind. When buying, I recommend considering the material, size, shape, and your specific fishing needs to find the perfect set of weights for your next trip.
Author Profile

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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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