Swivels, Clips & Sinkers
Swivels, clips and sinkers for rigging up for bait fishing, surf casting and bottom fishing, including lead-free sinkers. Our range features Black Magic, Redo, Wise Angler, BKK and Jarvis Walker, alongside Pakula and Ocean's Legacy.
Sinkers get your bait down and hold it in place, while swivels stop line twist and join your rig together. Pair them with hooks and flasher rigs, tough leader, and a box from our tackle storage range.
Restock at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about swivels, clips and sinkers
What types of sinkers are there?
Ball sinkers slide on the line for running rigs and straylining, while bean and barrel sinkers suit running rigs in current. Snapper or bomb sinkers clip on to the bottom of ledger and flasher rigs. Grapnel sinkers have wires that grip the sand when surf casting. Split shot and small sinkers add weight to floats and light rigs. Each shape suits a different rig and condition.
What size sinker should I use?
Use the lightest sinker that gets your bait to the bottom and holds it there in the current. In calm, shallow water a few grams may be enough, while deep water or strong current can need 100 grams or more. If your line is angled sharply away from the boat or the rig keeps moving, go heavier. Lighter sinkers let baits move more naturally, which often brings more bites.
Why use a swivel in my rig?
A swivel joins your main line to your leader or rig and rotates freely, which stops line twist caused by spinning baits, lures or a fish twisting. It also acts as a stopper for running sinkers. Choose a swivel rated well above your line strength, and use quality ball-bearing swivels for lures that spin. Avoid swivels that are too large, as they can put fish off.
Are snap clips safe for big fish?
Quality snap clips rated for your target species make changing lures and rigs quick and easy, and they are strong enough for most fishing. However, cheap or undersized clips can open or break under load, especially with kingfish. For powerful fish and heavy jigging, many anglers tie directly to the lure or use solid and split rings instead. Always check the rated strength.
Why are lead-free sinkers becoming popular?
Lead is toxic, and lost lead sinkers can end up in the environment, where they can harm birds and wildlife. Lead-free sinkers, made from materials such as steel, tungsten or other alternatives, avoid that risk. They work much like traditional sinkers, though some materials are bulkier for the same weight. Choosing lead-free is an easy way to reduce your impact on the places you fish.
How do I rig a running sinker?
Thread a ball or bean sinker onto your main line, then tie a swivel to the end of the line, which stops the sinker sliding down to the hook. Tie a length of leader to the other side of the swivel and add your hook. When a fish takes the bait, the line runs freely through the sinker, so the fish feels little resistance. It is a simple, effective rig for snapper and surf fishing.