The small metallic object seen in the picture may appear insignificant, but it plays a crucial role in the fishing industry.
Known as a lead sinker, this weight is tied to the fishing line to help the bait or hook reach the desired depth underwater—whether in the sea or a river.
Local fishers explain that without such weights, wind or water currents can cause the bait to drift, making it difficult to catch fish. By using a lead sinker, the bait stays stable below the surface, attracting fish more effectively.
Typically made from lead, these sinkers come in various shapes and sizes. The photo shows multiple sinkers tied together, adding extra weight to keep the bait steady even in strong waves.
As one experienced fisherman put it, “Fishing without a lead sinker is like sailing without a sail — the bait drifts away, and the fish never come.”
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
