When we talk about jigs , two materials immediately come to mind: tungsten and lead. With two materials, there are bound to be two schools of thought. And in both camps, there are certainly die-hard fans. You probably know someone who swears by lead jigs or perhaps tungsten jigs. Several questions arise. Is there really a better type of jig? What are the advantages of each material? Can we reconcile the fans of both camps? Fishing Addicts attempts to answer these questions by analyzing the characteristics and advantages offered by each material.
The characteristics and advantages of the tungsten jig
First, it's important to know that tungsten is a very dense metal, even denser than lead. Its mass is 19,300 kg/m³ compared to lead's 11,350 kg/m³. It has the highest melting point of all metals (3,422 degrees Celsius), which makes it impossible for most craftspeople to make tungsten lures. It is also highly resistant to corrosion. Overall, tungsten is an extremely durable metal.
The very high density of this metal allows for jigs to be made much heavier than lead jigs of the same size. This characteristic is very important because it generally allows for the creation of lures that offer a very high level of sensitivity, enabling you to detect the slightest bites on your line. Tungsten jigs also allow you to fish with very small jigs, while still providing enough weight for a stable lure in the current.
Its durability and corrosion resistance make it an excellent option for saltwater fishing. In general, tungsten lures are very durable. It's important to note that when lost to the bottom of the water, tungsten has virtually no impact on the environment.
The characteristics and advantages of the lead jig
As we already know, lead jigs are less dense and less durable than tungsten jigs. Add to that the fact that lead poses a risk of poisoning and potentially a pollution risk to waterways and the environment. So what advantages does it have left?
First, there's the price. Generally speaking, lead jigs are two to three times cheaper. Some will say they don't last as long and therefore need to be replaced more often, but the fact is they're less expensive to buy.
Lead's very low melting point (327 degrees Celsius) allows anglers and crafters to make their own jigs. Lead is very malleable and can be worked safely and easily, even by those with little experience.
While tungsten jigs oxidize very little, lead jigs do not oxidize at all. In other words, they don't rust. If you own rusty jigs, they are most likely made of lower-quality alloys.
Our verdict
Is a tungsten jig better than a lead one? We don't believe there's a single right answer to this question, but rather that it depends on your situation. A beginner angler might not fully appreciate the advantages of a tungsten jig and therefore regret the extra investment it requires. If you're simply someone who doesn't want to break the bank when buying jigs and is looking for a fairly durable product, or if you simply like the idea of making your own lures, then lead is for you.
However, if you refuse to compromise and only fish with the very best, then tungsten is likely the obvious choice. Stronger, more responsive to fish strikes, and more versatile thanks to its high mass, especially for making small lures, tungsten jigs are truly exceptional.
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. What type of jig do you fish with and why? Fishing Addicts wants to know! If you have questions or simply don't know how to choose your jigs, feel free to contact us; a member of our team will be happy to help.
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