Lead Sputnik Sinkers

A Sputnik sinker is a specialized fishing weight designed to hold bait firmly on the bottom in strong current or rough surf. It has an elongated, torpedo-shaped body with several foldable wire arms (“legs”) that dig into sand or mud to anchor the rig in place. When pressure is applied—such as during retrieval or a fish strike—the arms release and fold back, making it easier to reel in. Sputnik sinkers are commonly used in surf and pier fishing where standard sinkers tend to roll or drift.