Breakaway Sea Fishing Weights – Since 1978
For over 45 years, Breakaway Leads have been the trusted choice of anglers around the world. Designed for exceptional grip and effortless retrieval, these iconic weights didn’t just improve casting — they transformed sea fishing into the sport we know today.
How It All Started
Before Breakaway came along, sea anglers relied on heavy, fixed-wire leads that dug deep into the seabed. Retrieving them required thick, unforgiving lines, heavy cane rods, and centre-pin reels that barely cast past the surf. Sea fishing was a battle — not a pleasure — and gear limitations held anglers back.
That changed when Breakaway introduced its revolutionary folding-wire lead. Unlike fixed-wire designs, Breakaway leads gripped when needed but folded back smoothly on retrieval, dramatically improving the angler's connection with the fish. For the first time, you could actually feel the bite — rather than just discovering a fish flapping on the beach.
This innovation made it possible to use lighter lines, paving the way for thinner monofilament and the rise of fixed spool reels. These reels offered greater casting range and precision, especially as reel technology improved. Soon after, the switch from cane and solid fibreglass rods to hollow fibreglass, and eventually carbon fibre, completed the modern beach angler’s toolkit.
But We Didn’t Stop There
While the Breakaway Lead revolutionised casting and retrieval, we recognised the next frontier was terminal tackle — the business end of every fishing rig. As lighter lines and rods capable of casting over 200 yards became the norm, it was time to streamline the entire system.
At that point, no one had designed a reliable bait clip — so we invented one.
The result? The Breakaway Impact Shield, the first system to release your baited hook on impact with the water. This patent-protected design ensured your bait always hit the sea in perfect position, rather than arriving tangled or stuck in the clip. It became the gold standard, especially for match anglers using multi-hook rigs.
Soon after came the Impact Lead, our next major innovation. Combining a gripped lead and impact bait release system, this lead lets you cast further, avoid tangles, and fish more efficiently — all in one.
Why So Many Styles?
Anglers often ask why we offer such a variety of Impact Leads. The answer is simple: conditions change, and your gear should adapt.
Every Impact Lead uses the same patented bait clip mechanism, colour-coded by weight:
- Yellow Cone – 150g
- Red Cone – 170g
- Blue Cone – 125g (lighter wire)
- Green Cone – 200g
- Luminous Cones – Available in 150g & 170g for low-light fishing
We also offer the Softy Lead, which features forward-protruding wires. These straighten under pressure, offering a better chance of recovery when snagged — ideal for rough ground and lost-tackle areas.
All leads can be quickly swapped using a Fastlink clip, allowing you to change weights based on tidal flow, target species, or weather — without needing to rebuild your rig. In strong currents, stick with gripped leads. In gentler flows, switch to plain or continental-style leads to let the bait drift and find natural troughs (known as “the gut” in the USA) where fish feed.
Why Breakaway?
- Inventors of the folding-wire lead and Impact Shield
- Patented, proven systems trusted by anglers worldwide
- Designed for performance, reliability, and adaptability
- Made by anglers, for anglers — in the UK
Whether you're casting from the shore in a local match or targeting new waters abroad, Breakaway Leads are built to perform — wherever the tide takes you.