Thread: King Mackeral Leaders

What kind of wire do yall prefer to use to catch kings? Ill be there on the pier trying to catch a king and want to know whats the best set up to use. All help would be nice. Thanks

mustad 3x size 2. 31 pound single strand wire with a spro swivle anywhere from 40 - 130 pound test the 130 pound test swivle is about as big as a 60 pound regular swivle

27-31 pound single strand or seven strand with #2 or 4 size hook. with small 80 lb billfisher black swivel.

There once was a sticky on this somewhere on site I thought, but I couldn't find it. Here's a good video:

I use #4 4x treble hooks, sometimes #2. 30 pound seven strand -- sometimes 20. Sevenstrand is a brand name -- any of the seven strand wire leaders will work whether manufactured by American Fishing Wire or Malin....American is my choice. The method shown in the video will work. They sell big spools of American Fishing Wire very reasonably priced on Amazon. I like spro swivels...30 pound test if I can find them....next size up is 80 pound....if I remember right. Both are really small and really strong. Tie up a bunch -- sharks will take some away from you, and I hope you use up even more on big kings.

Thanks yall that helps a lot. I hope to be out there on wednesday to kill some kings!

What do y'all think about braided main line? Does anybody use it for kings or should I use 12-15 lb mono?

17-20 mono no braid money wasted.12-18 in-30 to 60lb test-brown single strand wire for kings.

A lot of people use braid with a 50-100yd mono top shot so you can get a lot more line on the reel.

As far as the braid is concerned, be sure the topshot is 'way longer than you can cast. That stuff is bad to tangle with other folks, especially on a windy day, and if someone hooks a fish you've really got a mess on your hands. Usually the only solution is to cut off a bunch of braid.

I use 100 yds on mine.

The advice to have plenty of pre-made leaders is important. You will lose a bunch. Also invest a buck or so in a little leader straightener. I keep my pre-mades on a short length of one of those swimming pool noodles with a slit cut through one side (wires inside the noodle, the slit is to get them in and out).

I use 27 to 40 lb single strand about 12-18 inches long with a small Spro swivel. If the sharks are bad and I'm bored I'll use a long sevenstrand leader so I can feel him pull a bit before breaking him off, they'll tail whip a short leader.