Thread: 7 strand or single strand

I noticed that most people use single strand instead of 7 strand. Does anyone still use 7 strand for Kings or Spanish. If so, what weight test. The reason I ask is because I still have some 7 strand. I don't mind getting some single strand, if there's an advantage.

The thinking is that at any weight single-strand is thinner than equivalent stranded. Color of wire is also an issue in visibility, and much 7-strand was not colored back when I was young and dinos still lived. The balance issue is that the clearer the water, the thinner one must go, but thinner leads to more bite-offs. This is why when spanish are picky some go to floro/mono because no bites are worse than occasional bite-offs. So start spanish leaders at 20-25 and go up/down from there. Start 40-50 for kings.

I've heard from old timers about taking a foot of 98lb 7-strand and unwinding it for a spanish leader from each strand but i think that was making do to save money, not a secret strategy.

For kings would that be 40-50 lbs fluro or wire?

Mono will not work for kings, they will bite though it like butter.
I use 27# single strand for kings. I like short leaders, 6-8", with a 50# matte black swivel and a 2x or 3x #4 treble.

For Spanish, 40 or 50# mono is fine.

Single strand
..avoid crimps
..able to smell hooks
..smaller profile
..super cheap
But
..easy to kink after 1 fish
..sometimes becomes frustratingly difficult to wrap back and put into the bag


7strand
..easy leader creation
..resilient/springy
But
..easier to cut off, even wire can be cut
..little more $$
..larger profile


Pick your poison. Both work or they wouldn't sell it.

Lot of friends I know use 30lb seven strand AFW in the camo color. However, this spring I was cut off several times by both Kings and Spanish. I do think single strand is a little stronger but I mostly use seven strand.

I prefer 7strand, but will use single short leaders for spanish with the new jigs.....allows for great desired action vs mono leader??.....always looking for something better

Originally Posted by ironman172

I prefer 7strand, but will use single short leaders for spanish with the new jigs.....allows for great desired action vs mono leader??.....always looking for something better

Continuous improvement! !!! :-)

I’ve used the 90# strands unraveled to make Spanish leaders. They hold up to a few bites and even caught a 11# King on one, but that was luck it didn’t break. It’s not done for cheap but for thin, strong leaders. The wavy ones work best for some reason. I like em when the big Spanish are biting thru my floro when fishing small ly.

Past years I have caught 75 spanish on 1 store bought 18lb south bend leader and gotcha(multiple day limits till lost)....didn't seem to matter all the curls it had (that seven strand seems to get after 1 or a couple fish
Tying and going to try titanium leaders again (that I already own the wire)....cut easy when tried before??? So quit using it, making more 7 strand king leaders, almost used up what I made several years ago (3- 30ft spools)