Thread: Wire Life Expectancy & Leader Knot Questions

1) Single strand vs Seven strand or Surf, how long are they good for?
Once or twice, or until you see a tooth mark or kink in them?

2) Do the simple Overhands, Overhand with wraps and Figure Eights really hold up?

3) I was led to understand that a Haywire twist was the only proper way.
Would a Haywire twist give the treble/bait better movement?

4) Snelling the treble sounds great very easy & quick to do.
Is any of them actually better than the other?

Maybe it's just me, but i seem to get a better bite on a slinkyed 27lb SW leader than anything. I change my leader only for major kinks., maybe. I don't keep em anyways, I just like the feed and initial run. I've heard very knowledgeable people swear on the overhand knot for 7strand.

1. It's all a matter of preference. Single strand is stiffer than seven strand but also has a smaller diameter, while seven strand acts more like mono being more flexible.

2. Yes they do. I use a figure 8 knot and it works every time.

3. The haywire twist is used for single strand wire. It is the only knot I know for single strand wire.

4. Not familiar on snelling hooks, but I do know that it limits the movement and presentation of your bait.

[quote author=PurpleNGold link=topic=1407.msg13486#msg13486 date=1340245695]
Maybe it's just me, but i seem to get a better bite on a slinkyed 27lb SW leader than anything. I change my leader only for major kinks.
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Plus-one! :headbang:

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Life expectancy of a wire leader is usually one hit, unless you are like PNG & VG and like the slinky or corkscrew effect. Sevenstrand is more forgiving than single and sometimes looks OK, however, I never sealed the deal with a second King on the same leader.
I have used both overhand and figure 8 with multi strand and never had a knot fail.
Haywire instructions are on the back of most single strand packages.
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I'm not sure i've ever had a knot fail on a wire leader, ever. If wire breaks, the fishes teeth are genereally to blame rather than the knot. Figure 8 is perfect for 7 strand. I dont seem to get much use out of 7 strand though, as the first fish usually breaks some of the wiring and it needs replaced. Single strand with some bends has always given me best results, and can be straightened and used until a shark bites and it gets popped off.

The day i caught 10 kings, the first 6 were on the same single strand 27# test wire leader until i popped the big one off without netting and releasing. Although, if i get a kink in single strand from a squeezened circle, i remove it immediately. Kinks will snap off easily from simple bending.

As for increased hookups, I think it is due to presentation more than anything... because a straight line doesn't look that natural, and a wavy one might look like a weed to a fish.

Really appreciate the responses... Learning all the time.

What is, 'slinkyed', how is this leader rigged? Pic?

Does 7strand need any heat when cut, to avoid fraying/unraveling?

I think I'm leaning to buying 7wire for durability.


What can I expect to drop $$$ at J&M, for basic tackle suitable for Spanish & Kings?
Leader material, 7strand, swivels, #'s 6, 4 & 2 trebles and Sabiki rigs for bait and Spades?
How much wire should I buy to last at least 3-5 trips? How many leaders should I expect to go through on an average day?

I'm hoping to come out Saturday, either to the pier if its not going to be too windy/rough out.
Or possibly, if its cool with ya'll, to watch or participate in ya'lls Shark Night.

I always try to have at least 5 leaders with me.... but will end up tying more if the bite is hot...

Best advice is to have more than enough tackle... wire hooks and swivels.. it sure is a long trip to the tackle shop when there is a hot and heavy bite

Slinkyed is what a leader looks like after you've caught a fish on it. It won't be straight after a couple hits or a caught fish.
No heat needed on sevenstrand. A pair of scissors works for me.

Well, 30lb Surf holds up pretty danged well, as does a overhand with a few twists.

My first leader made it through a 5-6' Black Tip, I some how managed to get it back from him.
It was 'Slinkyed', and then it brought my first fat Ray up.
Mr. Ray is now wearing it and his buddies are doubtless giving him a hard time about his new jewelry.

Thanks for the replies.