Thread: Wire Life Expectancy & Leader Knot Questions

I use 27# single strand with a haywire twist.
Some leaders will hold up to a couple of fish, while others made the exact same way are shot on the first fish.
Why the difference? Whoo the heck knows???

I usually have a couple of pre-tied leaders in the tackle bag, but they are quick and easy to do once you get the hang of it, I can makea new one in about 30 seconds.

On the 7 strand I use a straightener I bought as a teen many many years ago. If there are no real kinks with a little work you can get them pretty straight. If there are any kinks or true bends, you can cut the strand there and tie on a new hook with a figure 8. I will add a few inches extra to allow for me to do this once a leader when I make them. I also keep about 25 with me all ready coiled and bagged at the start of a weekend, you can really go thru the leaders when the bite is hot. Some of these are just re-runs with new hooks on them. I tend to be counter to what a lot of folks use on hooks. I use the regular 2x vs 4x trebles for 2 reasons. The primary is that on a popped off fish or on a cutoff, I think (theory) they will rust or work out easier. Also I think (theory 2) that they are just a little easier to get a good hook-set on being thinner. I have had fish bend them a little but have never lost a fish due to straightening.