Advertisement

Wire Leaders

Wire Leaders Take the Bite Out of Toothy Game Fish

  • Updated: December 3, 2013
gg-wire-leader-1.jpg
Some anglers are satisfied with long-established techniques such as haywire twists in single-strand wire. Jason Arnold (jasonarnoldphoto.com)
gg-wire-leader-2.jpg
For others, there are tie-able wire options like AFW’s Surflon.
gg-wire-leader-3.jpg
Does leader color make a difference? Most wire-leader ­companies offer shiny or bright, black or brown, or camo color ­options. Different fishermen have their own personal preferences. “Black is a popular color because anglers say it vanishes in the water,” says Keith Kessler, of Knot 2 Kinky leaders. Camo finishes are also said to succumb to the same disappearing act. Capt. Dave Kostyo uses a coffee or bronze color, not silver. “I don’t want any sun reflection off the leader,” says Kostyo. “A fish will hit that leader instead of the bait.” Joe Marshall, of Malin, uses bright-colored leaders, but he alters them first with some elbow grease. “Baitfish have dark tops and silver sides to hide from prey,” he says, “so I knock the shine off my bright leaders with an emery cloth before rigging.”
gg-wire-leader-4.jpg
Various makers produce titanium-alloy leaders to handle knots. Tie-able Tuf Leader is stainless steel wrapped around a braided core.
gg-wire-leader-5.jpg
Titanium leaders have a bit of elasticity to them, such as Knot 2 Kinky. Tie a clinch knot, but stop tightening when you feel the material stretch.
Advertisement

Email Newsletters and Special Offers

Sign up for Sport Fishing emails to receive tips from the best captains, insights into fish behavior, and offshore fishing reports as well as special offers from Sport Fishing’s partners.

By signing up you agree to receive communications from Sport Fishing and select partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time.

More Photos

Advertisement

Read More

ABOUT US
FOLLOW US
BONNIER BRANDS

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Sport Fishing Magazine may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2023Sport Fishing Magazine. A Bonnier LLC Company, “We Are Outdoor Adventure.” All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.