Keeping a wire leader from slipping and cutting the end off clean is simple if you know how to do it.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 3 minutes
Here's How:
- Run the leader through the hook or swivel leaving about 8 inches of tag end.
- Put a slight bend in the wire at the hook eye.
- Bring the tag end and leader end together and across each other above the hook eye.
- Leaving a small loop at the hook eye, twist the two ends together in a haywire twist, Both ends must be twisting together, not one end wrapping around the other. Make about three twists.
- Now begin a barrel wrap using the tag end to wrap around the leader end. Make at least a half-inch of barrel wraps. You should have at least three inches of tag end wire remaining.
- Make a right angle bend in the tag end half way between the end of the wire and the end of the barrel wrap. It should look like a little crank handle on the leader.
- Hold the hook, leader, and barrel twist firmly and turn this crank handle back at a right angle against the wrap. The tag end will snap off clean with no protruding wire burr.
Tips:
- Very light wire line is difficult to work with. Practice before you get on the water.
- Leader wire can penetrate your skin as easily as a needle. Combine that puncture with salt and fish slime, and you are in for a sore finger for a day. Be careful!
