How to Tie a Wire Leader

Keeping a wire leader from slipping and cutting the end off clean is simple if you know how.

Difficulty Level: average      Time Required: 3 minutes

---

Here's How:

1. Run the leader through the hook or swivel leaving about 8 inches of tag end..
2. Put a slight bend in the wire at the hook eye.
3. Bring the tag end and leader end together and across each other above the hook eye.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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:

1. Very light wire line is difficult to work with.  Practice before you get on the water.
2. 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!

Related Features:

• Fishing Tackle
• Wire Lining for Grouper
• Wire Lining for Grouper - Part II