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Message Subject: Leader Making 101!

Got Esox?

Posted 7/13/2006 11:06 AM (#200622)
Subject: Leader Making 101!

Posts: 350

Location: WESTERN WI

I have decided to start making my own leaders after years of buying them off the shelf. I know that there is not much to get started but did not want to buy anything "twice" due to buying an infererior product, crimping pliers, for example. What products and components have worked the best for those of you that manufacture your own leaders? I already own a Knipex cutters but will probaly purchase a side cutters to keep the knipex from wearing out. Flourocarbon, 7-strand and straight wire leaders are what I am planning to make. If there are any brand preferences or items that have just outperformed others any feedback would be appreciated to shorten the learning curve.
Crimping pliers?
Bucktail wire(7-strand, coated or non)?
Jerkbait wire(best diameter)?
swivels/bb/crane?
snaps?
Leader wrapping tool?
Side cutters?
Heat shrink tubing?

Am I forgetting any thing else to get started?
Thanks in advance, Got Esox?

Edited by Got Esox? 7/13/2006 11:30 AM

jlong

Posted 7/13/2006 12:08 PM (#200638 - in reply to #200622)
Subject: RE: Leader Making 101!

Posts: 1937

Location: Black Creek, WI

I tend to keep things simple.

Light single strand wire (105# and 124# Tooth Proof).
Light 100# Ball Bearing
Stay Lock Snaps

Use a haywire twist for fatigue near the snap.

All you need is a needle nose pliers and a callous on your finger.

For a clean break on the tag ends... a small vice grips pliers works great for twisting them off... but that is a luxury item.

I use these leaders for all applications. I'm sure many will criticize me... saying you need heavier wire... but that's their opinion.

Good luck with your leader making project.

BNelson

Posted 7/13/2006 1:19 PM (#200655 - in reply to #200622)
Subject: RE: Leader Making 101!

Location: Contrarian Island

if you want to buy some Fluoro's I make 200 lbers I do sell and if you want a little lighter lb fluoro check out Stealth Tackle Leaders..John sells them for ALOT less than what other manufacturers are selling them for....

muskynightmare

Posted 7/13/2006 6:33 PM (#200706 - in reply to #200622)
Subject: RE: Leader Making 101!

Posts: 2112

Location: The Sportsman, home, or out on the water

Got,
Can you make a trip over to Appleton for hands on instruction?

Got Esox?

Posted 7/27/2006 3:02 PM (#202503 - in reply to #200622)
Subject: RE: Leader Making 101!

Posts: 350

Location: WESTERN WI

Nitemare,
Thanks again for the instruction and knowledge on leader making, bait repairs and modifications. I have made about a dozen and they are looking very qualitive. I put 2 fish in the boat last night on the first leader I used that I actually made. Whew! Passed that test. Don't work 2 hard.

muskynightmare

Posted 7/27/2006 5:03 PM (#202524 - in reply to #200622)
Subject: RE: Leader Making 101!

Posts: 2112

Location: The Sportsman, home, or out on the water

Glad to here you got the hang of it!
That pinched nerve is got me down for the count. I feel like i've been shot. Another Chiropractor visit tomorrow.
Rob

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