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Posts: 166
Location: Merrill, Wisconsin | Hey guys, I'm looking to save some money and start to make my own leaders. What size wire do you use? What size swivels and what are good brand swivels? And what are the strongest type of snap? |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | There are two kinds of steel leaders. Are you asking about single strand or multi-strand?
Single strand you can use .022 (105lb) to .029 (174lb) diameter wire and cover what you need for muskie fishing. Swivels can vary depending on the size of the lure. If you are throwing big rubber you will need a bigger swivel than a small crankbait. I will tell you I only use ball bearing swivels. I can not suggest a snap as they are the weakest link in this whole deal. i use split rings on the bait and attach using a loop or a solid ring on the leader. |
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Posts: 166
Location: Merrill, Wisconsin | Thanks! I'm planning on making single strand so ill try to look for .02-.029 thanks for the help! |
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| the strongest and best snaps are Stay-Loc
http://stringease.com/products.php?cat=snaps&id=staylok_snaps
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Posts: 1405
Location: Detroit River | For gliders, jerk baits, & walk-the-dog top waters I make my leaders using Mason single strand 174 Lb (.029 dia, #12) stainless steel wire. Costs less than $3 for a 25 ft roll. I don't use swivels on these leaders because they hinder the action of the lure. I use ball bearing swivels (American Fishing Wire brand) for my leaders that I make from fluorocarbon & 7 strand. I use #4 (200 Lb) or bigger. I buy the 50 pack from Amazon as I found they were the lowest price. When I use snaps I use the Stay-lok snaps else I use heavy split rings. |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | I have a PDF instruction of making single strand leaders. You can email me at gerardh822atyahoo.com for requesting the document. |
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Posts: 2024
| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N5R74HPjs8 |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | You should not cut the tag end like in the video - it will leave a very sharp burr and if you rub your hand on it, taking weeds off or handling a fish, it will cut you bad. You should always "break" the tag end, by twisting it off. The clean break will allow you to handle the leader and also will not nick/cut your line if it every goes over it. |
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Posts: 218
| Good advice about breaking the tag end. Guess I didn't show it in the video but I usually make sure that the tag end is flush against the leader even if I have to press it with the pliers. I find the best way to make a clean "break" is to just score the wire with my cutting pliers and then bend until it breaks off. |
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Posts: 2024
| I also use several coats of gel superglue to cover the twists and taper it down so the line won't get hung up on it. Shrink wrap covers the twist, but the line can still get hung on it. |
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