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Wire Leader
Not a main line — a short bite trace of single-strand or multi-strand wire that toothy fish can't cut through. Essential for mackerel, sharks, and barracuda.
When to use it
- Toothy fish (kingfish, mackerel, barracuda, sharks)
- Trolling for cutters
- Anywhere teeth sever mono/fluoro
Strengths
- Bite-proof against teeth
- Thin single-strand is nearly invisible in the water
Weaknesses
- Kinks (single strand) and can spook wary fish
- Requires special connections (haywire twist / crimps)
Key facts
Best species: King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, sharks
Underwater visibility: Low (dark coffee color) but stiffer than mono
Stretch: None
Abrasion resistance: Bite-proof
Casting: N/A (short trace)
Knot notes: Use a Haywire Twist (single strand) or crimps (cable)
Common mistakes
- Using wire when fish aren't toothy (loses bites)
- Kinking single-strand wire (it fails at kinks)