Ways to Pick the Best Wire Leader

Why do I need a wire fishing leader?

A wire leader is always recommended when fishing for toothy predators in both fresh and saltwater to avoid bite-offs.

Whether you're using lures, dead or live baits, the possibility of a predator's teeth reaching your mainline and biting through it is always quite high.

It makes no difference whether you are fishing your lures stationary on a bobber or on the bottom, or retrieving them quickly; you simply cannot predict how, if and when a predator will strike your lure or bait, or how deeply it will devour it.

What type of wire leader should I use?

The sort of wire leader you should use for fishing is determined by both the species you intend to catch and the method you intend to use.

Wire leaders are often formed of single-strand or multi-strand (1x7 or 7x7 strands) stainless steel or titanium, with the latter being a leader material that has only recently entered the market.

Both of these materials have advantages and disadvantages, and they should be optimised and used together with particular fishing techniques and target species.

Types of wire fishing leader:

Single Strand Fishing Wire

Pros of Single-Strand Steel Wire

This is the oldest type of fishing wire, and it is still widely used today. Single-strand wire is a strong and durable leader material that can resist several strikes from sharp-toothed predators.

Single strand fishing wire is also very abrasion resistant, making it long-lasting and durable.

Cons of Single-Strand Steel Wire

Because old-fashioned single strand wire leaders are not very flexible and smooth, they kink and curl up rather easily and quickly, having to be replaced more frequently. Their primary drawback is their inflexibility, since this wire material can actually break if it becomes too kinked.

Best Application of Single Strand fishing wire

Spin fishing with lures that are retrieved quickly or trolled. Bring a few leaders with you on your fishing trip so you can easily switch to a different one when your current leader is all twisted and kinked up. You will always have the best lure presentation this way!

For huge saltwater predators with large teeth, such as sharks or wahoo, single-strand steel wire works well.

Multi Strand Fishing Wire

Pros of Multi Strand Fishing Wire

This is a very flexible and supple wire substance that feels and bends almost like regular fishing line.

Its incredible versatility results in an incredible bait presentation that will undoubtedly net you more fish.

Another significant advantage of this multi strand steel leader is that thinner diameters are in fact knottable, which eliminates the need for swivels in certain procedures.

Cons of Multi Strand Fishing Wire

Thinner diameters can actually break quite readily because this leader type is made up of many small, densely braided strands, which is something to bear in mind when using a thin leader for smaller predators.

Because of its versatility, multi-strand wire is ideal for both live and deadbait fishing for larger predators and fishing for smaller predator fish with teeth.