Check out this video and learn to rig single strand wire leader for offshore fishing. Capt. Scott Goodwin offers a how-to video demonstrating his version of the haywire twist followed by a barrel wrap finish.
“It just takes a little practice to get the feel of how tight to make the twists. The thickness of your wire plays a big part as well. If you are just practicing it, I would use #8 wire because it’s stiff enough to hold its shape without being painful to twist like some heavier versions,” said Capt. Scott.
He continued, “Using a pair of flat-jawed pliers is a big help when you are first learning or with heavier wires. We use single strand wire to build trolling rigs of various types, live bait trolling rigs, and shark rigs. Anytime you are targeting or are likely to encounter fish with a mouth full of sharp teeth, I use single strand wire.”
“There is a right and wrong to how tight you make the twists. There is some variation that is tolerable, but too tight will heat and weaken the wire, and too loose can slide down, also stressing the wire to the point of breaking,” said Capt. Scott. “Like all rigging and fishing knots, it just takes some practice to get your fingers and brain doing the same thing. If you do most of your twisting ahead of time and not on the water, you will benefit in a variety of ways.”
Check out more great fishing and rigging tips from Capt Scott’s Offshore Academy section on BD or visit the BD Outdoors Youtube Channel.
