How to choose and tie a leash for a spinning rod?

The equipment of a spinning rod consists of many important elements, each of which has its own purpose. One of these can be called a leash, without which fishing is simply impossible. This highly durable and elastic attribute allows you to attach baits for hunting predator fish.

What are they for?

If you choose the right rod, reel, fishing line and bait, this cannot guarantee a good catch when the spinning leash is of poor quality or is missing altogether. This attribute helps to catch large fish, predators, and also facilitates the spinning rod to work in various directions. In addition to all of the above, a spinning leash is necessary to solve the following problems:

• prevent the bait from breaking when the gear comes into contact with the jaws of a predator, as well as in the event of obstacles in the reservoir;
• make the quality of installation invisible even to overly cautious fish;
• be a key tool in the creation of rigs, for example, for retractable leaders, Carolina rigs, Texas rigs, split-shots and others.

The main purpose of the leash is considered to be high-quality retention of different types of bait on a spinning line when attacked by predatory fish. Thanks to its elasticity and strength, the product can withstand the jaws of even large predators. The leash has a fairly simple design. It looks like a cord with long loops on both sides.

A steel carabiner is mounted to the first end, and a swivel is mounted to the second end, facilitating free rotation of the bait.

Overview of species

When making leashes for spinning rods, different types of material are used. To choose the most suitable option, it is worth considering some nuances. Often, anglers use titanium products and fluorocarbon leaders for spinning fishing. Depending on the hunting conditions and the characteristics of the fish, you can choose one of the following types of fishing attribute.

• A steel leader is a classic option that provides high abrasive properties of the product. This material prevents cuts from pike, as well as premature deformation of the cord during contact with obstacles under water. The use of an iron leash is considered relevant when jigging, twitching, and pike hunting. Predators often notice the fastening of an attribute made of steel onto a fishing line, which cannot be said about equipment made of a different material. Due to this feature, steel attributes are not used in ultralight. Leashes can be made with your own hands or purchased on the market. There are products on sale with fasteners whose size and length are selected. A homemade leash can be made from field wire, guitar strings, or wire.

• Fluorocarbon. Leashes made from this material are characterized by versatility, so they are quite in demand. Fluorocarbon is invisible to aquatic predators, so the latter do not see it and actively attack the bait. This fishing attribute has found its application when hunting chub, ide, trout, asp, and perch. Fluorocarbon is characterized by high abrasion resistance; it is able to withstand attacks from pike, pike perch and even catfish.

• Titanium. Among all the above types of spinning leashes, titanium is considered the most expensive. This material has good wear resistance and strength. Due to their high cost, these products are not in good demand among consumers. Durable leashes survive a large number of bites while maintaining their original appearance. The appearance of the product is characterized by some fragility, but at the same time it has high performance characteristics. A titanium leash does not have memory. It is usually used when hunting pike.

• A tungsten leash is a flexible and durable product with low weight. The disadvantage of the attribute is that it can twist into a spiral over time. For this reason, the tungsten leader is considered disposable.

Titanium leash for spinning rod

The titanium leash is not only the most fashionable and modern, but also the most expensive type of leash. At first glance, they look rough and quite noticeable. But at the same time, they have an important advantage, which is that such leashes have practically no memory for bending.

After many cycles of loading and pike attacks, it remains elastic and looks as if it had just been purchased. It is not very common, but there are fishermen who prefer to use just such a leash.

Titanium leash reviews

— I am for titanium leashes. Although they are more expensive, they are more reliable, especially when you consider that baits are also not 3 kopecks. True, I wasn’t particularly impressed with the quality of store-bought ones, so I buy homemade leashes, which I found on one forum, but they also have their own website... there I buy the smallest leashes - unnoticeable and durable. There haven’t been any special trophies yet, but the pike didn’t take 2.5…

— Titanium leashes are lighter and more practical than string and other leash materials; they do not rust and are not subject to deformation from playing fish. Many athletes now fish with titanium leashes.

Criterias of choice

When considering which spinning leash is best to choose, you should take into account the following criteria:

• natural conditions of the fishing spot;
• characteristics of the predator being hunted;
• manner of fishing procedure.

When selecting the length and material of the equipment, it is necessary to take into account the conditions of the reservoir, namely the nature of the bottom and vegetation, the presence of snags and grass on the shore. To catch pike, it is better for a fisherman to use durable gear with a medium length.

An elastic type thread, possibly with low strength, is suitable for perch.

Mounting options

In order to correctly tie a leash to the main fishing line, you will need to pay attention to a large number of many elements. The main factor in this event is the line and bait match. The reliability of the attribute setting depends on these elements. You need to tie the leash simply and at the same time securely, not forgetting to straighten it and put it in the right position.

Currently, there is more than one way to mount a leash on a spinning rod. The fishing attribute must be installed and secured firmly so that you can then put bait on it. As a result, each node looks different. The fisherman decides which method to choose independently, taking into account his capabilities and preferences.

"Loop to Loop"

This option of attaching a leash to a fishing rod is deservedly popular among anglers. Making such a knot is not at all difficult. At the end of the fishing line, a triple loop is formed. Then, threading the loops into each other, connect a pair of segments.

"Running Knot"

The technology for executing the “running node” is as follows:

• at one end of the leash you need to find a hook that is pre-fixed with particular reliability;
• another node should be located at the second end;
• at the point where the leash is attached, the main line should form a loop;
• the end of the leash with the knot must be inserted inside the loop, and the other edge must be thrown onto the thread of the fishing line;
• the latter is pushed inside the loop from the end of the knot.

"Eight"

The figure eight knot is used by fishermen when it is necessary to organize a reliable connection followed by a quick change of bait. This option for mounting a leash is not suitable when hunting large predators. Among the advantages of the “eight” are the simplicity and speed of execution. The disadvantage of the technique is the low strength of the connection. In order to minimize the disadvantage, anglers use high-quality and durable fishing line.

To make such a node, you will need to perform the following steps:

• fold the fishing line in half and form a loop;
• wrap the loop around the folded thread;
• thread the second loop into the first;
• moisten and tighten the knot;
• eliminate excess fishing line.

"Palomar"

Most fishermen use the Palomar technology when installing a leash on a spinning rod. This is a simple and reliable technique that takes less than a minute to complete. This unit is characterized by high strength and the ability to withstand about 10 kilograms of cargo. However, it is worth noting that during the work the fisherman will need to fold the fishing line, so its length will be significantly reduced. Palomar can be tied in 3 simple steps.

1. The fishing line is folded in half and then passed through the spinner's winding ring. Then a standard knot is formed with the fishing line.
2. As a result of the above measures, an elongated loop is obtained. The spoon is pulled into it and pulled in.
3. The last step is to trim off the excess line.

DIY leash

Absolutely any material for making a leash can be bought in a store - this is not the point. It's more difficult with the manufacturing process. The entire technological process depends on the choice of material.

There are two main options for making leashes:

• with the formation of a loop using tubes;
• by knitting loops in knots.

The first option should be considered in more detail.

Technology for making a leash with the formation of a loop using a tube:

1. Cut a piece of the leader material to the required length.
2. A tube of the appropriate size is cut in half to make it easier to break.
3. Using a shoe needle, the inner diameter of each of the two formed tubes is flared.
4. File all the external burrs on them with a file.
5. Using a tube, create a loop from the driving material on both sides of the tube.
6. On one side of the tube there should be a leash itself and a small loop. On the other is the main loop with pre-wound fittings (winding ring or carabiner) and a tiny tail on the reverse side of the leash.
7. The tube is crimped with pliers.
8. The operation is repeated with the second end of the equipment. You don’t have to install the fittings, since this loop is intended for attaching the main fishing line.

REFERENCE. When making leashes from metal, you should remember that the fittings (swivel and carabiner) are needed on both sides, otherwise the leash can cut the main fishing line of the fish.

To tie a leash to a fishing line or braid, a windbreaker is usually used. They usually knit without a knot.

If they tie the leash to the fishing line with a knot, then use the following options:

• “clinch” knot;
• "double clinch";
• "palomar".

Line to line without using a swivel is knitted using the “loop to loop” method. The loop can be knitted in various ways: double regular knot, figure eight, etc.

You can fasten the leash and fishing line using a cord. Then the “carrot” and “albright” knots are used.

Fishing tips

In order for fishing with a spinning rod equipped with a retractable leash to be successful, you should adhere to the following recommendations from experts.

1. If you plan to hunt with a retractable bait that is mounted on an offset hook, then you should attach lead pellets or plates to the hook shank. This load will act as an anti-twist.
2. When fishing, the line must be under constant tension. This ensures precise bait control. This procedure prevents the possibility of missing bites. If there is any slack in the fishing line, it should be reeled out immediately.
3. When hunting with a retractable leash, it is better to use edible bait. This moment contributes to good fishing results, since even passive predators swallow the bait with confidence.

Tips for novice fishermen.

1. It is better to fish with a spinning rod in a well-studied place. In order to gain experience, it is recommended to alternate gear and equipment.
2. There is no need to get hung up on using one type of gear. During the season, it is recommended to use about 3 varieties of bait in different conditions.
3. If the fisherman has little experience, then you should not skimp on leashes; you need to buy several of them with different lengths.

A high-quality and properly selected leash is an important component of success in spinning fishing. Its characteristics have a direct impact on the level of equipment reliability. When going hunting, a fisherman should acquire several leashes, which can be useful in different fishing methods.

In this way, you can prepare to rebuild the gear at the right time if conditions change.

See all about spinning leashes in the video below.

How to choose a leash for spinning, types

What is a leash and why is it needed on a spinning rod?

A spinning leash is a piece of thin, durable and wear-resistant material that is installed between the bait and the main fishing line.

A leash on a spinning rig is used for two reasons, the first of which is the teeth of the pike, which can grind or even bite the main fishing line.

The second reason for using a leash is the bottom of the reservoir, which may have sharp shells, stones and other objects that can ruin our fishing line. And the frayed fishing line becomes less durable, which leads to frequent breaks of baits when hooked, and the fish itself can tear off our bait at the site of the bite.

In general, a spinning rod leader is very important, especially for pike fishing and especially on rocky bottoms.

Selection rules

When fishing with a spinning rod, do not get carried away with long leashes; frequent overlaps are possible. A length of 8 cm is quite enough. Strength is of great importance. If you are going after trophy specimens, it is better to use titanium tackle. Yes, it is expensive, but it is strong and durable. However, any tackle of this kind can serve well if the storage and transportation conditions are followed.

Pay attention to the swivel and fastening rings. All this must be secured securely.

And finally, this material is very durable. In addition to strength and lack of memory for deformation, it is protected from all aggressive influences. It will not rust or weaken. Yes, the material is expensive, there is not much of it, but the leashes made from it are almost eternal. Only a break when hooked on a snag will force you to take the next leash, whereas with the usual steel leashes you have to lose 10-15 per fishing trip, if not more.

Date: April 10, 2021 | 620

In many styles of fishing, it is common to install leaders. At the end of the main fishing line or cord, a leash is tied - a piece of another fishing line or other material. Thus, leashes perform a number of functions, depending on the fishing method. And the driving material is selected for specific tasks. In this review we will deal with the topic of leashes and, of course, we will focus on leash materials designed to withstand the sharp and dangerous teeth of a pike.

The approach to leader materials is different for a variety of gear and types of fish:

Everyone knows that spinning gear uses leashes made of various materials for various purposes. Usually, the need for a leash is determined by one of three reasons: protecting the gear from the sharp teeth of a predator (pike); inconspicuousness of the outermost section of fishing line compared to the main fishing line or cord; using a stiffer leash to avoid the wobbler getting caught in the fishing line when twitching.

Pike teeth leashes are most often made of metal. These can be thin single-core leashes:

• String;
• Steel;
• Vole;
• Titanium;
• Various stranded materials.

The latest, multi-fiber, multi-strand driving materials, characterized by increased elasticity.

In a special place are fluorocarbon leashes of various thicknesses.

Now, let's talk about these materials in more detail, discuss the scope of their application in spinning equipment, depending on the conditions.

When catching pike, pike perch, catfish with jigs, spinners, wobblers with their own action, ordinary, fairly rigid leashes made of string, steel, and voles are widely used. These leashes come with an American clasp and a swivel. In the same conditions, moderately rigid multi-core driving materials are used.

[THERE IS AN ANSWER] How to jig head for pike correctly

As for titanium, one cannot fail to note its excellent property - complete immunity to deformation. If the leash gets twisted, it is not thrown away, as when using other materials, but is easily straightened with your fingers and it regains its shape. Well, the price for such an indestructible leash is appropriate.

Elastic leader materials are good when fishing with a fairly elegant, light spinning rod, using light, medium-sized baits. On the one hand, such leashes reliably protect the tackle from the sharp teeth of the pike, and are soft enough to not spoil the action of the bait.

Thin fluorocarbon will no longer protect against pike teeth. But, due to its invisibility in the water, this material is often used in light and ultralight spinning rods when catching cautious river fish: asp, chub, trout.

I can mention Pontunovsky material as a very good option for leashes.

Leader material Pontoon 21 Stretch 7 0.2mm

• Diameter: 0.2mm
• Strength: 4kg
• Unwinding: 5m
• Type: Lead Material
• Black color

Secondly, the Stretch 7 leader tends to stretch under load, which gives better shock absorption when fighting large fish.

And finally, this material is very durable. In addition to strength and lack of memory for deformation, it is protected from all aggressive influences. It will not rust or weaken. Yes, the material is expensive, there is not much of it, but the leashes made from it are almost eternal. Only a break when hooked on a snag will force you to take the next leash, whereas with the usual steel leashes you have to lose 10-15 per fishing trip, if not more.

Triton 19 fiber leash

• Diameter: 0.15mm
• Length: 14 cm
• Material: American Fishing Wire
• Strength: 3 kg

The material of the Triton leash is 19-core so-called. "American lace" The material is soft, elastic, but resistant to pike teeth. The leash is strong, as for an ultralight - 3 kg at break. Accessories: small swivel and American clasp.

It is clear that branded materials have interesting properties and you can take them if you have the money and their characteristics can make a difference on your fishing trips. But you can completely eliminate this expense item, make leashes from steel or string, and not know any grief. This approach is especially relevant when fishing in snags. You don’t want to lose cool leashes along with expensive baits. If we tear it off, then, roughly speaking, the wire.

Re: LEASH. Materials, influence on bite, etc.

Storling

Re: LEASH. Materials, influence on bite, etc.

Pike cuts thin flare easily. The one who doesn’t cut it either rarely catches it or is still lucky. Not IMHO - just a fact. If you don't believe me, read this thread. So, for fishing with light baits, fluorine is not suitable as protection against teeth, unless it is disproportionately thick. For fairly heavy baits, thick flare - for God's sake.

GoldenTurtle

Re: LEASH. Materials, influence on bite, etc.

Storling

Re: LEASH. Materials, influence on bite, etc.

Re: LEASH. Materials, influence on bite, etc.

The second direction also remains unchanged for now - elastic metal multi-strand “cables”, the loops of which are fixed with the supplied clips. Or the ready-made leashes of different lengths and diameters offered - to suit the personal tastes of anglers and the need for something specific in specific fishing conditions dictate diversity here.

Types of leashes for spinning rods

We have already figured out why a leash is needed, now let’s look at the structure of spinning leashes and their types, of which there are several.

The leash has the following components:

1. cord(base);
2. loops at the ends;
3. crimp tubes;
4. carbine;
5. and a swivel.

The carabiner attaches to the main line and the bait is attached to a swivel to allow the bait to rotate freely.

Leashes mainly differ in the material of the cord, which can be as follows:

1. Steel (stainless steel string).
2. Steel (stranded).
3. Volframov.
4. Titanov.
5. Nylon.
6. Fluorocarbon
7. From a guitar string (homemade).
8. Made from leader material 7*7.

A ready-made store-bought nur or leader fabric often has an elastic coating, which makes the leader more durable and less noticeable to the fish.

Kinds

Steel

Steel leashes can be factory-made or home-made. Do-it-yourself leashes are made from P-274 field cable and guitar string . Vole leashes are tough, durable, have no memory, but are susceptible to corrosion. There are rusting and stainless steel strings, and when choosing a material for a leash, you should certainly purchase the latter. The cost of such leashes is extremely low.

Fluorocarbon

The main quality of fluorocarbon is its wear resistance . Therefore, you cannot do without it when fishing in places where there are various obstacles on the bottom. Its second advantage is the refractive index , close to that of water, i.e. his invisibility. There is no doubt that it resists pike teeth better than a much thinner braided line, but it is still not recommended to use it when fishing for pike. The disadvantage of fluorocarbon is its high cost.

Titanium

Titanium leashes are the strongest and most durable . They practically do not bend when in contact with obstacles and fish teeth. Excellent for fishing with wobblers by twitching, for fishing with poppers and walkers. Unfortunately, they are quite expensive.

From leader material

There are leashes woven from 7, 19 and 49 fibers (7x7). The latter are the thinnest, most elastic, but less durable. Over time, any leashes made of leash material lose their original shape and begin to squirm.

Expert opinion

Knipovich Nikolai Mikhailovich

Zoologist, hydrobiologist. I am interested in fishing at a professional level.

Healthy! You can give new life to such a leash directly while fishing. It is enough to heat it on the flame of a lighter and it will become straight again.

In order to make your own leash from leader material, you will need a spool with such material, crimp tubes, swivels and fasteners. Making a leash is quite simple: the material is easily cut with metal scissors, and the tubes are crimped with pliers.

On sale you can find soft leader material, for example, Canelle Supratress , which can be knitted to the fittings with a clinch knot. The disadvantage of all such leashes is their relatively high cost.

Nylon or monofilament line

Monofilament leashes made of nylon or regular fishing line are used when a certain wear resistance of the leash is required . They are quite cheap, but are inferior in their characteristics to fluorocarbon.

Tungsten

Tungsten leashes are lightweight, cheap and elastic, but during fishing they twist into a spiral, and it is impossible to straighten them.

Made of stainless steel

All driving material that can be purchased in stores is resistant to corrosion. Ready-made string leads also do not rust. When making leashes from string with their own hands, experienced fishermen purchase strings No. 1 and No. 2 from the Ramenskoye factory - these strings meet all the needs of spinning anglers. Having a low price or cost when made with your own hands, string leashes lose their shape after bites or hard contact with hooks.

Fluorocarbon line (leader)

Today, the newest type of material for a spinning leash. As the manufacturers assure, this is a very durable material for tackle that can withstand very heavy loads. Among the disadvantages of all new materials is the rather high price. And one of the advantages is invisibility in water.

Leash 7×7 (stranded metal)

This leash is quite new, it is durable and flexible. It consists of interwoven single threads and performs its main task well - it resists the teeth of fish and the sharp bottom well. The cost is quite high compared to steel string. A multi-strand leash provides better bait retrieval due to its softness.

How long is a leash for a pike?

Now let’s look at the optimal length of leashes and think about how to determine it. So, the sharp-toothed pike has the greatest chance of biting the leash, and most often the leash is placed precisely because of the pike.

But what length do you need a leash if there are 5-centimeter, 15- and even 30-centimeter ones on sale.

The answer is: the larger the pike, the longer the leash is needed, since a large pike can swallow the bait deeper, and it’s not our strong leash that can get under its teeth, but the braided line, which can easily be bitten. Based on the experience of fishermen, we will say that the optimal length is 15 cm, even 20 cm is possible for a trophy pike. And 10 cm will do for small things.

But try to choose not very long leashes, as they affect the casting, the retrieve, and even the number of bites. A shorter, thinner, softer leash means more bites.

The best leashes for pike fishing

August 2, 2021 Yuran

Will there be something radically new in “anti-pike” leashes? Maybe completely invisible models have already been invented, while the sharp teeth of a predator will have no chance of chewing them through? Are there special leashes with which you won’t lose in the number of bites compared to leadless rigs? I will express my opinion based on sales of ready-made leashes and leash materials.

So far there are no revolutionary trends indicating the creation of products from a radically new material. Evolution is taking place in two main directions.

The first is fluorocarbon, which is truly practically invisible to fish in water and is more or less resistant to the sharpest pike teeth. That is why it continues to gain popularity, especially when fishing in clear water, which is most typical for late autumn fishing and the winter betting season. And of course, in spinning, especially when the thinnest braids are used, which the pike cuts off with its mouth at once.

From time to time she also cuts fluorocarbon leashes, but this still happens much less often. In addition, this material “separates” the bait from the clearly visible braid, which is essential when catching perch and predatory whitefish. In general, fluorocarbon is steadily popular, improving in its qualities, and has begun to be sold not only on reels, but also in the form of completely finished leashes - of different lengths, with already attached fasteners, swivels of various sizes.

[THERE IS AN ANSWER] What are the best leashes for pike fishing?

The second direction also remains unchanged for now - elastic metal multi-strand “cables”, the loops of which are fixed with the supplied clips. Or the ready-made leashes of different lengths and diameters offered - to suit the personal tastes of anglers and the need for something specific in specific fishing conditions dictate diversity here.

By the way, about the thickness of the leash, where the picture is similar to fishing lines: specific brands can freely “play” with the diameter. Let's say, two different models are positioned with the same number of threads and a similar breaking load, but the branded item will have a real diameter of 0.26mm, the second Chinese one will have 0.38mm. This can be seen by eye and by touch, but if there is no comparative experience, then it is more reliable to check with a micrometer, like the same fishing line.

As for the color of the pike metal leash. In my opinion, this point is at the very end of the other properties of good tackle, although it cannot be discounted. The black color is not bad in muddy water, when fishing on the same black bottom, on the same flooded peat bogs. There are also silver leashes, but they are considered optimal only for sea fishing. The most common color on sale is dark brown; it is good in a variety of conditions and is considered universal by many anglers.

The question of choosing the length of the leash is more important when you want to make a balanced rig so that it gives a good percentage of realized bites, and so that a particularly toothy pike does not chew through it. There are no guarantees here. Let’s say, if you leave live bait fishing gear unattended for a long time, then a toothy fish weighing 6-8 kg will swallow a 50-centimeter leash almost completely without any problems, and can easily bite the fishing line. And this is very unpleasant.

But this is not a reason to increase the length of the metal leash to a meter, thereby significantly coarsening all the gear, and the most popular lengths for live bait gear in winter and summer are from 30 to 40 cm, depending on the mass of the hunted object. But they make it longer from fluorocarbon. I had to meet fishermen who had similar leashes in the area of ​​a meter. But for spinning the most popular ones are 20-25cm.

Published in the section Important little things

This method is universal for all types of materials from fluorocarbon fishing line to field cable core. It is possible to use a running knot or a figure eight knot.