What are the best pike leashes for spinning?

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.

Date: April 10, 2021 | 733

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:

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.

The easiest way to use a leash is to use guitar string or field cable . It is preferable to purchase an imported string, it is stronger. But it is best to choose an old string; it does not shine and is less noticeable in the water.

The role of the leash

Initially, a strong leash (in the very first versions, made of wire) was designed to prevent a pike or some other predator from biting the fishing line . It was a pity to lose the artificial bait. Later they noticed that when fishing with live bait, the leash can successfully play the role of a sinker and even allow the baitfish to be in the water column in a more natural state. That is, this tackle to some extent made it easier to catch large specimens.

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Another reason for using leashes may be the bottom of the reservoir. If there are a lot of shells and sharp stones on it, the line can quickly fray after several casts. The leash will pass such a test with success.

True, he himself often actively clings to the unevenness of the bottom, this must be taken into account.

By type of material from which they are made:

Do you need a leash?

There is no consensus among fishermen. Some people think that such gear only scares away river predators, and in case of a break it does not retain the bait anyway. Others, on the contrary, claim that the leash even gives the bait additional mobility.

Much depends on the material from which the leash is made. The stronger, the more reliable, but also the more noticeable the tackle itself.

Apparently, like any gear, a pike leash has and will have its fans and opponents. But you still need to know its advantages.

How to bind?

The connection between the leash and the fishing line should be simple and at the same time strong , since, as is known, the strength of the fishing line in water decreases by about 15-20%; the simplest and most common fastening method is the “loop-to-loop” method.

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.

Another type of leash attachment is the universal Palomar knot , with which you can attach not only the leash, but also bait, fishing line and cords.

A distinctive feature of such a knot is that the strength of the connection is approximately 85-90% of the strength of the fishing line.

Palomar knot:

How does a leash for catching a pike suddenly end up inside its mouth? Because it is in this case that she manages to carry out her combat maneuver, leading to liberation. Only in this case the fisherman loses the treasured trophy and equipment. And it’s good if he manages to take a farewell selfie with the fugitive. Otherwise, an uncontrollable surge of adrenaline and sorrowful experiences will only lead to a man-made demonstration of the size of the fugitive.

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.

Everyone should know how to make leashes

What could be simpler - buy a leader material that you trust, choose the necessary spinning accessories and assemble equipment for any fishing. There is no need for great skill; moreover, everyone should be able to make leashes for pike with their own hands. The necessary tool is in every home. But the fishermen’s hands were always in place.

Preparing the tools

What tool will be needed:

side cut pliers;
small side cutters or nippers;
round nose pliers;
fishing pliers (with an internal protrusion) for unclamping the winding rings;
set of diamond files;
shoe needle.

Photo 3. Processing the ends of the leashes.

Manufacturing process

The technological process for making leashes for pike fishing will depend on the material chosen. In one case, the most popular option would be to form a loop using tubes. In another case, by knitting loops in knots. Every angler knows how to make a leash in the latter case, making similar loops on every fishing trip. The first option should be discussed in more detail:

Almost everything is important in fishing. We are talking not only about the characteristics of a particular type of fish. Many other factors also matter.

Its distinctive feature is that its refractive index of light is almost the same as that of water. This equipment causes a lot of controversy in the fishing community. It is believed that such a leash can compete with steel in strength, while it is transparent and, for the most part, invisible to the fish.

Others believe that when catching predators such as pike, its use is pointless, because the pike will easily bite it and jump off the hook.

It is believed that it acquires the required degree of rigidity only when its thickness exceeds 0.5 millimeters. The use of a fluorocarbon leash has become most popular when using light baits on those fish that are unable to chew through it (this applies, for example, to perch).

Reviews for fluorocarbon leash

— Under certain conditions, there were clearly defined situations when a fluorocarbon leash defeated other leashes with a devastating score. It is undesirable to use thin diameters when fishing for pike; several of my “Japanese” teeth were chewed off last year, but the total number of bites was higher than that of my comrades.

Select a fishing line and make a loop at the end. It is desirable that the knot be neat. Protruding ends should be cut off. (Picture 1).

Leash materials

Most fishermen always use a steel leader for spinning fishing. And it doesn’t matter whether they catch with an oscillating or rotating spoon. On a wobbler or jerk bait. Even the smallest pike can easily bite through the fishing line. She can handle both monofilament and braided fishing line.

Before choosing a material , you need to consider one detail. In terms of carrying capacity, the leash should be at least as good as the main line. If you make the leash yourself, you need to take into account that all its components (swivels, tubes) must have the same load-carrying capacity.

Braided steel leash

The strength of a steel leash is no greater than that of a monofilament fishing line. You should not forget about this, otherwise you may suddenly find yourself without a pike.

High load wears out the leash. Gradually it loses its original carrying capacity. In order for the leash not to fail at the most crucial moment and to last long enough, it must be twice as strong as the main fishing line. For example, the fishing line is 5 kg, and the leash is 10 kg. This is a standard combination that is successfully used by all experienced fishermen.

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An equally important quality of a leash is its length. Many people believe that it should be as large as possible in order to protect the fishing line from the insidious jaws of pikes. They are wrong. For a spinning rod, 30 cm is enough . And with a kilometer-long leash, casting bait will not be an easy task.

But if the bait is a jerkbait, it’s better to play it safe. In any case, you need to make sure that the length of the bait does not exceed the length of the leash, but also does not restrict casting.

Steel wire

A more durable option is steel wire. It should be used when fishing with bucktail spinners and jerk baits. The maximum that a pike can do with this leash is bend it. But straightening it out is a matter of minutes. Moreover, you can do this by hand without any additional tools.

But high rigidity does not come without reason. Steel wire is very visible in water. As already mentioned, whether this is important for the pike or not is unknown. But fishing while looking at a shiny piece of iron and remaining calm is an impossible task.

The wire can be painted , and the store sells already painted rods. But still, wire is not the best material. For ease of fishing you need something softer.

Titanium-nickel leash

A very expensive , but excellent in all respects, leash made of titanium and nickel alloy. It is durable, soft and does not lose its qualities over time. Just like the steel leash, the titanium-nickel leash is available in braided rope and wire.

Fluorocarbon leader

A very interesting and controversial material is fluorocarbon . It is generally accepted that pike bite it 100% of the time. But it's not that simple. This material is increasingly found in anglers’ recommendations for spinning pike fishing. Why would this happen?

The thing is that under the fancy name “fluorocarbon” can hide almost anything. In the original, such a leash should be made entirely of a compound of fluorine and carbon.

However, many manufacturers use fluorocarbon only as a leader shell. That's why it's so easy to snack on. In addition, it wears out greatly over time , allows water to pass through and is difficult to tolerate ultraviolet radiation.

The leash, entirely made of fluorocarbon , does not absorb water and is not afraid of ultraviolet rays.

Before spawning, pike are caught with a jig with vibrating tails or twisters. Foam rubber fish and spinners perform well. After spawning, the predator bites well on rotating spoons and wobblers.

Features of catching pike on a leash

A leash for catching pike should also be used because thanks to it, the fisherman will help to analyze the bottom of the reservoir or river where this fish is found. In addition, there are no restrictions on casting distance. When the attached load goes along the bottom, the vibration is immediately transmitted along the fishing line directly to the spinning rod.

An important point: the mounted bait should not touch the ground in any way. If fishing with live bait, the fish should be positioned head down, standing at an acute angle relative to the bottom surface. Another advantage when fishing with live bait is that the leash is equipped with a special carbine with a drum. All this together will ensure free swimming for the bait fish.

It should be noted that for better sensitivity you can use not only fluorocarbon fishing lines, but also braided fishing line, which is distinguished by the fact that it does not stretch even with great tension that appears when fishing for pike.

As you know, even before the attack, the pike even at a long distance reacts to a bait thrown into the water, since it hesitates under water, and the prepared leash for the pike remains unattended. However, if the leader shines near the bait, this may scare away the fish as it approaches the hook.

Use of diverter leads

This predatory fish can be caught using rubber baits, therefore, the use of special retractable leashes seems relevant. A pike can get caught on a retractable leash, even if you use a 2.5 meter spinning rod. This tackle can be equipped with an inertia-free reel with a friction brake, as a result of which the device will operate accurately under light loads. Experts recommend keeping the rod extended upward while fishing.

Since the attacks of this predatory fish practically occur at lightning speed, a retractable leash for pike can be used made of steel (d=0.2 mm), i.e. take a thin steel rod that can be bent to give it the appropriate shape. The presence of such a leash is a guarantee that the sharp teeth of the pike will not gnaw through the main fishing line.

When using a retractable leash, the likelihood of the bait getting caught on any object underwater is much lower. If a fluorocarbon diverter leader is used, it is quite soft, therefore, it practically does not affect the underwater play of the bait. Leashes are not intended for catching predatory fish in heavily snag areas on a mountain river with a strong current. It will also be difficult to fish in areas with a soft muddy bottom. However, if the current is not particularly strong or is completely absent, then a diversion leash will be effective. How to make a leash for a pike is no longer difficult.

Thus, retractable leashes are widely used by many anglers, without requiring much effort from the fisherman. It is important to choose the appropriate material so that the catch is successful. The leash itself can be made either independently or purchased at a specialized store. In addition, the retractable posting allows the angler not to miss the chance of catching a pike. Fishing with a retractable leash has gained great popularity due to the fact that in the vast majority of cases the fisherman will return home with a good catch. In almost all cases, the possibility of a good pike catch depends on the leash used. In this case, it is possible to use a special steel leader that communicates either with a spinner or a wobbler.

Making a diverter leash

What properties should a diverter leash have? Firstly, it ensures high sensitivity of the fishing gear used. Secondly, be strong enough to make a successful hook. The most expensive leash currently known is a model made of an alloy of titanium and nickel.

Fishing with a pike diverter leash is possible at a fairly large depth. If you use a diverter leash for pike when fishing, installation of the equipment involves the use of a sinker, the weight of which can reach 30 grams. Of course, if there is a current at the intended fishing location, it does not seem entirely relevant to use light weight sinkers. It is to the end of the fishing line that it is advisable to attach a sinker, and above that there will be a leash of the fishing line where the bait will be. It is better to use a pear-shaped sinker.

Depending on the type of bait the fisherman is using, an appropriate leader can be used. A rigid type of leash is perfect if you are fishing with jerkbaits, which are a fairly bulky plastic bait. In addition, the direct use of a short and stiff rod allows the fisherman to cast moderately heavy baits without difficulty.

Making leashes for pike fishing is quite simple. To do this you will need a metal leash, pliers, a screwdriver and wire cutters. The entire process takes relatively little time (a few minutes). Wire cutters and a screwdriver will be needed to create a loop where you should attach one swivel, maybe 5 numbers. The output should be a product that, in terms of functional features, will not be inferior to the store-bought version. In order not to use any auxiliary equipment elements when directly attaching the leash, you can use a method such as a loop in a loop. So, we figured out what to make a leash for a pike from. Let's consider this question: which leashes are best for catching pike?

Material for making leashes

A simple guitar string can be used as a leash. This material is quite durable, and pike are unlikely to bite through it. Fishermen who make them themselves note that the string can withstand almost any weight of pike. However, without proper care, the string will become covered with rust, as a result of which it will no longer be suitable for fishing by predators. In this case, it seems optimal to use a titanium leash. It is made by hand by specialists using special tools. In addition, the modern market offers a choice of titanium leashes that vary in functionality and capabilities, starting with ultra-light ones, the use of which is important on rivers or reservoirs, and also when there is a sluggish bite, and ending with leashes for targeted catching of large individuals. However, despite their durability, they are not widely used as such, since they are moderately hard and affect the play of the bait attached to the hook.

After direct use, it is advisable to wipe steel leads dry to minimize the risk of corrosion spreading, which is not necessary if titanium products are used. In terms of grip and strength, titanium is equivalent to steel. It is quite difficult to somehow deform it. A retractable leash for pike is best used in places where it is relatively clean. It seems possible to cast bait over fairly long distances.

The fluorocarbon version, which will have a diameter of more than 0.4 mm, is able to withstand pike attacks. However, the thicker the leash, the more likely the fish will notice it, which may cause some suspicion in it. What is fluorocarbon made of? As a rule, it is made of fluorine and carbon (carbon). As a result, it is not only durable, but also very resistant to abrasion. When compared to shelf life, titanium certainly stands out here. In terms of price, titanium is more expensive.

If we compare the strength of a steel leader with a classic monofilament line, then in the first case it is very high, therefore, the fishing will be more productive. The leash must be able to withstand an individual weighing 10 kg.

Catching pike with a retractable leash is a fairly productive activity. Of course, each fisherman decides which leash is best for pike based on personal preferences. If diverting leashes are used, the fisherman has more opportunities for a high-quality inspection of the fishing area.

Tackle and bait by season

Any bait for pike is preferable depending on the time of year. Its choice is based on the behavior of the pike. At different times, this predator behaves differently, changing its place of “residence”

This is influenced by various factors:

Temperature;
Pressure;
Water level;
Presence of vegetation near the water;
Presence of food supply in a specific location.

Spring

Before spawning, pike are caught with a jig with vibrating tails or twisters. Foam rubber fish and spinners perform well. After spawning, the predator bites well on rotating spoons and wobblers.

At this time, surface baits are more catchy. The leader is the popper; walkers, breakers, and crawlers perform well. If you fish among vegetation, it is better to choose non-snaking spoons. Minnow wobblers are often used in open water.

Autumn

In the autumn, pike leave shallow water and the coastal zone, so jig baits and oscillating spoons are preferred. Vibrating tails, twisters, heavy spinners and wobblers that dive quite deep are also common.

Homemade leaders can be made from leader material or fluorocarb line. However, they are less reliable and can fail. But they are invisible to the predator and do not alarm him. This is true for clear water or compacted reservoirs, where pike are accustomed to spinning baits and constant fishing pressure.

Winter fishing for pike

The process of hunting pike in different conditions occurs with varying success. The location and activity of toothfish in a reservoir is influenced by many factors:

Water temperature,
The level of oxygen dissolved in water,
Migrations of forage fish,
Weather and atmospheric pressure,
Water level in the reservoir,
Individual characteristics and conditions of reservoirs.

When an angler’s understanding of all these phenomena adds up to an overall picture, he can catch a predator almost anywhere - this fish feeds all winter with varying intensity. Even in the dead of winter, a passive hunter grabs a gaping fish. Read more about the behavior of winter pike in the article:

What fishing line to equip a spinning rod for pike

You can hunt for toothy predators using monofilament fishing line or braided cord. How to equip a spinning rod for pike depends on the bait and fishing conditions. Nylon has the following advantages:

Cheapness.
Extensibility.
Less noticeable in water.
Slippery structure that allows you to make long casts with light lures.

It is advisable to wind monofilament onto a spool when fishing with rotating spoons, spinners, crank wobblers, and spinnerbaits. These types of lures do not require sensitivity from the tackle, so stretch line is preferable. See the review of the top 5 monofilaments here.

When fishing with spinners, especially those with large stubborn blades, the line will inevitably spin. In such a situation, the braided cord will quickly become unusable and will have to be thrown away. Monofilament survives such “tests” better and its loss will not have such a significant impact on the fisherman’s finances.

If an angler goes fishing for pike with silicone lures, twitching, or plans to fish with spaced-out rigs, then you can’t do without a multi-filament cord. Its non-stretchability ensures maximum sensitivity of the gear and makes it possible to register any bites of a predator.

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The braid, with an equal diameter with the fishing line, has a higher breaking load. This allows, other things being equal, to choose a cord of small thickness, which will ensure casting range, thinness of the tackle and better sensitivity.

To equip a spinning rod for perch, you should prepare the following components of the gear:

How to equip a spinning rod for pike, perch, pike perch, trout

To equip a spinning rod for pike, you should prepare the following components of the gear:

A medium or slow action fishing rod with a length of two and a half meters.
Monofilament fishing line, because it has elastic properties, thanks to which the fisherman can successfully catch pike fish. The diameter of the fishing line should be 0.35 mm.
Inertia-free reel with spool size 3000 and friction brake.
Rigid metal leash.
Lures in the form of vibrating tails or oscillating spinners.

To equip a spinning rod for perch, you should prepare the following components of the gear:

A rod with a length of two to three meters and a fast action.
If the bottom of the reservoir is muddy or dirty, then a monofilament line should be used, and if it is clean, a braided line with a diameter of 0.18 mm should be used.
Inertia-free reel with size 2500 and friction brake.
Lures in the form of twisters and vibrotails.

To equip a spinning rod for trout, you should prepare the following components of the gear:

A spinning rod with a length of two meters and eighty centimeters and a fast action.
Braided fishing line with a diameter of 0.25 mm.
Multiplier reel with size 15000.
Lures in the form of spinners or wobblers.

To equip a spinning rod for pike perch, you should prepare the following components of the gear:

A rod with a medium action and a length of two and a half meters.
A spinning reel with a spool size from 2000 to 3500 and a built-in friction brake. It is also recommended that the reel have a baitrunner function.
Captive fishing line with a diameter of 0.30 mm.
Lures in the form of oscillating and rotating spoons, deep-sea wobblers and twisters.

The maximum possible tensile strength of the fishing line.
Poor stretchability.
Long fishing line life.

Nuances of choosing leashes for pike fishing

The basic criterion for a pike leash is that it cannot be bitten by a toothy one. Now you have a choice among ready-made ones for sale or decide on your own homemade material.

Fluorocarbon

There are no other leash options when fishing for perch and pike perch. When fishing for pike you need to be careful in using them. Often, they are used by jig fishermen. Since fishing line with a diameter of 0.35 mm is slightly better than steel, it will already be noticeable.

You have to choose between strength and camouflage. In addition, large individuals cut such leashes. So choose between 0.3 and 0.4 mm diameter.

Notes:

Never use flucarbon on wobblers.
A leash made of 0.25 mm fishing line is made up to one meter long for small individuals.

Special leader material

It is not difficult to make such a leash 0.3-0.4 m long. The basis of its fishing line is a braided material in the form of a tight braid, with many thin steel veins. Also covered with a protective film. It is sold either by the meter, or by 3, 5, 7 m. For its fastening, crimping tubes and fasteners with swivels are used.

Also, ready-made leashes of the required length are already on sale. Such leashes have almost no effect on the action of the bait, do not deform and are very durable.

Notes:

If there is strong resistance from the pike, the leash can twist into a spring and permanently receive marks from its teeth.
When individual veins are separated from the leash, such leashes should be replaced.

Steel

The main disadvantage is minimal camouflage. Often used when quickly moving bait (jig, spoon, wobbler).

Among the advantages are the strength of the fishing line and the ability to cut through algae. Thanks to the latter, the angler does not pull out a bunch of algae along with the tackle.

You can find on sale either a special material for steel leads or one already made from it, or you can use thin guitar strings or another alternative of 0.3-0.4 mm steel wire. But still they cannot compete with special steel ones. They make leashes of 0.2-0.3 m.

Titanium

According to the characteristics, the leash is similar to the steel one, but its distinguishing feature is the lack of memory. That is, it will withstand many pike attacks and at the same time remain smooth and elastic. There is only one remark - this leash is very expensive.

Tungsten

Often, a leash is used on wobblers. Like the 2 previous materials, it is durable and visible in water. Lighter than steel. Sold ready-made.

The disadvantages include the weak wear resistance of the fishing line. So, after 2-3 pike attacks, such a leash begins to twist. Requires constant inspection. If it is possible to buy a titanium one, then do not waste money on a tungsten one; in all other cases, a tungsten leash is better than other materials.

Fishing rod for pike in winter

Winter fishing rods for pike are powerful, elastic and strong. Of course, you can pull out a toothy one with a weak perch fishing rod, but sooner or later a strong blow from a predator will simply break it right in the angler’s hand. For a targeted hunt for this predator, it is better to use normal fishing rods designed specifically for such fishing.

Fishing rod

To make a winter fishing rod for pike, you will need a good hard fishing rod, a reel and a fishing line of 0.2-0.4 mm. The equipment is adjusted depending on how the equipment is used. If the whip is very soft, then during hooking you can simply not break through the hard mouth of the predator. Therefore, a strong rod is chosen, at least 30 centimeters in length. On sale you can find ready-made winter fishing rods with an inertial reel or separately. The general approach is to reduce the weight of the fishing rod whenever possible, but not at the expense of strength. Showing off a heavy “club” all day is a dubious pleasure.

Some modern lures (ratlins, balancers) require a relatively sensitive tip, otherwise it will be impossible to give them the correct action. You should pay attention to the material of the handle. Ordinary plastic is cold in the cold. Handles with neoprene pads are better suited, making it comfortable to hold the fishing rod with bare hands even in cold weather. You can make a fishing rod yourself. Rigid quivertips (tops) from a summer feeder are perfect for this. Pike fishing rods can be of different calibers. It depends on the size of the intended trophy and the weight of the bait used. Perch tackle is also suitable for small-toothed fish.

Coil

For regular fishing at shallow depths, a reel may not be required; ordinary reels will do. In its modern form, equipping a fishing rod for pike fishing in winter with a reel is a necessity. Such tackle becomes universal, it is convenient to use at various depths, and the jerks of trophy specimens after a bite can be worked out with a friction brake (if equipped). Most anglers use ordinary plastic reels for winter lures. It is better to choose reels with a large drum - at least 50 mm in diameter. The best option is special inertial reels for winter trolling with an open drum and a friction brake. When hunting trophy specimens, this is an essential part of the equipment. Some hobbyists use spinning reels (spool size 1000-2000). Convenient, but such a reel requires constant care and anti-freeze lubricant.