Know your wire in case you need to land a large toothy fish

MARK SAMPSON

DELMARVANOW CORRESPONDENT

Because an angler never knows when an opportunity might suddenly pop up providing an unexpected chance to land something unique, something big, and something with some serious teeth, everyone who fishes in saltwater should always be prepared with not only a little bit of wire stashed away in their tackle box, but also the knowledge and ability to turn it into an effective rig.

Wire comes in two basic forms, either “single strand” which, as its name suggests, is one single strand of wire, or “multi-strand” also known as cable, which is a bunch of tiny strands of wire twisted or woven together.

Both of these types of wire have their pros and cons and each have variations in design and features.

Because it’s made of many strands of very thin wire, multi-strand cable leader is typically very flexible and almost impossible to kink. Cable leader tends to be thicker in diameter than single-strand wire of similar breaking strength so it is more likely to be used when there is little concern about the fish spooking from the sight of the leader.

Because it doesn’t kink, cable leader is also a good choice for anglers who are doing a lot of casting or are fishing in situations such as in the surf or in strong currents where their terminal tackle will be tumbled around a lot.

Besides the large diameter, a downside of cable is that it’s pretty labor intensive to build into a leader. Working with cable requires good cutters, crimpers, and crimping sleeves of the right size, a decent work area, and enough uninterrupted time to get it all done — which isn’t usually available on a beach, boat or pier.

Also, by the time you get done buying the cable, the crimps and the tools, cable leader tends to be a bit pricey compared to other alternatives.

Cable leader is also available with a plastic coating over it which makes it a little easier to handle, but that’s about the only advantage I’m aware of.

The downside of plastic coating is that when a fish rakes its teeth across it, the coating is often shredded and even though the wire might still be as strong as ever the leader becomes such a frayed-up mess that it needs to be replaced. Sometimes this happens after just one fish! The coating also adds to the diameter of the wire without adding strength so it makes it more visible.

Single strand stainless steel wire is a different animal altogether, and using it is about as simple as it comes for anglers who know how to do the haywire twist to attach a hook or barrel swivel to a leader or to provide a place to attach a snap swivel from the end of a fishing line to the leader.

Single strand is not too pricey, has a relatively thin diameter, and with a pair of wire cutters being the only tool needed, it is quick and easy to rig while fishing.

The primary drawback to single-strand wire is that it if you get a loop in it, and that loop pulls tight, it will kink and that kink will reduce the breaking strength of the wire so dramatically that it is almost assured to break.

For this reason single strand is best used in applications such as trolling or other types of fishing where casting or a lot of jostling about of the terminal tackle does not occur.

Someone might fish an entire season without the need for wire on the end of their line. However, because on any give day you never know what might belly up to your smorgasbord, it’s always good to have both the knowledge and the equipment needed to put some good steel in the face of any sharp toothed creature that happens along.