How to Make A Heavy Duty Steel Leader

How to make a heavy duty steel leader for catching Northern Pike.

The leaders you buy in the bait shop are usually not strong enough to withstand a monster Pike. I have found it best to make them myself. This way I don't have anybody else to blame when I have leader failure.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Needle Nose Pliers
• Heavy Duty Steel Leader Material
• Heavy Duty Barrel Swivel
• Heavy Duty Crane Swivel
• 2 - Heavy Duty Connector Sleeves

1. 

   I suggest making the leader at least 12 inches long so cut about 14 inches of leader material off the roll. Then Slip a heavy duty connector sleeve over the leader material.

2. 

   Don't leave any leader hanging out of the connector sleeve as shown in the step 2 picture. This will cause air bubbles to form in front of your line and bait. Pike won't hit your lure when this happens.

3. 

   Pull the excess leader material so it isn't hanging out of the connector sleeve.

4. 

   Crimp the connector sleeve 2 times with needle nose pliers. Use the cutting part of the tool just don't apply much pressure. When you feel the connector sleeve squish it's crimped. Don't cut into the connector sleeve.

5. 

   Repeat the same steps to put the crane swivel on the other end of your steel leader.

6. 

   You have finished making your first heavy duty steel leader.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase heavy duty materials to make your leaders.

Resources

• Canada Fly In Fishing

[motherNN]

on 10/26/2009 Great tips here for keeping a pike from breaking your line. Reel 'em in folks!5*