How to Make a Steel Leader for Shark Fishing
The sharp, serrated teeth of sharks requires terminal tackle that can take a lot of punishment. Monofilament, braided or other typical fishing lines are no match for the cutting power of the jaws of a shark, For these fish, steel is needed. A steel leader between your main fishing line and your hook will prevent your catch from slicing through your fishing line to get free. Making a steel leader requires some special tools to ensure the leader remains intact under the assault of a large shark.
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Things You'll Need
- Single-strand, steel wire
- Diagonal wire cutters
- Round-nosed pliers
- Flat-nosed pliers
- Large barrel swivel
- Welded eye hook
Instructions
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1
Spool out your desired length of steel wire, plus an extra foot of wire to make the loops in the leader. Cut the length of wire with the diagonal wire cutters.
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2
Grip the steel wire with the round-nosed pliers about four to six inches from the end of the wire. Wrap the wire around one tip of the pliers one full turn to form a loop. Remove the round nosed pliers from the wire. Repeat this step on the opposite end of the wire.
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3
Place a barrel swivel onto one of the loops. Place the welded eye hook on the other loop.
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4
Grasp one of the loops opposite the point where the wires cross over with the flat-nosed pliers. Twist the standing wire and the tag end of the wire together with your thumb and fingers four or five times. Repeat this step on the other loop.
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5
Grasp the tag end of the wire and wrap it around the standing portion of the wire in five or six tight, single turns. Work the tag end of the wire back and forth at the last turn to break the tag end off the loop. Repeat this step on the other loop. Your leader is now completed.
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Tips & Warnings
Single-strand, stainless steel wire is available in a range of strengths from 2-gauge, rated at about 25 pounds, up to 18-gauge wire, rated to around 325 pounds.
Hooks for shark fishing range from 2/0 for smaller sharks, up to 19/0 for the largest of sharks. The eye on hooks used for shark fishing should be welded closed to prevent the eye from being pulled open during a fight with the fish.
Use extreme caution when handling a hooked shark, as the bite of these fish is powerful and can inflict serious injury.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit shark image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com
