Making Leaders - Help Request

[Muskie Killer]

Hello,

Going to attempt to make my first leader to ensure quality control and save some money.

Problem: I do not know how to make leaders using 125lbs Seven Strand company wire. In particular, I do not understand the concept of crimping as I have never done it before.

Could you please forward a URL of a leader making web page. I am also open to purchasing a book that has this concept laid out with diagrams.

I purchased "The Complete Guide To Musky Hunting" figuring that this concept would be covered in the book, but it was not.

Thank you in advance for your response.

MK

[Tom B]

If you live in the Mpls area, go to Thorne Bros and pick up some crimps and a crimping tool. Bring your wire and side cutters and ask for a leader making demo. It will take less time to show, than it did for me to type this reply. Then pick up some solid wire, so you can make jerkbait leaders.

Tom B

[Muskie Killer]

Hello,

Do not live near Thorne Bros., so I cannot get a demonstration from them.

I have purchased a crimper, but do not know what crimps are, what type should I use ?

I have the wire and swivels on order from Rollies. I just need a helping hand to get going.

Thanks

[Tom B]

You need crimps... they are the things that you slip the wire through to form a loop, then you use the crimping tool and crimp the crimp. Stupid explanation, but ya gets what yas pays for.

I will try and do an illustrated how-to for the September issue of Muskie.

Tom B

[B. Stidham]

I've always felt that a twist with ..051 stainless wire is signficantly stronger than any crimp....I would never trust a crimp.
B.Stidham

[Tim Kelly]

Have a look at this page for a general idea on making different types of leader. Doesn't include crimping, but might give you some ideas.

http://www.timkelly.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/lastracemaking.html

Tim

[bobsreef]

I have been making my own seven strand leaders for the last 4yrs and have not had one fail yet,so I'll try to explain as simply as possible,when you buy your wire(any size)make sure the size of the crimping sleeves are matched to the wire,also buy the seven strand crimping pliers they cost a little more but are the best.To start cut your wire to desired length,slide the crimping sleeve onto wire then put your ball bearing swivel,now make a loop and put the tag end through the sleeve,draw the loop up to desired size leaving about a 16th of an inch sticking out of the sleeve,take your pliers and match the smallest crimping channel to the sleeve and crimp,once crimped the sleeve should look round in the middle with flat ears on either side,now turn the crimped sleeve 90 degrees so the flat ears are up and down in the crimping channel of the pliers and crimp again,the process is now finished and sleeve should look like a square with indented lines every 1/4 around the sleeve,this is known as double crimping,now repeat on the other end with your snap.I just make a loop on the other end and use split rings to attach my baits.
Bob I.E.(MFer)

[kmon]

I think bob's covered it. But I've saved a tonne of money making my own leaders and just want to add ...
The 7 strand wire package will have a size of crimp listed on it ... get that size.
Also I double crimp. That is I put two sleeves on for every loop.
Finally, I cut the wire and re-sleeve after a big fish or a few trips out. Wire is subject to fatigue and the leader will snap at the crimp after to many twists. This is most important down at the snap. More rarely I'll do it at the swivel.

[Skyman]

Check this site out. http://www3.sympatico.ca/sconnell/Index.html
It has a page on making leaders from single strand, multistrand and fluorocarbon. Avoid crimps if at all possible. They always cause your leader to fail eventualy. Use the Big Game Knot on multistrand.

[Muskie Killer]

>Check this site out.
>http://www3.sympatico.ca/sconnell/Index.html
>It has a page on making leaders from single strand,
>multistrand and fluorocarbon. Avoid crimps if at all
>possible. They always cause your leader to fail eventualy.
>Use the Big Game Knot on multistrand.

Hello Skyman,

Your website is certainly the best kept secret on Muskie fishing, it is the first time I have seen it and a very nice page on making leaders.

Happy Fish'in,

MK

[Musk Rat]

I think if you tried one of my 200# crimped floro or crimped 175# cabel leaders you would find that eventualy mite be longer than your around. Seven strand is to springy and can fail at the crimp it also cuts fish NG in my book. Solid wire is good if you make them rite but if you mess up the twist or they wrap around the hooks watch out not to mention everytime your lure fowls or you catch a fish the leader is toast. Thorpe caught over 100 fish on one of my leaders no bull. Lifetime leaders if you don`t get snagged. Easy to make too not like wire.

[Phish Freak]

Has anyone tried the new tyger leader that you can tie like fishing line? I bought some but have not used it yet.

vince

[Musk Rat]

I tried using some malin wire you were supposed to be able to tie I was real dissapointed. I would be careful if I was you. Never know whats gunna hit next.

[happy hooker]

Have you guys tried making solid titanium leaders??? I have one of those boggs tackle masters can you do it on that or does it require some special tools?