Leashes – “String”

Spinning fishing in freshwater is probably similar in many ways around the globe. Probably the most famous in spinning destinations, thanks to the rich markets of Japan and the United States are salmon and bass fishing. Except that we have a widespread pike, which requires the use of an additional ingenious element in the spinning equipment – a special leash that resists its sharper razor teeth, which can not boast of bass or trout.

Types of leashes are many. They are made of multi-strand tungsten or Kevlar threads, fluorocarbon fishing line or “pigtail” of ordinary fishing line, titanium material. But the most common, simple and reliable is the leash “twist” or leash “string” made of stainless steel. Why “string”? In the past, it was often independently made of guitar steel string, which you can get in any music store. Nowadays, steel alone is not the only thing involved.

Why is this particular leash is the most widespread?

Fluorocarbon leash with all its “imperceptibility” in the water still suffers greatly from pike teeth. It is clear that the larger the diameter, the less risk of shearing. But for ultralight fishing such a leash becomes bulky, plus has the shape of an arc. Small bait on the conductor can not straighten it. And when fishing for large wobblers or bulk jig more chances to meet a decent toothy, which will easily bite even thick “flure” – proven more than once and more than twice. And then there will be only to lament yourself for the missed trophy.

Leashes from titanium or other multi-strand material with crimp tubes at the ends (instead of twists) to obtain loops are often caught defective. At the place of crimping there are breakages or popping of the leash material. Some anglers instead of crimping use knots. But I have heard negative reviews and about such options. So in terms of reliability twist is unequivocally leading. It should be noted that in recent years in the sale of “twist” of titanium. We will talk about it below.

Leash length

The length of the leash is determined by the conditions of fishing, the type of wires and baits used.

In ultralight fishing pike is not often the main goal, so the leash is put to save, for example, expensive chub wobbler from unexpected toothy bycatch. In areas with a weak current and clear water chub can be alarmed by the sight of a dangling leash, so it makes sense to use small and thin versions. Which, in addition, by virtue of its small weight will not affect the game wobbler. Now on sale there are very thin leashes made of wire 0.15 mm, but they have one disadvantage – after one pike bite, they can be thrown out.

When catching uneven wiring, whether it is twitching or jig “step”, there are times when the pike often smears, trying to grab the “victim” with correction for the reproach. And if there is a small leash, it can happen and cut the snap. Especially this sin small pike. Although there are periods when the adult species in the hand of spinning is transferred to a powerful blow, and then either the fishing line sags after the cut, or the leash returns bent. But, for example, in winter time, nibbles neat, without deep gulping. The leash can be used a small length. But no one is immune to the nibble of a trophy specimen, in the jaws of which a small bait flies away quite deep with the leash.

And since we mentioned jig fishing, let’s add the case when some spinning players when fishing in the snag, overgrown shell with sharp edges, use leashes very large – from half a meter and more. Here is already protected not only the bait, but also the section of the line, which rubs against this very shell.

Well, as for twitching, then here the leash is put even if, for example, in the perch reservoir pike is not and has never been. The fact is that when jerk animation in the absence of a leash for the tees often slammed cord or fishing line. And this is either deformation of the fishing line. Or, if the tip of the hook between the fibers of the cord, the possibility of rupture of these fibers by the hook beard during its pulling.

Here it is time to touch on the above-mentioned titanium “twists”. Due to their high cost, it is expensive to use them in jig, where the consumption of baits in snags is sometimes very significant. This is especially true when fishing from the shore. But when using wobblers or jerkbaits, titanium is preferable, because after bends on the clutches or fish catching, it returns to the original “straight” state. With “steel” need to straighten the leash with pliers or hands, which is not always possible when the thin wire does not want to be fixed by wet fingers.

So still, what should be the length of the leash? There is a generally accepted standard that the length should not be less than the length of the body of the bait, and when it comes to twitching wobblers, it is better to be insured and provide a leash 2-2.5 times longer. Therefore, in microjig is enough 4-10 cm, and for “hundred and thirty” wobblers – 20-30 cm.

Equipping the leash

The leash “string” allows you to equip it with anything you want and at any time. There are no interfering crimp tubes and knots. Unscrewed the “twist” – and hook whatever you want! If you don’t like fiddling with the twist at every bait change, you can use a clasp. If you use spinning trollers – you can add a swivel. And the most tricked-out multicomponent or with bearings for better rotation, not the one that the manufacturers have already put. Maximum strength by getting rid of knots – here and “knotless” at one end of the leash appeared. Convenient, isn’t it?

Pros and cons

It can not be said that leashes of the “string” type are ideal. At excessively high loads, if the leash is chosen too thin, the ear is deformed and in the place of a sharp bend there are small burrs that cut the fishing line. With long use (which is rare in jigging, but often in wobbler fishing) with frequent changes of baits “tired” metal at the bend and breaks. Therefore, leashes are better to periodically update. But the affordable price, a large selection of lengths and diameters in stores and ease of manufacture even at home make the leash “string” the most popular among spinning.

Brief summaries

1. What is a leash “string-twist”?
The leash, which bears the name “string” – “twist”, is made, as a rule, from stainless steel or other materials. Essentially, it is a section of wire with two twisted loops at the end. In the past, real guitar string was used as a material.

2. Advantages

• Sturdy, easily withstands the bites of pike’s sharp teeth;
• maintains straight position;
• no crimp tubes or knots are required;
• the twist loop is easy to untwist and then fix again. Therefore, such a leash allows you to simply and quickly change baits, jigs;

3. How to choose a leash type string, which will not fail?

Among the companies that offer such equipment, there are many brands that have earned the trust of fishermen. For example, popular “strings” String Leader Wire from the firm HitFish. For their manufacture, high quality steel wire is used. They are suitable for those methods of fishing, when you need a clear contact with the bait. The breaking load, for which they are designed, can be 16 kg.

The company Spinningline under its own brand produces wires from wire, which is not afraid of corrosion. Plus leashes of this brand – the ability to choose a relatively long length, if fishing conditions require it. There are also options that are already supplemented with swivels.

Among Russian anglers are also popular leashes brand Contact, they are perfect for different conditions of fishing for spinning. There are variations in the range, supplemented with swivels, or without them. The highest breaking load can be equal to 15 kg.