Wire Leader Rig Diagram & Gear List
Swaps the usual fluorocarbon leader for wire, since sharp teeth cut straight through mono. Only needed for toothy species, otherwise a standard fish-finder rig works fine.
Also known as: Wire Trace Rig (GB, IE, AU, NZ)
- Where to use it
- pier, jetty, boat
- Difficulty
- intermediate
Gear List
- main Line20-30 lb monofilament or braid
- leaderSingle-strand or knottable wire
- leader Length12-18in from swivel to hook
- hook Range2/0 - 5/0 circle hook
- weight TypeSliding sinker, 2-4oz
- sinker Drop LengthSlides freely above swivel, no fixed drop length
- swivelHeavy barrel swivel, size 1-2
How to tie the Wire Leader Rig
- Thread a 2-4oz sliding sinker onto the main line and add a bead.
- Tie the main line to a size 1-2 heavy barrel swivel.
- Attach 12-18in of single-strand wire with a haywire twist, or knottable wire with a figure-eight knot.
- Finish with a 2/0 - 5/0 circle hook on the wire.
When and where it works best
Only when toothy fish such as sharks, bluefish, barracuda, or mackerel are around.
Is the Wire Leader Rig good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate: easy to tie, but worth a little practice to fish well. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Pier Rod for a matching rod.
What fish is the Wire Leader Rig good for?
Related Rigs
Handling and regulations: Sharks and rays are covered by species-specific rules in many areas. Check current local regulations and release unwanted fish quickly.
Common Questions
What do I need to tie a Wire Leader Rig?
A 20-30 lb monofilament or braid main line, a Single-strand or knottable wire leader (12-18in from swivel to hook), a 2/0 - 5/0 circle hook hook, and a Sliding sinker, 2-4oz. Full gear list is above.
What is a Wire Leader Rig best for?
The Wire Leader Rig works best for pier, jetty, boat fishing, and is a recommended setup for Pacific Bonito, Thresher Shark, Northern Pike, Muskellunge (Musky). Difficulty: intermediate.
Is the Wire Leader Rig hard to tie?
It is rated intermediate. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.