One disadvantage of multistrand
cable is that it is possible for a fish such as a large shark
to gradually cut through each individual strand, weakening
the cable until it breaks.
This is not so likely with single strand
wire, and single strand has a much smaller diameter for a
given breaking strain than cable, making it less visible in
the water. However single strand wire does not have the flexibility
of cable and is much more prone to kinking, which weakens
it severely.
One solution is the double strand wire
leader which greatly enhances the flexibility of the wire,
although still not to the flexibility of cable.
Take a length of wire just over
twice the required length of the finished leader ( you
will need a little spare to form the Haywire twist at
the end ).
Thread on a swivel if required and double over the
wire. Make an 8 – 10 turn Haywire twist to form
a loop.
Find something to secure the loop to and loosely wrap
the individual strands around each other. You are forming
a sort of loose Haywire twist, but without the kinks
which lock the Haywire twist together.
Continue to the end, and approximately 6” from
the end grip the two strands with a pair of pliers.
Now form an 8 – 10 turn Haywire twist with the
two strands to lock the loosely twisted wire together.
To attach a hook thread the double wire through the
hook eye, and treating the double wire exactly as if
it were a single strand form a 6 – 8 turn Haywire
twist, wrapping the doubled wires around each other.
Follow this with 4 – 6 Barrel wraps and break
off the end by forming a cranking handle just the same
as on a regular Haywire twist.
It’s more difficult to describe this leader than
it is to make it, and you will be amazed at how much
more flexible the double strand leader is compared to
a single strand whilst still having a very small diameter
for it’s breaking strain.
