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Pike is a coveted trophy for any angler. Someone purposefully arranges a hunt for this predator, someone catches a pike by accident. To pull a pike out of the water, you will need not only skill, but also the appropriate equipment, for example, a strong leash. Otherwise, the predator will leave, biting off the fishing line along with the bait.
Why do you need a leash for pike fishing?
The leash is a cord with loops at both ends, firmly connected to the main body of the leash by means of a crimp tube. At one end, as a rule, a carabiner is attached, at the other – a swivel for free rotation of the bait.
It is used when fishing for pike to avoid biting the main line.
Do I need a leash when fishing for pike?
If, when catching pike perch or asp, the opinions of fishermen about the need for a leash diverge, then when catching pike, anglers are unanimous. Fishing for “toothy” without a leash will be akin to a lottery: lucky – no luck. In addition, given that pike baits are not cheap, then such a lottery will not be justified.
Even if the spotted predator is not the object of your hunt and you expect to fish perch or catch pike perch, it is better to play it safe and take a couple of leashes with you. Pike is an omnivorous predator and may well covet perch and any other baits.
So, if your financial situation does not allow you to lose 8-10 expensive wobblers on each fishing trip, then you simply need a leash.
Is the pike afraid of the leash
It’s hard to argue with the fact that the strongest leashes that can withstand the teeth of large individuals are clearly visible even in muddy water. But pike hauling is usually fast and aggressive, and lures are often quite massive. So in a lightning strike, the fish is on the tee before they can see the piece of wire.
If you still have doubts, try more transparent and inconspicuous options for fishing, such as a fluorocarbon leader. Be prepared for the fact that its durability is lower than the rest.
Types of leashes and the material used for their manufacture
In the manufacture of this type of equipment, various materials are used. Let’s consider each of them. So, the types of leashes for pike according to the material of manufacture are divided into:
Kevlar
Kevlar is a modern and inexpensive material that gives the leash strength and softness with a small thickness. For pike fishing, a diameter of 0,15-0,25 mm is sufficient. Also, the indisputable advantage of the Kevlar thread is that it is easy to tie it to the fishing line with a fishing knot without clockwork rings.
Titanium
Titanium is a lightweight, very strong, yet malleable material. It does not deform and does not have memory. Suitable for big pike fishing.
Significant disadvantages are poor camouflage and high price. If you plan to use it with expensive baits, then the price is quite justified.
Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon is the most inconspicuous in the water, light and buoyant material of all considered. It has good flexibility and softness. Outwardly, it resembles a thick fishing line.
For pike fishing, fluorocarbon leashes are suitable only if the predator is not large and cautious. A medium-sized fish will simply bite it.
Steel
A steel pike leash is a classic of the genre. This option perfectly protects against the sharpest teeth. In addition, the steel leash saves from overlaps and is even able to cut algae. Agree, unraveling the fishing line and looking for your bait in the tangle of grass is a dubious pleasure.
See also: homemade steel leashes
With all the advantages, steel has a significant drawback – a piece of wire is clearly visible in the water. However, thinner and softer steel leashes with a diameter of 0,15-0,2 mm have recently appeared on sale. This option may well be a compromise between strength and disguise.
Tungsten
Due to its softness, the tungsten leash is only suitable for one-time capture of a large predator. Because it is easily deformed and with strong resistance turns into a spiral. The low price allows you to often change such a leash. Strong enough.
Nickel-titanium
Flexible and strong enough, the nickel-titanium leader allows the tackle to move smoothly and naturally. It is quite popular among fishing enthusiasts.
What is the best leash for pike fishing?
What is better to choose for this or that method of fishing and what kind of leash material to use for pike, we will consider further.
For spinning
For spinning fishing, you can use any of the leashes described above. It all depends on the reservoir and the size of the intended prey.
If you purposefully came to hunt for a large pike, then you can not do without a metal leash. If you plan to fish for different predators, such as perch, pike perch, small pike, then it is better to opt for more disguised options. For fishing in clear and transparent water, fluorocarbon leashes are perfect.
The choice of length and diameter of the leash largely depends on the personal preferences and experience of the fisherman. Usually a length of 30 cm is enough to keep the line away from the pike’s teeth.
In winter on the zherlitsy
The most durable leashes for girders are still products made of metal leash material. Their main drawback is visibility for fish, which is not very critical when catching pike.
The combination of strength and flexibility is shown by leaders made of tungsten alloys, in addition, they have a fairly high breaking load.
Braided steel leashes for live bait fishing, consisting of several threads, are also widely used. They are relatively soft and very durable and are easy to find in fishing tackle stores.
Some enthusiasts also use fluorocarbon, woven in two layers, see photo below
Double leash made of fishing line used when fishing on vents
The length and diameter of the leash for pike
Many anglers make the mistake of playing it safe and using too long a leash. Before casting, the bait is inevitably located too far from the “tulip”. As a result, a too long “pendulum” is formed, in which it is impossible to make an accurate and long-range cast. The shorter the leader, the easier it is to cast the artificial lure.
What is the optimal length of the leash for pike, size
It is not recommended to use leashes longer than 30 cm. Best option: 15-25 cm.
As for the diameter, if we consider a steel or titanium product, then a thickness of 0,7-0,8 mm is enough to withstand a trophy weighing 50 kg. If the choice fell on less durable materials, then you should choose a thicker leash.
Leash manufacturers, prices
Prices for leashes for catching pike and other large predators range from 45 to 400 rubles apiece. They depend not only on the material and size, but also on the manufacturer. In stores today there is a fairly wide selection. Consider the Top 5, our top five most popular leash manufacturers and their various product lines:
Mako
Produces series: Titanium, Fluor, 1×7, 7×7, 1×19. Length and material of production in assortment. Country of origin Russia.
Kosadaka
Серии: Classic, Elite 1×7, Elite 7×7, Professional, Special, Titanium Wire Leader
Lucky John
Another famous brand. Lucky John produces both ready-made leaders (WF730-, X-Twitch Titanium series and others) as well as leader material for self-production.
Tagawa
The range is presented in series: Titanium, Titanium X7, Nano Titan, Fluorocarbon 100%, Marlin
Contact
Another Russian manufacturer producing the following lines: Nickel Titanium, Titanium Light, Fluorocarbon, Struna and others
Also on sale you can find leads from the following companies: WIN, Savage Gear, Siweida, AFW, Fish Season, Kasatka and others. Separately, it is worth mentioning the Aliexpress online store, where you can buy inexpensive products. As a rule, the quality of leashes from Aliexpress is compensated by their low price.
Video: How to choose the right leash?
Fishing with a leash significantly increases the chances of catching pike, and the right choice of material guarantees a good bite. Each angler chooses a manufacturer and material for leashes to his taste and situation. Some anglers prefer to make their own equipment for pike fishing. One way or another, but among experienced fishing enthusiasts there are hardly those who disagree that it is better to “keep” a pike on a strong leash. Happy fishermen!