I have always used sevalon and similar coated steel cable (in small diameters). I always thought this to be sufficient. After reading the posts here i see that this is NOT gonna get the job done. I am interested in a tutorial of how to exactly go about using "wire" and what size should i use?
What kind of "twists" or anything else to get me started would be a huge help. Thanks guys for the good reading! I just want to be more involved....
People have been cut off by tigers using Cable. Many guys swear by Cable and say that doesn't happen. All of the veteran shark guys use strait Cable. They connect with a Haywire Twist.
Hope this helps
Some guys will swear by cable (49 strand) and some will swear by wire.
When using cable, you must crimp your ends. The hook has a good range of motion and the cable is less likely to snap due to bending (it's more flexible). Sharks can cut through cable easier than wire since it is 49 smaller strands weaved together.
When using wire, you can use the haywire twist. Wire will typically survive the sharp teeth. You do run the risk of wire getting cut do to bending. By having a good haywire twist with the correct spacing of the loop on the eye of the hook, you can minimize the risk of getting cut off at the hook. You can also double up the strands of wire and give them a slight twist. This will add strength and bend resistance to the length of the bite leader.
You can switch between leader material depending on your target species and size.
Example: cable for hammers and wire for Tigers.