Choice of Wire Hook Leaders for Bluefish on the Beach/Jetty/Pier

[latenight58]

A few days ago I was catching large bluefish on the beach and was surprised to see a bluefish bite through a new, store-purchased sevenstrand wire leader.  (That made me rule out thinking about making bluefish leaders with heavy mono!)   I’d like to make my own wire hook leaders specifically for large bluefish for use on the beach, jetty or pier.  I did find other posts similar to this, but the posts seemed to primarily target fishing deep waters on a boat.

 

Are there any suggestions or opinions here on wire leaders specifically for bluefish on the beach, jetty or pier? [titanium (with clinch knots), sevenstrand (with sleeves & crimps), nylon-coated sevenstrand (with sleeves & crimps), single strand (with haywire twists)].  Would the different types affect casting?  How long should the wire leader be? (from the hook to the rig)

 

For surf-fishing I normally use a ringed 3-way rig [which I attach the line, sinker, and hook with a mono leader].  I was going to try single strand wire (I’m not sure what size) and attach it to a size 6 to 8 hook (I’m not sure if I should use a circle hook), and making knots with haywire twits.  At the other end of the hook I would put a barrel swivel and connect that to the rig with a short piece of heavy mono.

 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions. 

[Goldy]

I make my own wire leaders for gators in jersey. I havent had a problem.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003FKR258/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I buy asscoiated clips.

 

Visit local BT they will help you

[BrianBM]

A tool for making haywire twists in single strand wire will save you money over time. I forget who made it, but a large tackle store will know what you're asking about. You're on the right track.

 

As for plugs, a tin or diamond jig (even without a surgical tube tail) doesn't need a metal leader.

[genu]

When I make wire leaders for blues I use AFW tooth proof leader wire 69lb. Billfisher crimps and spro barrel swivels. If you use crimps make sure you dont use aluminum on steel. Aluminum is only for mono.

[sytheteacher]

When I make wire leaders for blues I use AFW tooth proof leader wire 69lb. Billfisher crimps and spro barrel swivels. If you use crimps make sure you dont use aluminum on steel. Aluminum is only for mono.

I have used aluminum crimps on steel leader material with no problems......... I use what I got...

[sytheteacher]

I also purchased pre looped leaders by the gross. No crimps needed because it comes with loops on each end....About a foot long in hundred pound test..

[dennysnook]

We had an epic run of big blues this year and I too started with premade coated bs. Found it easiest and most economical to get #10 single strand wire and just haywire the hook/lure with a short 6" to 12" section attached to leader with a reverse albright. Could catch a bunch of fish without having to retie and could easily cut wire and rehaywire on the fly until it got below 4" if it got too kinked up. Should of tried a wire straightener but was fairly easy and quick to retie when needed.

[genu]

I have used aluminum crimps on steel leader material with no problems......... I use what I got...

After a while the 2 metals will have a galvanic reaction with each other and corrode. Steel and aluminum together do not get along too well

[sytheteacher]

You are correct but I don't use my rigs for more than two times because they get to kinked up from fighting fish...

[genu]

You are correct but I don't use my rigs for more than two times because they get to kinked up from fighting fish...

Yeah same here .Blues sure do a number on em real fast ha.

[mml4]

65lb Micro Supreme knotable stranded wire in camo finish. It also comes in clear (silver). I use crimps but the stuff is really supple and does not kink!

Marc