Wire Traces

[BigSoup]

I've decided to start making my own wire traces for pike and lure fishing but which is best, twisted or crimped? Any experianced trace makers have any info please.

[Ricky Biggs]

I find crimping method easiest and quickest.Best advice I can give is use matching crimps and pliers so if you use fox crimping pliers then use fox crimps.I learned the hard way,I used fox crimps and some really cheap pliers I got off Ebay,first run i got I struck and the crimp came apart leaving the trace in the fish,luckily I caught it again half an hour later and removed the trace.I use fox crimps and pliers now with drennan 7-strand 20lb trace wire and they hold really well.

[Ricky Biggs]

Also forgot to mention make your traces about 20 inches long to be on the safe side.
And here's where you can buy the equipment.And before anyone asks no I don't work for angling Direct you can buy these items in most tackle shops or websites.

http://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=318_3...

http://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=318_3...

http://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=318_3...

[Ricky Biggs]

And here's a good website that has some info on trace making and other stuff.

http://www.hooklinks.co.uk/pike/navigation2/pikeframe.html

[Dubz]

Just made my own 10 traces up an hour ago for the first time.Used the crimping method.Used the fox stuff and they seem to be strong enough...will soon see on my next trip out.Certainly cheaper than buying ready mades!

[BigSoup]

Thanks for the advice, Some good info there, Cheers

[rich green]

i find twisting the best way i find its stronger and im more confident useing this method but crimping is easy but you have to get it right by matching the right sized crimps to the rite trace wire and you must use a proper crimping tool not pliers or you will not get a proper grip!! and twisting i think is alot neater!!

[Rob Southwell]

Definitely crimping is the method to go for. I've been doing it for years and never had one fail on me. i use the dennan crimps (7-28lb ones) coupled with the drennan green pike wire in 20lb.

[big kev]

crimping is easier and although i use this method i have also used twisting before (couldn't get on with a twiddling stick though! i used to spin the forceps around instead) and i think this is possibly stronger than crimps , there is however a third method .a company by the name of Calibre make a product called WonderWire which is so supple you can knot it they recommend a 4 turn blood knot for the 15lb and a t2 turn for the 25lb ! for those who havent seen this it sounds weird but it really does work . i must stress though do not attempt to knot any other type of wire

[joel booth]

I crimp & twist but i always use some shrink tube to cover the connected end of the swivel.