The wire trace works well with either natural baits or trolling lures. HOW TO RIG: Follows the steps above to see how Ray McConnell fabricates his wire-trace trolling leader.
STEP ONE
For general offshore trolling, Haywire-Twist a length of No. 7 single-strand wire to a long-shank 6/0 or 7/0 hook. Leave the tag end long to form a pin at 90 degrees to the hook point. At this stage, trim the wire trace to the preferred length.Joe Mahler / www.markerjockey.com
STEP TWO
Fold back a few inches of the tag end of the wire opposite the hook, which will be used to Albright-Knot the wire to the nylon or fluorocarbon leader.Joe Mahler / www.markerjockey.com
STEP THREE
Pass several inches of the main leader through the “loop” formed by bending the wire. Hold the mono in place alongside the wire loop, then reverse its direction to head back down over itself toward the loop in the wire.
STEP FOUR
Wrap the end of the mono leader, closely spaced, back toward the bend in wire, wrapping it snugly six or seven times. Make sure to wrap around both strands of wire and the leader with these turns.
STEP FIVE
Pass the tag end of the main leader back through the loop in the wire the same way it came through originally, and cinch down the knot by pulling the wire leader and the primary leader in opposite directions. To facilitate the connection, moisten it with saliva. Then apply pressure on the opposite strands until the compact knot sets.Joe Mahler / www.markerjockey.com
STEP SIX
The connection is complete. Trim the excess tags as close to the knot as possible.Joe Mahler / www.markerjockey.com
STEP SEVEN
Rig a ballyhoo on the wire pin rig. Laying the rig alongside the bait, visualize where the hook will protrude, then thread the ballyhoo onto the hook and run the pin through the center of both jaws, and wrap the copper wire over the head behind the pin, and then forward and down the beak to secure the leader to the bait.Joe Mahler / www.markerjockey.com
