The haywire twist in single-strand wire connects a bite-proof leader to a hook or lure, or creates a loop on the end. Form the twist with five symmetrical twists, followed by five tight barrel wraps around the single strand. Don’t cut the tag end with pliers, because it will leave a sharp burr. Instead, bend the tag sharply at a right angle — so it lies perpendicular to the twist — to form a handle. Grasp that handle and push it up and away, past the single strand, as if turning a reel handle. The excess wire will snap off clean, snug to the barrel wraps, leaving a smooth end.
