Metal leaders overview

Both primarily address bite-offs. Steel comes in single-strand, multi-strand and coated versions. Titanium leaders also vary in alloy and construction, including nickel-titanium products. Hardware matters as much as the material label.

  1. Steel and titanium alloy — Both primarily address bite-offs. Steel comes in single-strand, multi-strand and coated versions. Titanium leaders also vary in alloy and construction, including…
  2. Kinks and service life — Inspect steel for sharp kinks or broken strands. Some titanium products resist kinking and recover shape better, but remain subject to fatigue or failure. Initial steel…
  3. Size and lure action — Meet bite and control requirements, then manage diameter, length, snaps and swivels. Heavy leaders may alter tiny jerkbaits' suspension and head movement. A titanium…
  4. Water and conditions — Opaque metal can blend with dark cover yet silhouette against the surface. Clear water may require careful size and presentation choices, not abandoning necessary bite…
  5. Rigs — For pike-risk swimbaits, jerkbaits or spoons, choose a leader that preserves the intended action. Bass as the target species does not exclude other toothy fish in the…
  6. Connections and care — Use the specified twist, crimp or knot for each product. Not all titanium is knottable. Check ends, sleeves, snaps, abrasion and kinks; straightening alone does not…

Further reading