Trace for predators
Wire trace for pike: when you need it and how to make it
Wherever pike live, a bite-proof trace belongs in front of the lure. Wire, titanium or heavy fluorocarbon: how to decide and how to make your own.
Which trace when
- Pike water, always As soon as pike are present, whether you fish for pike, zander, perch or bass. A pike cuts through mono and braid.
- Zander and perch without pike Fluorocarbon 0.30 to 0.45 mm is enough, it is less visible and brings more bites.
- Soft plastics and crankbaits Flexible 7x7 wire of 15 to 25 lb or titanium, 25 to 40 cm (10 to 16 in) long. Stiff enough against fouling, soft enough for the action.
- Dead bait Wire 1x7 or 7x7, 20 to 30 lb, 40 to 60 cm, with two trebles. See dead bait rigs.
- Big baits and jerkbaits Stiff single-strand titanium or heavy fluorocarbon 0.80 to 1.00 mm, 30 to 40 cm, so the lure cannot foul the line.
How to build it
- Measure the wire: 35 cm for lures, 50 cm for dead bait, plus 10 cm for the connections.
- Snap end: thread the snap onto the wire, form a loop and secure it with two crimps, squeezed flat and without sharp edges. With 7x7 wire a knot works too, for example a clinch knot with six turns, the tag end briefly melted with a lighter.
- Swivel end: attach the swivel at the other end the same way. The swivel stops line twist with spoons and spinners.
- Pull test: pull the trace hard with both hands. If a crimp slips, make it again.
- Connect to braid: main line to the swivel with a Palomar or uni knot, a fluorocarbon leader without a swivel with an Albright or double uni knot.
Variants
- Titanium Does not kink, stays straight, costs more. Single strand for jerkbaits, braided titanium for soft plastics. Connect only with crimps or special knots.
- Fluorocarbon 0.60 to 1.00 mm Low visibility, for wary pike in clear water. Check for abrasion after every pike, replace at once when damaged. No substitute for dead bait.
- Ready-made traces Convenient, but the crimps are often poorly squeezed. Do the pull test before use.
Quick questions
Do you need a wire trace for zander?
Only if pike are in the water. Then thin 7x7 wire or titanium, otherwise fluorocarbon 0.30 to 0.45 mm, which brings more zander bites.
How long should a wire trace be?
25 to 40 cm for soft plastics and crankbaits, 40 to 60 cm for dead bait, 30 to 40 cm stiff for jerkbaits.
Wire or fluorocarbon for pike?
Wire or titanium are safe, fluorocarbon from 0.80 mm is an option for clear water and wary fish but must be checked after every fish. For dead bait always wire.
Next
Rules of thumb from practice, strengths as guide values, no products.
In Germany, closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by each state and can be stricter for single waters. All German rules by state, with the legal source. Outside Germany, the local rules apply: licence and agency by country.
Know more?
Additions, photos of your catches or a mistake in the text: write to us and we will gladly credit you as a helper.
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