TIP OF THE DAY..... TWISTED LEADER

[Andaman Andy]

OK guys, here is how to make a "Twisted leader" this one is for all you poppers out there and would work great on a slob tuna, though i think it was designed for Giant Trevally fishing.
There are three reasons for using this setup.
1. Bungee effect when a slob hits whilst using braid preventing bust offs.
2. Good abrasion resistance from "Tail whip" whilst fighting a fish.
3. This leader has NO memory you can wind it onto your spinning reel cast out and get very few ring wraps.

For me the last one is most important, to look at this setup you would think the opposite but believe me it flies though the guides.
One other important detail is that the leader is joined loop to loop style 6 wraps twisting each time to a very small Bimini (30+ turns) in the spectra mainline (5-6 inch loop) this small loop will again prevent ring / guide wrap when casting.
The popper is joined to the swivel with a heavy duty split ring & the leader is 100lb mono.


Finished swivel end



Finished Bimini end... important to have small loop here, if you twist it enough this will happen, if not the loop will be big and loose, this will take practice to judge how much to twist.


Finished leader


Any questions fire away.

[Sea Draggin]

I don't get it 100% regarding the application, but this is a first class post and the way it should be done. Some good questions and this one should turn out just right.

Nice job.

[Andaman Andy]

I don't get it 100% regarding the application

Popper casting, the leader is out of the water when using those big chuggers.

[gman]

Ok here it goes ... here in the United states popping for big game fish such as tuna is relatively new although areas in the gulf and northeast do it regularly. Personally I chase tuna year round on top water lures and its become one of my favorites but it is generally done in open waters with zero hazzards

Over the pond, in Europe jigging and popping is like religion, the only difference is type of fish and the terrain. The twisted leader was created to help combat the velocity of the strike from Giant Trevally and Dogtooth tuna along with giving abrasion resistance becuase these fish live in the shallows among major coral structure.

You must fish these areas with drags exceeding 30 #'s on a spinning reel, if not you dont stand a chance. Period end of story. The twisted leader helps you tremendously if a part of the leader comes in contact with the coral structure and against the strike. Imagine a fish that swims like a wahoo speed wise but with the force of a huge tuna x 10. It also gives you some stretch so when a massive fish hits your popper and you have the drag locked down with 120# braid the twisted leader acts as a shock absorber so you dont break off.

Hope that helps

[WAHOONBOX]

I don't get it 100% regarding the application, but this is a first class post and the way it should be done. Some good questions and this one should turn out just right.

Nice job.

IT'S HIS THREAD.....STAY OUT.

[gman]

I cant wait Im going in May to fiji to battle some GT's and doggies, your description is perfect

Now picture this ... your out in the coral sea fishing for giant trevallys which get over 100#s but fight like no other fish known. They are wide and generally dive into the current and turn their bodies to add drag.

Or a dogtooth tuna which is the coolest looking tuna ever with rows of razor teeth so strong they can break a jig in half which is shown. Both of these coveted fish living around coral structure that you need to navigate around to land the fish

[Andaman Andy]

I cant wait Im going in May to fiji to battle some GT's and doggies, your description is perfect

Now picture this ... your out in the coral sea fishing for giant trevallys which get over 100#s but fight like no other fish known. They are wide and generally dive into the current and turn their bodies to add drag.

Or a dogtooth tuna which is the coolest looking tuna ever with rows of razor teeth so strong they can break a jig in half which is shown. Both of these coveted fish living around coral structure that you need to navigate around to land the fish

Gman, you hit the nail on the head, i thought this system would be of use to the guys in the US targeting BFT or YFT.

[gman]

thank you for taking the time to share a great subject although it is really not used here in the states. We target big tuna on top water lures here but there is no structure so we can use lighter leaders. We get all our imported tackle from Anglers Pro shop in Brooklyn, they have a great selection. I would love to come the Andaman Islands as my favorite jigs are named after them ... Fisherman Andaman jigs

Going to Fiji in May to pop for Gt's and doggies cant wait