How to Tie a Pike Leader

The typical leader consists of a level or tapered length of monofilament line that attaches to a second section of uniform fluorocarbon or monofilament line. The standard rig is not effective for pike because the fish have razor-sharp teeth and will sever the line. Tying a pike leader requires the addition of a steel leader to combat the teeth. Tying a pike leader is not complicated, but the leader is heavy and only preferred for fish with teeth like pike and musky.

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 5-foot section of 20-pound monofilament line from a spool. Tie a surgeon's loop in one end of the line. Fold the end to form a loop. Pinch the base of the loop and tie the entire loop in a double overhand knot. Pull on the loop to tighten the knot and clip off the extra tag end.

    • 2

      Attach the monofilament loop to the fly line loop with a loop-to-loop connection. Pass the leader loop over the fly line loop. Pull the leader material through the fly line and pull on each end to tighten the connection.

    • 3

      Tie a second surgeon's loop knot on the free end of monofilament. Cut the extra tag end off the knot.

    • 4

      Cut a 1-foot section of steel leader from a spool. The leader material is widely available and inexpensive. Form a loop on one end of the leader and twist the loop to create six twists in the line. Grasp the end of the line and make an additional six consecutive turns against the initial twists. Rotate the extra tag end of the leader until it breaks flush to the turns.

    • 5

      Make a loop-to-loop connection between the steel leader and the monofilament leader.

    • 6

      Attach the free end of the steel leader to a clip swivel. Feed the end of the leader through the swivel ring. Twist the swivel six times to twist the leader. Make six consecutive turns against the twisted leader and rotate the end until it breaks. Attach the clip to the eye of the fly or lure.