I'm still searching for the ideal wire trace for fly fishing. Have tried most wires - including some of the very expensive ones - and none seem to be completely satisfactory. Of particular concern is:

1. kinking after fish (or snag) caught
2. sudden loss of strength - probably fatigue from casting

The one thing I think I've learned is that braided rather than twisted wire is important. For example, twisted seems to untwist very easily if your fly rotates at all in the air on on retrieve. Probably because we are not using swivels. I have heard that something called 'jewellers wire' (for threading potentially abrasive diamonds etc) might be worth investigating as it is apparently braided, strong, resistant to kinking and very thin. I have a friend trying to get hold of some, anyone here with experience?

I have no experience of the single-strand piano or titanium wire approach but some recommend this and it does seems to deal with the the two concerns above.

I have also tried braiding or doubling 30lb Dyneema then coating it with a plastic solution to make it behave (stiffer and no loosening of fibres). This works well and survives plenty of Pike tooth abuse (no bite-offs or even fraying yet) but is quite thick and obvious in the water.

Have not yet fished thick fluoro or hard mono though I know many people trust it and it does address some of the problems with wire. A little wary about mentioning it as I have seen the debates here before...

Lefty Kreh's figure-of-eight knot works very well in almost all stranded wire except the more exotic titanium ones, either direct to hook or to a small but strong link (any recommendations for this link?). At the other end, the same knot to a rig ring for removable traces or improved Albright for the wire as part of the trace.

Any thoughts welcomed

M

I used Cannelle Supratress and won't now! THE only wire I use is a version of American Fishing Wire - Surflon... pike deserve the best - not tried titanium yet!

Offshore, I have been experimenting with AFW Surfstrand Micro Supreme in 20lb BS.

On the good side, it's very limp, thin and easy to knot - but I find it still kinks up pretty easily and can't be smoothed again. Also, it untwists really easily and I can't say I completely trust the knots after a few hours of use when I have snapped off far too easily in snags etc.

How does their Surflon differ from this?

M

I think I may have answered my own question...

Surflon is apparently plastic-coated whereas Surfstrand is not. I would guess this helps a lot in terms of unravelling. Also, my Surfstrand is 7x7 i.e. 49 strand and the Surflons I have seen on the net are 1x7 = 7 strand.

I use nylon coated "Bead Wire" (I get mine from Hobbycraft). It comes in different colours and strand numbers. I use the melt knot to attach swivels and clips.



Ernie

The only wire i now use is AFW Surflon micro supreme.

Its coated, knots superbly and has never let me down.

I always check the wire after hooking a fish and if need be snip an inch or two off closest to the hook and re tie.

I use a davy knot to attach the fly but others i know use a rapala knot.

I find simple is best.

WCB

David - I've still got this Titanium leader here for you mate, I lost your address, PM me and I'll get it off to you.......albeit probably by carrier Pigeon!