Rig

Wire shark trace

A wire trace stops teeth cutting through the line when fishing for sharks.
Use this rig in the builder
Wire shark trace rig diagram with numbered parts123456

The numbers match the parts list. The drawing is stylised, not to scale.

How it works

Sharks bite through mono and fluorocarbon. A wire trace with crimped sleeves and a strong circle hook stands up to their teeth and rough skin.

Best for
Bronze whaler and raggie from the beach, with big baits.
Conditions
Big baits at night, deeper gullies. Check shark fishing rules where you fish.

Parts list

  1. 1

    Heavy shock leader. Heavy mono, tied to the swivel.

  2. 2

    Strong swivel. Rated well above the leader strength.

  3. 3

    Crimp sleeve. Holds the wire to the swivel.

  4. 4

    Wire trace. About 1 m of single-strand or cable wire.

  5. 5

    Second crimp sleeve. Holds the wire to the hook.

  6. 6

    Large circle hook. Stainless or high-carbon steel.

Build it

  1. 1

    Tie the heavy shock leader to a strong swivel.

  2. 2

    Cut a length of wire trace and crimp it to the other end of the swivel.

  3. 3

    Crimp the large hook to the free end of the wire.

  4. 4

    Check each crimp is tight and the wire has no kinks.

Strengths and trade-offs

Strengths

  • Resists teeth
  • Strong

Watch out for

  • Stiff and can kink
  • Heavy and visible

Gives teeth protection, but wire is stiff and can kink, so replace it after each fish. Check the local rules for shark fishing and release.

Knots and hooks

Hook sizes 8/0 to 12/0 suit this rig. See the hook guide.

Rig and hook recommendations are pending review by a local angler. Check bag limits and gear rules for your area before you fish.

Gear

Gear that suits this rig

Keep going

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