Traces

[Jay Grime5016]

Does anyone else make their traces without the swivel at the top, preferring to simply crimp a loop in the wire?

I've been doing this for 10 years with no problems.

I simply slide the loop of wire over a quick change link swivel that's tied to the braided mainline and push a silicone sleeve (located on the trace before the loop) up to the link to secure it in the same way carp anglers attach braided hooklengths to the mainline.

I'm interested to know what you guys think.

[davelumb]

I don't do it for pike, but have for eels as I change traces more often when eel fishing.

[Jay Grime5016]

Have you ever had the trace slide of the quick link swivel while out in the water? I've never had this happen but other pike anglers I've spoken to say this is their fear so always use a swivel on the end of the trace.

[davelumb]

Never had that problem. With a sleeve over the loop it's not likely to either.

[Jay Grime5016]

My thoughts exactly. It's just one less component to buy (the swivel) and that makes me happy.

Cheers Dave.