Haywire Twist

Step 1

Pass the wire through the eye of the hook and fold back six inches of wire, making sure not to kink it where it starts to bend. Lay the tag end over the standing wire and firmly hold the crossing point of the wires between your thumb and index finger.

Step 2

Begin a series of haywire twists. First make sure the tag end and standing wire are nearly parallel to each other, yet slightly and evenly spread apart. Next, simultaneously twist the wire tag and standing wire while firmly holding the point where the two strands initially intersect. As the twists progress, slide your fingers closer to the wraps and continue the pressure. A tight grip close to the twists makes it easier to twist the wire, helps keep it straight and prevents kinking.

Step 3

After about a half-dozen twists, begin a series of barrel wraps by first bending the tag end of the wire at a 90-degree angle to the twists. Then, make a series of tight wraps against the twists.

Step 4

After making four or five barrel wraps, form a "crank handle" in the wire tag by bending an inch or so of its tip at a 90-degree angle to the main loop in the wire. Work the wire tag back and forth between the main loop in the leader and the standing wire. After a few series of half-rotations, the wire tag will break free at the base of the barrel wrap, leaving a smooth finish.

Finished haywire twist Product

There are a number of tools available to make the haywire twist easier. DuBro makes a tool that is easy to use and saves your fingers. Finally if you're really serious about tying a lot of rigs, consider purchasing the speedy Mac Twist electric twister. If this sounds like too much work, or you are digitally challenged, don't panic. There is an easier way, and it's much cheaper than buying pre-tied rigs. You can tie a quick, inexpensive rig with braided wire. Braided wire is allot more flexible and comes in several types, you can use sleeves or you can snell your rig together. When it comes to King Mackerel fishing, you want to make sure your rigs and tackle are in excellent condition, they don't get the nickname "smokers" for nothing. Now that you know how to create a rig for one of these silver missiles, be sure to get in on the action, I can assure you once you do, you won't want to fish for any other species.