Getting started
Information on specific ways to attach hooks and swivels is available by clicking the links to open pop up information windows!
When it comes to hook traces it is customary to start by attaching the end treble on a two hook trace, like wise if you are going to have just the one hook on the trace, start here. Measure out 18 inches of your 20lb BS wire and using one of the fixing methods (spinning), (whipping),or (crimping) attach your end treble. Now with whichever method you have chosen add your second hook to the trace and now set the position and distance from the first hook to suit the size of bait you will be using. (It is useful to make some traces with a greater or smaller spacing and carry them in a trace tidy)
Now using the method of your choice fix the treble in place on the trace. We do not recommend allowing the hook to slide on the trace as was fashionable in the past to make adjustments in the spacing of the hooks. This causes the wire to be weakened and can result in the wire failing, losing you your pike and we have discussed the perils of this for the pike earlier!
Finally you will need to attach the swivel using your preferred method and this should result in you having a hook trace that measures between 12 to 15 inches in length, ready to be used in conjunction with an uptrace of at least 24 inches.
For the passive traces additional length, particularly on the uptrace will allow damaged or poor whippings of loops to be removed and the trace remade without the waste of the whole trace.
Multi function traces.
Additionally it can be worth with the uptrace in particular making it multi functional by adding one or two other components to it when first making it. This can include adding the silicon rubber and plastic stem used in Fox Quick Change Sinkers to the trace which will allow you to use these weights easily, otherwise you will have to make the trace on the bank to suit.
On the other end you could add an ET Tackle Helicopter Bead with swivel fitted and silicon rubber attached to the swivel to facilitate making a free spinning, tangle free paternoster trace similar to those sold by Fox and Middy. If you don't require them they cost you nothing if you find you do, then they are there waiting!
The lure traces need little else other than the fitting of the swivel and quick change link.
It is our recommendation that you practice making and breaking your traces by testing the early ones you make extensively to find where you may be going wrong and practice until you feel they are strong enough before putting them in a bait. Additionally once you have gained the skill to make them consistently do no more than pull them firmly to bed down any whippings or twisting's and do not stress the trace unnecessarily, but leave the maximum strength in the trace for when you are playing your pike.
Hopefully by following the guidelines here and in the pop up windows you will acquire the ability to make your own traces, how ever if you have any doubts about the strength and quality of your traces you may wish to continue using ready made traces if they have served you well to date. Not everyone is going to be able to master the task and it is no disgrace to admit to yourself that you haven’t. Better to be honest with yourself for the pike sake, don’t you think.
