6 steps
Haywire Twist
Heads up: we checked this page against published instructions for this knot, and the steps here don't match. We're rewriting them from those sources. Until then, please don't rely on these steps.
The single-strand wire connection for toothy fish. 3 slow haywire twists, then 5 tight barrel wraps, then break the tag off.
Use it for
The single-strand wire connection for toothy fish. 3 slow haywire twists, then 5 tight barrel wraps, then break the tag off.
This line
Wire only. Braid will not take a haywire twist.
Avoid when
Coated seven-strand cable. Crimp cable. Haywire is for single-strand wire.
All steps visible
Haywire Twist
These steps are being corrected. Don't follow them yet.
These steps are being corrected. Don't follow them yet.
Step 1
Pass the wire through the eye and bend it back parallel to the standing wire.
Step 2
Make the open haywire twists. 2 so far. These are slow twists, not barrel wraps.
Step 3
Finish 3 haywire twists.
Step 4
Wrap the tag into a tight barrel, 5 turns, closer to the eye.
Step 5
Bend the tag into a crank at a right angle.
Step 6
Rock the crank until the tag breaks off flush. Do not cut it and leave a spur.
The drawing follows this tying order. Pause, step, or scrub to stay with the words. The standing line runs to the reel. The tag is the short end you trim. Skin-hook means the point lies flat in the plastic, not out where grass can grab it.
Common mistakes
- Barrel wraps only, with no haywire twists, so the wire slips through the eye.
- Cutting the tag and leaving a point that cuts you and the leader.
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