
AFW Bleeding Leaders with Hooks - Red Wire Leaders
AFW Bleeding Leaders use red-coated Surflon cable that mimics blood in the water near the surface. The red color is the first to disappear as the leader goes deeper, making the leader and hooks virtually invisible to fish below the surface. Pre-rigged with red-finished hooks for a complete bite-ready setup. The 1x7 stainless steel Surflon cable provides the strength needed for toothy species. Two configurations: 30lb test with 3/0 hooks and 45lb test with 5/0 hooks. Sold in 2-count packs at $3.49.
- Red-coated Surflon mimics blood topwater
- Red disappears at depth
- Pre-rigged with red hooks
- 30lb/3/0 or 45lb/5/0
- 2 per pack | $3.49
Red Wire That Disappears Underwater
Red is the first color in the light spectrum to disappear underwater. AFW uses this principle in their Bleeding Leaders. Near the surface, the red coating looks like blood in the water, triggering feeding instincts. As the leader goes deeper, the red color fades to invisible, giving you a leader that fish cannot see.
The pre-rigged hooks save rigging time. Pull a Bleeding Leader out of the pack, bait the hook, and fish. The Surflon cable handles king mackerel, bluefish, and other toothy species that cut through mono. Two strength options cover inshore and nearshore applications. At $3.49 for two leaders, these are practical enough for everyday use.
The pre-rigged hooks save rigging time. Pull a Bleeding Leader out of the pack, bait the hook, and fish. The Surflon cable handles king mackerel, bluefish, and other toothy species that cut through mono. Two strength options cover inshore and nearshore applications. At $3.49 for two leaders, these are practical enough for everyday use.
Red-Coated Surflon Cable
The red nylon coating on the 1x7 stainless steel Surflon cable serves two purposes: it mimics blood near the surface (triggering strikes) and becomes invisible at depth (as red is the first color filtered from the light spectrum).
Pre-Rigged Ready to Fish
Each leader comes with a red-finished hook already attached. No crimping, no tying, no assembly required. Bait the hook and deploy. The pre-rigged design saves time on the water and ensures a clean, reliable hook connection.
Two Configurations
30lb test with 3/0 hooks for smaller toothy species like bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and small kings. 45lb test with 5/0 hooks for larger kings, cobia, and barracuda. Both use the same red Surflon cable technology.
More Wire Leaders and Terminal Tackle
How to Fish AFW Bleeding Leaders
1. Select configuration: 30lb/3/0 for smaller fish, 45lb/5/0 for larger fish
2. Attach the leader to your main line via snap swivel or direct connection
3. Bait the red hook with live or cut bait
4. Cast or deploy near the surface for maximum red visibility
5. The red coating attracts fish topwater and disappears at depth
6. Replace when the cable shows kinks or the red coating wears
Specs & Common Questions
Everything you need to know before you buy
Full Specifications +
| Brand | AFW |
| Type | Bleeding Leader with Hooks |
| Cable | Red-Coated Surflon 1x7 Stainless |
| Options | 30lb/3/0 Hook, 45lb/5/0 Hook |
| Construction | Pre-Rigged |
| Quantity | 2 per pack |
| Price | $3.49 |
How does the red color work? +
Red is the first color in the light spectrum to disappear underwater. Near the surface, the red coating looks like blood, triggering feeding response. Deeper, the red becomes invisible. The science works best in the top 15 feet of the water column. Our leader FAQ covers leader visibility.
What species is this for? +
King mackerel, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, and other toothy species that cut through mono leaders. The wire prevents bite-offs. Our king mackerel guide and leader weight chart cover species matching.
30lb or 45lb? +
30lb with 3/0 hooks for Spanish mackerel, small bluefish, and inshore applications. 45lb with 5/0 hooks for king mackerel, larger bluefish, and nearshore toothy species. Our leader weight chart covers test ratings by species.
What is Surflon cable? +
AFW's 1x7 stainless steel cable with a nylon coating. The 7-strand construction provides flexibility and kink resistance. The nylon coating protects the steel and, in this case, adds the red color. Our wire leader guide covers cable types.
Can I make my own wire leaders instead? +
Yes. Buy AFW Surflon cable and crimp sleeves to build custom leaders. Pre-rigged leaders save time, but custom leaders let you choose hook model, leader length, and configuration. Our crimping guide covers leader construction.
How long do they last? +
Replace when the cable shows kinks (which weaken the wire) or when the red coating wears through. With proper care (no sharp bends), a single leader lasts through multiple trips. At $3.49 for two, replacement cost is minimal. Our leader FAQ covers maintenance.



