
AFW Tooth Proof Wire Leader
AFW Tooth Proof is the standard in single strand stainless steel wire leader. The coffee brown finish eliminates glare and becomes nearly invisible in the water column. Sizes from 32 lb (#3) for light king mackerel rigs up to 360 lb (#19) for serious shark fishing. Packaged in convenient resealable bags.
- Single strand stainless steel construction
- Coffee brown low-visibility finish
- 32 lb to 360 lb test (sizes #3 through #19)
- 30-foot and 1/4 lb roll options
The Wire Leader That Toothy Fish Cannot Cut
King mackerel, wahoo, bluefish, and sharks have teeth that slice through monofilament and fluorocarbon like it is not there. Wire leader is the only reliable defense. AFW Tooth Proof is single strand stainless that bends and holds a haywire twist cleanly, giving you a secure connection without crimps if you prefer knots.
The coffee brown finish is a significant advantage over bright wire. It does not flash or reflect light, which means fewer fish spooked by the leader. Available in 30-foot coils for making individual leaders or 1/4 lb rolls for anglers who go through wire regularly.
The coffee brown finish is a significant advantage over bright wire. It does not flash or reflect light, which means fewer fish spooked by the leader. Available in 30-foot coils for making individual leaders or 1/4 lb rolls for anglers who go through wire regularly.
Coffee Brown Finish
The dark brown color absorbs light instead of reflecting it. Fish do not see glare from the leader, which matters on bright days and in clear water. This finish has been the go-to for king mackerel anglers for decades.
Single Strand Stainless
Single strand wire holds a haywire twist better than multi-strand. It is stiffer, which keeps bait tracking true behind the boat. Sizes from #3 (32 lb) to #19 (360 lb) cover everything from small kings to large sharks.
Resealable Packaging
Each roll comes in a resealable bag that keeps the wire clean and prevents it from springing loose in your tackle box. Small detail that makes a big difference in organization.
How to Make a Haywire Twist with Wire Leader
- Thread the wire through your hook eye or swivel
- Cross the tag end over the standing wire at a 90-degree angle
- Make 5-7 wraps where both wires rotate around each other (the haywire portion)
- Make 5-7 tight barrel wraps with the tag end against the standing wire
- Bend a small handle in the tag end and crank it like a key until it breaks off clean
Specs & Common Questions
Everything you need to know before you buy
Full Specifications +
| Brand | AFW |
| Material | Single strand stainless steel |
| Finish | Coffee brown |
| Test Range | 32 lb (#3) to 360 lb (#19) |
| Spool Options | 30 ft coil, 1/4 lb roll |
| Connection | Haywire twist or crimp |
What size wire for king mackerel? +
Most king mackerel anglers use #5 (44 lb) to #7 (69 lb). Lighter wire gets more bites but risks cutoffs on big kings. Our king mackerel guide has specific recommendations.
Should I use haywire twist or crimps? +
Both work. Haywire twists require no tools and are the traditional method for single strand wire. Crimps are faster once you have the right sleeves and tool. Our crimping guide covers both methods.
When should I use wire vs mono leader? +
Wire when targeting toothy species (kings, wahoo, sharks, bluefish). Mono or fluoro when teeth are not a concern and stealth matters more. Read our wire vs mono guide for the full comparison.
What size for wahoo? +
#8 (86 lb) to #10 (124 lb) is standard for wahoo. Their teeth and speed demand heavier wire than kings. See our wahoo guide for rigging details.
Will wire spook fish? +
The coffee brown finish minimizes visibility. Wire is less stealthy than fluoro, but for toothy species you do not have a choice. The alternative is losing fish. Our leader FAQ covers visibility concerns.
What is the difference between 30ft and 1/4 lb rolls? +
30ft coils are good for making a few leaders. 1/4 lb rolls contain significantly more wire for anglers who rig frequently. The price per foot is better on the larger rolls. Browse our leader collection.