Savage Gear Wolfram Finesse Lure Trace review

What is the Savage Gear Wolfram Finesse lure trace for?

The Savage Gear Wolfram Finesse lure trace is designed for ultra light lure fishing in waters that contain pike. If you fish in such waters you've previously had two main options, either use a standard wire trace or fish a fluorocarbon leader. However, there are some significant trade offs to consider with both of these options.

What's wrong with a normal wire trace?

Standard wire traces are typically thick and heavy. They can alter the action of tiny lures and drag them down, which adversely affects their action. Secondly, they're thick and more easily seen by fish, which could cut your chances of hooking into a leader shy species, especially if the water is clear.

Why not use fluorocarbon leaders?

Fluorocarbon leaders have the benefit that they're virtually invisible under the water, so fish won't see them. They also don't affect lure action in the way that a heavy wire trace can. However, when using fluorocarbon leaders you stand the risk of being bitten off by pike. For that reason, many pike anglers refuse to use them and many oppose their use.

Personally, while the risk of being cut off is probably small, especially if using a high quality fluorocarbon leader designed for pike, I'd rather not take the risk of leaving a pike with a permanent set of trebles in its gob, so it's wire lure traces for me.

What makes the Savage Gear Wolfram Finesse lure trace different?

The Savage Gear Wolfram Finesse lure trace is really just a very fine wire lure trace. The wire is as thin as hair (if you have rather thick and wiry hair) and won't negatively affect lure action, is less likely to be seen by line shy fish in clearer water and will prevent you getting bitten off by pike.

What are these wire traces made from?

The Savage Gear Wolfram Finesse lure trace is spun from very thin but very strong tungsten wire. The thickness is similar to braid so it really is very thin stuff for the strength. There's a tiny swivel fitted to one end and a small needle snap on the other. The snap is a really good one, so it's dead easy to switch lures, even when your hands are cold and wet.

Are they any good?

For ultra light lure fishing the Savage Gear Wolfram Finesse lure trace is great. The light weight of the trace means that your tiny lures won't get dragged down, so the action of the lure is just as the maker intended. They increased my catch rate and I started catching perch in places where I'd previously failed, which might possibly have been down to the use of this thinner wire.

They also stood up well to pike. Inevitably, after heavy use and catching a few jacks the wire does eventually start to get kinked. When that happens, I just chop off the swivel and snap and chuck the wire in the bin. You get three in every packet and they're reasonably priced, so if one lasts few a few sessions I'm happy. It would be nice if they were truly kink proof, but that would massively increase the price.

How much are they?

The Savage Gear Wolfram Finesse lure trace comes in three sizes: the 13lb one is 25cm long and comes in a three pack; the 26lb one is 40cm long and comes in a two pack, while the 20lb one is 40cm long and comes in a three pack. They retail for £5.99, but you can usually pick them up for a couple of quid less. At less than £2 a trace, I think that makes them pretty decent value, especially for the quality.