Yamashita's Ika Metal Leader is a pre-rigged leader specifically designed for the Ika Metal technique. Built with high-sensitivity materials, it's engineered to detect even the most delicate bites, allowing anglers to react promptly. The leader is equipped with the branch line (called edasu) made of ester (low-stretch polyester), minimizing line issues and transmitting every subtle touch from the squid. The connection to the main line uses a "chitiwa" loop knot, which prevents problems even if the line gets wound into the rod guides. It also comes spooled on a practical one-touch dispenser for quick and easy handling, perfect for night fishing on a boat.
SHORT Type
- Total length: 150 cm
- Main line: #3 (0.285 mm)
- Edasu (branch line): #4 (0.330 mm)
- Number of branch lines: 1
- Branch line length: 5 cm
- Best for: maximum reactivity, relatively calm waters, light currents, aggressive squid
- Pros: ultra-fast transmission of vibrations/bites, compact, fewer tangling issues
- Cons: less vertical coverage, reduced visibility of the branch line for suspended/far squid, may be less effective on inactive squid
LONG Type
- Total length: 150 cm
- Main line: #3 (0.285 mm)
- Edasu (branch line): #4 (0.330 mm)
- Number of branch lines: 1
- Branch line length: 15 cm
- Best for: stronger currents or when squid are suspended, as the longer branch line allows the dropper to move more naturally
-Pros: greater range of motion, can attract more attention; more space for lure movement, useful when fishing with a "slower" presentation
- Cons: higher chance of tangling, greater risk of knotting in the guides, slightly less responsive when setting the hook
DOUBLE Type
- Total length: 150 cm
- Main line: #3 (0.285 mm)
- Edasu (branch line): #4 (0.330 mm)
- Number of branch lines: 2
- Branch line length: 5 cm each
- Best for: situations where two hooking points are preferred with the same leader, for deeper squid, or when wanting to increase the chances with a single drop
- Pros: double hooking opportunities, higher chances of success; better vertical coverage around the line
- Cons: higher risk of the two branch lines tangling with each other or snagging in the guides; slightly reduced sensitivity compared to a single branch line, especially if not kept tight
