U to Z

Wire Trace – An essential item when fishing for any of the larger sharks or other toothy fish. A wire connection between bait and line which prevents the line from…

Wire boom – A wire rod which is attached to the main line at one end and has a snood affixed to the other. The French boom is the best…

Wind-on leader – A length of heavy monofilament threaded inside a section of hollow braided Dacron and secured in place. The lack of swivels or other attachment means that the leader can be wound through the rod rings and onto the reel. Used in big-game, shark and common skate fishing.

White rag – A bait with mythical powers in the minds of anglers. Difficult to find locations which harbour a regular supply. Lives in clean, course sand and tube worms…

WFSA – Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers the governing body for sea angling in Wales. Selects international teams for Home Internationals and CIPS events.

Weight – See sinker.

Weigh-In – The culmination of a fishing match where the catches a weighed on scales. With most competitions nowadays only the heaviest fish are weighed as the results are determined…

Waders – Large rubber, neoprene or plastic boots that are extended up to thigh, hip or chest height. They may have moulded boots attached or stocking feet for wearing with…

Viviparous fish – Fish who give birth to live young. Unlike those of ovoviviparous fish, the developing embryos receive nourishment from the mother.