Helpful Advice Online

If you decide to spend some time fishing for Pike (Esox Lucius) it's important to get the fundamentals right. Getting the preparation right means you're more likely to catch the fish, and once you've landed it, cause the minimum amount of distress to the fish. Pike are not as robust as their reputation would suggest and they can easily be damaged when handled by humans, so extreme care by you, the angler, is essential.

You do need some specialized tackle, but most of the other equipment you might already have in your existing tackle.

Wire Traces and Main Line

Without a wire trace, it's highly likely, the pike will succeed in biting through your line - I'm sure you've seen the awesome teeth on one of these fish in magazines and books already. There's no need to go below a breaking strain of 30lb for your trace, with the advent of modern, ultra-thin wires.

For the safety of the pike, should it swallow your bait a little too deeply, your trace should be at least 15 inches (40cm) in length whether you are bait or lure fishing. For the sake of the fish, you want to remove the hook quickly, cleanly and easily with the minimum of distress for the pike itself.

I've found that on balance, it's better to pick a stronger line and trace over something lighter, if you're going to successfully land a pike. My favourite is a 15lb main line.

Cheap swivels can break and a wire loop might cut through your line, so always use traces that have a good quality swivel for your line to be tied to.

These days most tackle shops stock ready-made reliable traces constructed with top quality components that have been designed by experienced pike anglers, though there is information on the internet about how to make your own, if you prefer. .

Double or Treble Hooks

As for hooks, I used double or treble hooks, and I make sure I file off or crimp down the barb so I can remove the hook speedily and without a lot of fuss. Pike can swallow the hook a long way down into their gullet, so I tend to act as soon as I get a bite, rather than let it get too far in, to reduce the distress for the fish. In some instances, a hook that is ingested too far can be fatal for the pike.

Pike Rods

Pike rods usually have a test curve of 2.5lb or more for bait fishing, and for lure fishing choose one designed to cast 56g (2oz) or so.

Floats/Bite Indicators and Reels

Floats and/or bite indicators will also be needed. A reliable reel is a must, as these fish are very powerful and can get very big. (Pike can grow to a maximum recorded length of 6ft (1.83metres), reaching a maximum recorded weight of 77lb (35kilograms.)

Landing Nets and Slings

You'll need a large landing net with a diameter of 30 inches if it's round or 38 inch arms if it is triangular. A sufficiently large weigh sling and unhooking mat, or a sling/mat combo, completes the basics. You can now land a pike with the minimum of discomfort for the pike

Pliers for Unhooking

For unhooking pike you will need one pair (better still two pairs) of strong, long-handled forceps.

Baits for Pike Fishing

Effective methods for catching this hard-fighting fish include dead baits, live baits and lure fishing. Pike Color of lure can be influenced by water clarity and weather conditions.

Live Baits

Whilst a live fish is the natural food of pike you might think it makes sense that it will also make a good bait, but some fisheries, in order to preserve their fish stocks,don't allow live baiting. Always check. Something else to remember is that you can only use live bait that was caught in the water you are fishing for pike, to obey environmental laws designed to protect the ecosystem.

Dead Baits

Pike sometimes show a preference for particular dead baits so it pays to take a selection of sea and freshwater fish with you. Freshwater fish can be used as bait, either frozen or caught fresh, and sea fish also attract pike. Both the head and tail ends used of large dead baits can be used if you simply cut it in two.

Happy Fishing,

John

---

More Fly Fishing Advice