Hooking Pike

I've been pikefishing my local canal for several weekends. The problem I'm having is with fish that take the bait, swim around with it for a while, and drop it again. I've tried striking early, striking late, and I've even played fish that wouldn't let go for a while, until quite close in... and then they let go. I'm using sea deadbaits with a double-treble snap-tackle. Any Advice?

Replies:

1. "Hooking a Pike on a lure poses no problem at all - suddenly ,there he is on the end of the wire trace. All that is then necessary is to maintain a firm, steady pressure to ensure that the hooks are driven firmliy home.

Hooking a pike which has picked up a static deadbait is another kettke of fish. The prime consideration here is to attempt to hook the fish cleanly in the jaw, from where the hooks can be removed quickly and cleanly.

A) The first sign of a pike may be no more than a twitch on the 'monkey' line or float, or a tentative 'bleep' on the elecronic indicator, if one is being used. However, more often than not, the 'monkey' will fly off the needle, or the float beneath the surface and the line, pulled from the clip, will shake through the rod rings. This of course, indicates that a pike has picked up the deadbait and is firmly clamped in his jaws.

B) The rod , still pointing on the same plane, should be lifted just clear of the rests. A turn on the reel handle will engage the bale arm.

C) As the line pulls tight, lift the rod high. This should set the hooks, The process of playing the pike has now begun.

D) The slipping - clutch on a fixed spool reel and the star darag on the multiplier should be set, proir to fishing, to yeild line at pressure below the breaking strain of the being used. Finger or thumb pressure should also applied to control the fish as it run. A running pike can usually be turned by sustained side-strain and a firm finger or thumb pressure on the spool."

E) A pike whichsuddenly runs towards the angler can be a problem. Winding the reel handle rapidly and walking backwards at the same time will maintain contact with the fish until it turn again.

F) Hooked pike should always be kept well clear area of water."

2. "Fairly light lines!!! Thats a big no no, please dont go lower than 12lb.
As for striking, if your using normal line (not braid) you can't strike too hard.

I was discussing this with a couple of mates one day so we put it to the test, tied a lead to the end of the line and someone 40-50yds away held it while we all took turns to strike and then hold the lead, a huge surprise as to how little pressure was put on the lead and how lightly you could hold it without it being taken out of your hand by the strike.

Try it and be prepared to be surprised."

3. "Why not try a paternoster rig, the float should stay static. You will need another trace up the line toward the float though, incase old esox takes your main line too."