Deadbaits For Pike - Bottom Or Pop Up?

Is it better to have your dead baits fixed to the bottom or is it better to pop it up a bit on a float?

Replies:

1. "I usually fish on the bottom and use a float (free running) as an indicator to where my line is as the line must be free running for the Pike to take.
you can also 'sink and draw' a dead bait and some people insist that popping it on a float is best.
I think it's a matter of 'horses for courses'."

2. "There's no "right" answer, as it depends on conditions and the swim you're fishing to name but two. It also depends on the venue. For instance at Wingham baits hard on the bottom don't usually do as well as popped-up ones or midwater ones. However, occasionally it's very much the other way around!

Above all, try both methods on your waters and compare the results. That's the beauty of using 2 rods. But do both at once to get a fair comparison rather than on different trips. Also, when testing an idea out make sure everything else is identical as otherwise you won't know what's making a difference. It sounds obvious, but you'll learn a lot more quickly this way. "