Tackleworld.co.uk working to meet anglers tackle needs.

Predator Part Three

If you are thinking of pike fishing this winter and fancy your chances against one of the biggest and most powerful of our native species then don't go under gunned. Although the pike looks fearsome it is also fragile and you don't want to leave a fish trailing a mouthful of treble hooks and 40 yards of line because you used gear that was too light and leave it to die a lingering death. Start with a rod powerful enough to cast a whole herring or mackerel and at around 12 feet long should have a test curve of at least three pounds. This will provide enough strength and control for most situations and something like the 12' Shakespeare Persuit Pike with its Hi-Modulus carbon blank and line rating of 18 lbs would be ideal .

Your reels should be the best you can afford with a clutch that is ultra reliable and capable of holding 250 yards of quality line so a look at the Shimana Baitrunner Aero 6010 would put you on the right trail.This brings us to the next question, Mono or Braid ? They are both up to the job if you chose the right breaking strain. For mono look at a quality line with low stretch and diameter rather than cheap bulk spools which may let you down when you most need it [usually when the fish of a lifetime is on the other end] The breaking strain needs to be at least 15 lbs when using mono but for braid it is best to go for something around double that[say thirty pounds] as the BS. of braid is often overstated and the lack of stretch does not provide any shock resistance to a plunging fish. However once you get used to the properties of braid it is unlikely you will revert back to mono.

The bite detection and instant contact with the fish during the fight are so phenomenal that you will never forget the first fish you land on it. Bits and bobs that make up the end tackle should be bought with the same care as your rod and reel. Inferior swivels hooks and traces will inevitably let you down at the wrong time so go for the best. 40 lbs round eye barrel swivels and cross lock links matched with either shop bought snap tackles from top manufactures or make you own with a minimum of 20 inches of 20 lbs b.s wire and barbless treble hooks. Other equipment will include a landing net of at least 36 inches, unhooking mat, forceps, wire cutters and long nosed pliers[ and don't forget the camera] Last but not least is the bite detector.

If you are dead bait legering then the carp type bite alarm is ideal , offering warning of the slightest movement, the alternative being the float, but what ever sort of detector is used a tight line between bait and rod is essential in order to react swiftly to a bite and avoid a deeply hooked fish. Finally if you are just starting out pike fishing then consider joining the Pike Angling Club of Great Britain or your local club to meet experts who will guide you through catching and handling fish