How to tie a pike fishing rig [Step By Step Guide]

In this article, we’re going to look at how to tie a simple but very effective pike fishing rig. So this particular pike rig is based around using a float for indication. You can also fish for pike with ledger baits on the bottom with weight but in this particular article, we’re just going to focus on a float fishing rig.

As the depth will most likely change throughout your day of fishing as you fish different areas of the lake. This rig is going to use a sliding float which you can adjust and set any depth you like. So let’s get started and look at what you’ll need.

Components required to setup pike fishing rig

The components required to set up a pike float rig are

Some scissors or wire cutters
Your mainline 12 pounds or above or potentially a heavy braid
Float stop
An inline float (a Drennan Zepler)
A 15 to 20-gram inline sliding weight – these can be found in most tackle shops as our float is rated 24 grams. We’ve chosen a weight that is slightly lighter.
A soft plastic bead
A strong swivel
Some metal Pike trace material
Treble hooks – the size of these depends on the size of the bait you’re going to be using but a good starting point is a size 6
And lastly, you’ll need some forceps that click together. You’ll need these not only for unhooking your pike but also for tying the rig and we explain why later on.

Steps to tie a pike fishing rig

Firstly take two sets of treble hooks and remove the barbs from two of the hooks on each set. Almost dual treble hooks you buy apart and this can make unhooking much more difficult than it has to be especially when they start getting caught in your net.

The reason for leaving one barbed hook on each treble is so that you can put that hook into your bait keeping the bait on for longer.

Now take your metal trace material and cut off around 15 inches or 40 centimeters.

To attach your first hook to the trace, thread the end through the eye of the hook before threading it back through again.

Pull it tight before clipping your forceps onto the tag end. What we’re about to show you is a very reliable way to attach your hooks and swivel to your trace material.

You can also use crimps that’s cool as well but the method that we’re gonna show you can save a little bit of money and it’s very very strong too.

Once you’ve clipped your forceps onto the tag end you’ll now need to spin them around the trace this will twist the tag end tightly and means that it can’t come undone.

This technique can take a few attempts to master, the aim being to create a neat twisted section.

Just be careful not to spin the forceps too frantically or directly in front of your face just in case they were to come off.

Now disconnect your forceps and trim the tag close to the end.

Next, you’ll need to attach your second hook. Thread the hook onto the trace and set it apart from the first hook based on the size of bait that you’re going to be using. Ideally, you want your hooks covering your bait evenly not just two hooks at one end.

With the distance between the hooks decided, fold back the trace and wrap it around the hook five or so times. Before passing the end back through the eye and pulling it tight.

Now attach a swivel to the other end of the trace in the same way you attach the first hook. With the trace completed now take your mainline and slide on a float stop.

Next, thread your float down onto the mainline too.

Now thread on your inline weight followed by the plastic bead.

Finally tie your mainline to the swivel on your trace, for this we use a blood knot and wrap the line around itself approximately five to seven times, before passing it back through the hole created next to the swivel.

Once this knot is pulled tight the rig is complete.

How to catch pike with dead bait rig

When using dead bait, we like to set the float slightly over depth. A bite is signaled by the float slowly dragging along the surface.

Tips to catch a pike

When it comes to actually fishing you should strike your rod pretty much as soon as you see the definite movement of your float. If you were to leave it too long it can result in a deeply hooked fish.

Once hooked it’s best to play a pike quite firmly, keep the line as tight as possible and keep pressure on the fish.

If you go too gently when you’re playing a pike you can lose them quite easily. They’ve got quite a hard mouth, they’ll often come up to the surface and shake their head and if your line isn’t tight and pulled quite hard then that hook can fly out quite easily.

One last tip, if you’re fishing with relatively soft baits like smelt or sprats which can often fly off your hook on the cast, you can actually take some see fisherman’s bait elastic to keep the bait on for longer.

You can purchase this from most tackle shops, particularly ones along the coast, or grab yourself some online. This very fine elastic can be wrapped around the bait a few times and then snapped holding the baits intact for far longer.

Also, read How to catch carp in a river [4 steps to catching river carp].

Are Circle Hooks good for pike fishing rig?

Circle hooks were never intended to capture pike. They were created for fish that have to swallow a bait whole; if a pike accomplishes so, they may work. However, if it picks up a hair-rigged bait and plays with it, you won’t be able to catch it since the hook will most likely not be in its mouth.

What depth do you fish for pike?

These fish are mainly captured in shallow water. Big pike, on the other hand, dives. They are frequently in water that is 15 feet deep or deeper. A large deep running lure is required at these periods.

What’s the best bait rig for pike fishing?

The finest dead baits for pike fishing are soft-rayed fish with a lot of natural oil in their skin and meat. These natural oils leak into the water, attracting any pike that may be passing by. Smelt, alewives, little whitefish, chubs, and the ever-popular sucker are some of the greatest dead baits.

Is braided line good for pike fishing?

When it comes to choosing a mainline for pike, both braid and monofilament are excellent options. When it comes to spin fishing or dead bait fishing, braid is the way to go, whereas mono is the way to go for live bait fishing and trolling.

How long should a pike trace be?

When bait or lure fishing, your wire trace should be at least 18 inches long (45 cm) for the safety of the pike in case it swallows your bait too deeply.

What kind of line do you use for pike?

Both braid and mono are suitable for pike fishing if they are strong enough. If you’re going to use mono for your mainline, go with a 12lb or even 15lb breaking strain, and if you’re going to use braid, go with a 30lb breaking strain.

What time of day is pike most active?

Pike are more active in the morning than normal. Early in the morning, before the sun rises, is a great time to go for hungry pike. They can be seen searching for their first meal of the day in open or shallow water.

All it’s left to say is good luck with your pike fishing. Hope that you catch an absolute monster. Happy fishing!