Tips on catching Pike.

[Rm02 6]

Been coarse fishing for a while now and want to try to have a go at some pike.

 

Where i work there is about a mile and a half of Thames frontage that is totally private - no fishing what-so-ever (apart from the people that work there :-) )

 

What would be a decent rod and reel to start me off? Also in terms of attatching the trace which knots are best?

 

Any info here would be much appreciated

 

Rob

[billybaltic 308]

For attaching trace's, i use a 5 turn grinner knot best, never let me down yet, also don't forget to use an uptrace with certain rig's, as for rod's and reel's there is a lot out there, i would get a pike rod in 3lb tc, not a carp rod, as the pike rod is capable of throwing big bait's out a long way, as for a reel, most decent size reel's will do, but i would have a look at the okuma range, i've alway's used shimano's, but recently got an okuma inspira for lure fishing and have found it to be very good, i also have a okuma max 4, which has been excellent upto now, it sound's like you have a decent bit of fishing were you are going to fish, with it being private, you could try and bait a few swim's for a few week's, good luck.

[Rm02 6]

bit confused with the term uptrace..? dont think ive ever used one

 

ive always used shimano reels too. using a couple of baitrunners on my coarse rods at the moment. i'll look into the okuma range tonight.

 

I'd imagine theres some really good fish to be had here. i'll see if i can get some pictures up of the areas im going to hit soon. might have to try and get some tomorrow.

 

cheers for the advice

[MUDD 374]

3lb test curve rod & baitrunner reel, buy a few traces to begin with and try a few deadbaits on the bottom ( buy a bite alarm ) or on the float. Don't leave it too long after the initial take before you strike or you could deep hook the fish and badly injure it. Make sure you have a good set off forceps and an unhooking mat also. Good luck.

[MUDD 374]

P.s. Loop knot does me well.

[Rm02 6]

cheers for that, ill get rod shopping when i get home!

[billybaltic 308]

bit confused with the term uptrace..? dont think ive ever used one

An uptrace is a wire trace, it attaches to your normal hook trace and your line is tied to this, it is only needed with some rig's,it is just an extention of wire so that a pike can't bite you off,a float paternosted livebait would suit an uptrace, if the pike take's the bait and carrie's on upto your trace it will not bite through your line, look it up and it will become clear when it is needed, also as MUDD as already said, unhooking tool's you will definately need, forcep's and long nosed plier's are great tool's, you would also be better of learning to make your own trace's, there must be plenty of video's of it on youtube.

[ratattack 111]

Get someone experienced to show you how to deal with pike, if they swallow the bait deep then it can be tricky for a novice to do on their own. I use a large single hook which makes unhooking much easier on deeper hooked fish. I leave it no longer than 15-20 seconds before i strike, i use small smelt 5-6" tail hooked. Misses a few but reduces unhooking issues. side cutters are a must too.

[Rm02 6]

Thanks again for all the help. its much appreciated. Now to find someone to teach me!

 

here's a couple of pics of one of the areas i have access too...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Im not sure if these are the best places to look for Pike but ive been told there are a few good ones about.

 

R

Edited July 29, 2012 by Rm02

[billybaltic 308]

Your a lucky man, that look's like a great place to fish, and not just for pike, your going to have a few good day's or even night's there mate.

[Rm02 6]

I can't wait to get out there to be honest. Just need to sort my rod and reel out this week!

 

R

[MUDD 374]

Need a hand ? Lol

That looks a grand spot mate, good luck and enjoy. Atb

[long dogs 580]

Thanks again for all the help. its much appreciated. Now to find someone to teach me!

 

here's a couple of pics of one of the areas i have access too...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Im not sure if these are the best places to look for Pike but ive been told there are a few good ones about.

 

R

wish i was pitched up in bivvy there, i learnt a good few bits like knot tying, lengths,baits etc on a dvd called fox guide to gravel pits.good luck

[hare hunter 8]

Best method youll ever catch on is a twitched back smelt I cought 12 pike in an hour fishing from the bank two were doubles also use braided linehelps alot

[Millet 4,497]

Don't forget a glove for unhooking i split my finger's on many occasion's when i was keen on pike fishing..