leigh
Joined: 06 Jan 2006
Posts: 28
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 Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:11 am Post subject: PIKE FISHING - THE ESSENTIALS |
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Below you will find a list of essential practices and tackle required for pike fishing. Whilst these maybe familiar to most experienced pike anglers, anglers new to pike fishing should ensure that they have all the necessary equpment before attempting to fish for pike.
Tackle:
A rod of 2.5lb test curve or greater is required, capable of casting a 2-3oz lead and deadbait. Carp rods are more than suitable if you don’t want to purchase specific pike rods.
Mainline should be at least 15lb mono or 30lb braid. A crack/snap off will result in a potentially lethal situation of an unattached baited rig resting on the bottom.
A wire trace is essential, made from a minimum 20lb wire. These can be bought or made, but in both cases, ensure that good quality materials (rather than the cheapest) are used.
My personal preference is a 12’ 3.25 t/c progressive action pike rod, together with 50lb braided mainline, 12-24” 30lb wire ‘uptrace’ and 12-18” 30lb wire hook trace.
Bite Indication:
Good bite indication is essential in order to avoid a ‘deep hooked’ fish. For this normal electronic bite alarms are fine, but these need to be complemented by an effective method of detecting drop back bites. There are several pike specific drop back indicators available, or the more common carp/specialist swingers/hangers will suffice.
The Strike:
To avoid a deep hooked fish, runs should not be left more than a few seconds. Pike feed veraciously in the warmer months following spawning and the strike should be earlier.
Unhooking/Fish Care:
You will also require a large landing net with at least 36 inch arms if triangular in shape, or with a diameter of 30 inches if round framed. Only experienced pike anglers should attempt to ‘chin’ a fish from the water.
Long forceps will be required for hook removal, in some cases 2 pairs maybe required.
An unhooking mat should be used to protect the fish on the bank whilst unhooking.
Once unhooked, the pike should be returned to the water as quickly as possible. The fish should be cradled in the margins until it is fully recovered and is able to swim away strongly.
For more information regarding pike fishing, handling and the equipment required, visit the Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain's website at: http://www.pacgb.co.uk/tipindex.html
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Cheers,
Leigh
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