Fishing for pike, the ultimate predators of coarse fishing, requires a specialist approach. A tough rod and reel, high breaking strength main line and strong, often treble hooks attached with a steel wire trace. This section outlines some of the more common end tackles used in pike fishing, how to construct them and some tips for their best use.
A basic running paternoster leger rig suitable for most stillwater conditions at all distances. Use a larger lead for greater casting range. Simple to construct, virtually tangle free and very effective.
Thread the main line (around 12lb breaking strain) through a swivel, a bead and then attach to the swivel of a pre-made steel wire snap tackle using a grinner knot. Preferably use semi-barbed treble hooks, with only barbed points securing the deadbait. Create the link to the lead out of weaker line than the main line so that if it becomes trapped a break-off will not result in a lost fish or snap tackle.
