Pike bite indication: Drop-off vs. Bobbin

[Andy Macfarlane]

On my few previous Piking trips I've had problems retaining the bait on the hooks. By using a deadbait casting clip I managed to get the leger rig out a fair way an fish some of those swims I couldn't reach with a float rig. I couldn't quite get it out as far as I'd like, but that's a different topic.

 

I'm looking forward to the zander/pike fish in to pick up some more tips!

 

That's why I go to great pains to ensure my baits are frozen solid all day long, even in the Summer. Try 'Techni-Ice' or Chillerz'...same product...different names. If you use a good bait bag, line it with newspaper and a few sheets of Chillerz, your baits will be solid enough to wallop a fair old way. Don't worry about defrosting baits. I've had numerous runs within minutes of baits hitting the water...sometimes immediately. Pike don't seem to care a jot.

You can also tie a length of mono round the tail-root and then tie the other end off to the trace swivel. Just make sure the mono is slightly shorter than the trace. Not only does this mean that the mono takes the brunt of the cast but if you do get a fish and the bait comes off. You get the bait back for another try because it's attached to the trace. Easier and simpler than a casting clip and good when your using expensive or hard to obtain baits that are costly to use or replace. I do this when the fishing is very consistent and runs are coming thick and fast or when using baits like brown trout which aren't always available but they rank as my favourite baits so I want them back when I get a pike.

I reckon casting clips etc. just complicate matters. You could also try Scad/Horse Mackerel/Saurel as a pike bait. It has a solid exoskeleton of it's spine running parallel with it's lateral line. It's so tough it's almost been 'designed' for pikers. Nice size and very oily too.

 

.....Regards.....Andy

[chesters1]

i use fox swingers with the weight moved to the end ,drop bites simply make the arm drop ! buzzer buzzes either way.

i always use an inline running lead which lessens the drop bites but leads can be lifted in any eventuality

Edited February 17, 2009 by chesters1

[Dick Dastardly]

Totally disagree with that Im afraid Wayne.

 

With a running lead (providing it was heavy enough all takes would be indicated as forward runs regardless of the direction the fish was moving in.

 

In my experience there are two things that influence whether you will get a run or a drop back (or I should say if the pike is moving/facing toward or away from you). First is where the bait is positioned and secondly the rig used.Best example is that if your paternostering a live bait near to the near marginal slope the pike will enevitabley strike from below so that means it will be comming towards you.

 

Thats why its so important for your indication system to show both runs and drop backs equally effectively.

[Dick Dastardly]

when it flares its gills and sucks in the bait and surrounding water its forward motion creates enough disturbance to shift the lead from its position on the lake bed.

 

 

Very much wrote from a ledgered deadbait anglers veiw I bet Wayne?

[wayne baker]

Very much wrote from a ledgered deadbait anglers veiw I bet Wayne?

Thats fine Budgie, like i said it was just one of my theories. I should have said, And you were right i was talking about when using a standard running rig with a dead. Another point i should have made was the nature of the bottom. If the lead was well settled in silt or a soft bottom then it should do its job. But what about if it is sitting on smooth gravel? obviously the size of the lead used is a factor

[Andy Macfarlane]

Are we supposed to belive that a pike can create so much force flaring it's gills, that it can shift say a 3oz lead at distance of at least 18" from the lead?? I'm sorry but I'm just not having that for a second. It's a fish, not a fire engine.

[Dick Dastardly]

Your totlly right Wayne.In actual practice very few of the standard so called "free running" rigs are indeed free running! The two I use (one for ledgering and one for paternostering) are as close as I have been able to come though-

 

For ledgering-

 

http://www.anglersnet.co.uk/Rig-Section/Pi...adbait_rig.html

 

For paternostering-

 

http://www.anglersnet.co.uk/Rig-Section/Pi...noster_rig.html

 

For what its worth I always use a free running rig with ledgered deads but only use the free running pat when they are a bit edgy or the first few strands of new weed have apeared (as the lead link on a standard pat rig catchs in this and causes dropped runs) well for pike anyway as I always use the free running pat for Zeds.

[wayne baker]

Are we supposed to belive that a pike can create so much force flaring it's gills, that it can shift say a 3oz lead at distance of at least 18" from the lead?? I'm sorry but I'm just not having that for a second. It's a fish, not a fire engine.

You got me on one now Andy, Im going to fill me bath up and do some experiments with rigs. Only trouble is im going to have to find how to simulate a pike. Any ideas? lol

[Dick Dastardly]

Wayne daft as it may sound fiddling about in the bath is the way forward!

[Andy Macfarlane]

You got me on one now Andy, Im going to fill me bath up and do some experiments with rigs. Only trouble is im going to have to find how to simulate a pike. Any ideas? lol

 

Get in the bath, lie a 3oz weight beteen your legs, force a fart out and see if moves....