Basic Pike Fishing
Pike fishing has undoubtedly become one of the most specialised branches of coarse fishing, both in tackle and tactics used as well as the methods of handling, unhooking and safely returning the fish once caught.
TACKLE TIPS
Tactics and methods have evolved over the years with many methods having gone through phases of development and re development, one such method that has seen its fair share is the Livebait Paternoster rig. The rig illustrated below constitutes what a safe version, providing all the points are followed.
A "Safe" Paternoster Rig.
If incorrectly set up the rig can be inefficient and possibly harmful to your quarry. As illustrated this paternoster is for fishing with the float visible at the surface, it can be fished sunken, it does however then require an additional method of bite indication, not just visual but preferably audible to alert you to a bite. This does obviously increase the cost and as such we recommend the use of this rig on the surface, at least until you gain some experience of how it works to your satisfaction. From there on you are at liberty to use it as you wish.
With the correct size of bait, a roach of approx. 5 to 6 inches in length, this is a sure fire pike catcher, if you have located the fish and are sure they cannot be caught by any other type of bait or method, e.g. legered deadbait or free roving livebait, or are lying in an area that would be dangerous to allow a free roving bait to wander into, with the risk of snagging your tackle, then give this method a try, don't become a one method angler though!
HANDLING TIPS
OK you have hooked and played your fish, when it comes to landing your prize, a large, knotless mesh landing net with arms not less than 36 inches, preferably bigger should be used! With the pike safely in the net, now place it on a handling mat and open the mesh, you have two choices for handling your fish for unhooking. It is now you will really appreciate the use of semi-barbless hooks!
The Easy way to Get a Pike to Open it's Mouth.
Despite all those teeth, the pike will not bite you, there really is nothing to be frightened of! Look to see just where your hooks are before proceeding to handle the pike! If the pike is small (under 10lb) you may find it easier to lift the fish for unhooking (as above). If it is over ten pounds, it will be better to continue with the unhooking on the handling mat.
Kneel astride the pike, insert your left or right fingers under the gill cover, gently, avoiding damaging the gill rakers, slide your fingers to the front of the jaw and begin to lift the pikes head off the mat. In doing this the lower jaw will begin to open allowing you access to continue with your hook removal. Use a set of artery forceps of 10 to 12 inches in length to release and hold the hooks during removal. If the hooks are deeper and in the throat, by holding the jaw in this way it is possible to access and release the hooks by using forceps through the gill rakers, be very careful though! If you cannot get the hooks out do not cut the wire, unclip the trace from the tackle and place the fish in the net and seek help!
How to Hold a Pike for Un-Hooking.
Once the unhooking is complete, get your pike back in the water as quickly as possible, do so after you have given the fish time to recover in the net. When releasing, support the pike until it is able to swim away freely and strongly. To be caught again another day!