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Massachusetts => Ice Fishing Massachusetts => Topic started by: reKor11 on Feb 28, 2010, 11:57 AM

Title: pike hook size?
Post by: reKor11 on Feb 28, 2010, 11:57 AM

I Recently switched to size 8 treble hooks for pike fishing with tip ups, and missed 6 of the last 9 fish I have had on.  I have been using frozen "pike bait" sized shiners with the new size 8 Gamakatsu hooks.  Previously I had used low grade size 4s.  Just wondering what size hooks other people are using for pike.  the missing fish might just be a coincidence and not related to the hook switch.  I always thought to an extent smaller hooks seem to "grab" fish more effectively.

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: mather25 on Feb 28, 2010, 12:00 PM

i use a size 2 treb and havent had a problem yet

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: fisherman58 on Feb 28, 2010, 04:01 PM

I user #6 gammys

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: Jessox80 on Feb 28, 2010, 06:58 PM

I've been using size 10's with good success. I like the small trebels b/c I have yet to have a fish swallow one; they get hooked before they get the chance to.

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: reKor11 on Feb 28, 2010, 07:59 PM

hahaha i don't find missing fish "sporting" or much less fun.....

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: Pike Bait on Mar 01, 2010, 06:51 AM

The rule of thumb is to match your hook with your bait size.

I consistently use 7- 9 inch bait so I use a 4/0 Gammy "Shiner" hook.

I've never usesd treble hooks for ice fishing.

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: Massfisher on Mar 01, 2010, 08:19 AM

Ive been using 7/0 gammy octopus hooks.

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: Bozeiceman on Mar 01, 2010, 10:11 AM

I switched to a single #4 trebel Gamakatsu for my 6"-8" pickerel shinners. Worked well. I hear about guys using # 8's and #10 tebels...I belive they are to small for the big baits...I know I could be wrong..but I tried it and since Stick one prong in a #2 or #4 seems better to me.

I also tested a 4/0 Gamakatsu circle hook once through the dorsal fin...unfortunatly did not gather enough info. I am a catch photograph and release guy so I am after perfect release too...still looking at the circle and best sizes...Any catch and release circle hook sizes chime in give me some pointers for next year.

I would say fishing a pike sized bait #4 or #2 if the bait was bigger than 8" even bigger would be ok...but I don't know. I release a lot of bass with the #4 trebel. I took the barbs off exposed prongs on the #4 treble no bass lost easy hook out and release worked very well.

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: jtk on Mar 01, 2010, 04:59 PM

i lost a few fish the other day fishing for pike with circle hooks, i switched them to trebels last night and got a pike today. im not sure what size they are tho, i just go by sight not numbers when buying hooks. if it looks like the right size ill take it.

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: JDiPerrio on Mar 01, 2010, 06:13 PM

Quote from: jtk on Mar 01, 2010, 04:59 PM

i lost a few fish the other day fishing for pike with circle hooks, i switched them to trebels last night and got a pike today. im not sure what size they are tho, i just go by sight not numbers when buying hooks. if it looks like the right size ill take it.

circle hooks suck, they are ment to save the fish by not letting them get gut hooked and it hooks them on the outer lip. I learned that quick last year.

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: jtk on Mar 01, 2010, 06:48 PM

haha, yea the circle hook i used yesterday had a piece of lip dangling off it to taunt me lol

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: rickyriged on Mar 01, 2010, 10:14 PM

Quote from: JDiPerrio on Mar 01, 2010, 06:13 PM

circle hooks suck, they are ment to save the fish by not letting them get gut hooked and it hooks them on the outer lip. I learned that quick last year.

i agree set 2 tip ups with circle hooks i liked the idea that the fish hooks  them self
tried for three weks missed every fish through them out

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: GDominy12 on Mar 02, 2010, 08:01 PM

size 6 or 4 work the best for me.

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: jtk on Mar 02, 2010, 09:27 PM

hahaha

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: newbraintree on Mar 05, 2010, 09:03 PM

I use #7 circle hooks for pike

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: PIKEKILLER1 on Mar 05, 2010, 09:05 PM

I use a 6-9 beaver hook :woot: :woot:

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: Porter on Mar 06, 2010, 09:55 AM

3/0 Gamagatzu baitholders are perfectly fine... I have a high hook to land ratio with these and they can be used on all sizes of bait.

Title: Re: pike hook size?
Post by: jtk on Mar 06, 2010, 02:16 PM

so today is a new day and the trebels ive been using missed at least 4 fish today. lost 2 baits. so now i dont know