treble or single hooks?

[fishinmastah]

what kind of hooks do you think would work best for pike fishing?

[C-web]

I prefer trebles, but we have had some luck with useing big jig heads.  If you use a jig head though use a smaller shiner.

[GAMBELL]

Trebles are in my opinion better.  I usually run a size 4 or larger.  This depends on the bait that I'm using (larger bait, larger hook).

[frozenstiff]

I use both it depends on the size of the bait how the fish are reacting. some times I like to put a Swedish pimple with a treble/single hook  with smaller bait this seems to work good. just experiment you will find what works best in certain lakes all are different. hope you catch some.

[esox slayer]

Treble hooks, either a 2/0 or a 2 is my main set up, then if the bite changes I may go smaller.....

[iceintheveins]

I run anchovies or perch in the 4 - 8" range and employ a pair of #8 gamakatsu trebles rigged quick strike style. I have never missed a pike on a tip up that had the bait.

[bigdave1018]

trebles always cause it gives you 2 more hook points.

[minnow1]

Trebles may have more hook  points but they sure can do some damage to the fish.  In western mass where I fish, we use single hooks and find them much easier to get out of the fish.  Trebles can get hooked in more than one place in the fish and causes lots of damage to the fish.  We release all of the fish we catch but if you plan to keep the fish you would  probably want to use trebles.

[busler15]

I find that w/ trebles, you get more good hook sets, but with singles, you get more flags. Either way you take it, you have an advantage. Now its up to you to figure out which one works best where you are located.

[icejunky]

Trebels for sure...I have been using red mustag trebels with the drop leader attached. I tried quick strikes for awhile but on my lake a nice big Williams spoon (normal trebel removed) and the red drop trebel added, the flags continue to pop.

[esox slayer]

I had one once straighten out two of three on a 2/0 treble, and just this year straightened out 1 of 3.....but never broken in the true sense of the word...

[minnow1]

Never had a single hook straighten out.  Use appropriate tackle if looking for large pike.  Inferior hooks and leaders will usually fail when pulling a large fish from the hole since it become dead weight once out of water.

[Doug M]

I like using a large #2 treble, when I used a single large hook I lost more fish and had to waite for the second run to set the hook.. now I set on the first run and usually dont hook the pike as deep. keeping the mortality rate up.

[Rangerclay]

I really like to fish for pike but I rarely ever keep one.  I will buy trebles but I cut one hook off making it a double.  I get just as many hook-ups as a treble but a much easier catch & release. 

Ranger

[billybono]

i use red trebles, much smaller than every one else apparently, usually a #6


                                  billybono

[iceintheveins]

i use red trebles, much smaller than every one else apparently, usually a #6


                                  billybono

Small hooks are the key.

[Water Wolf]

I usually use smaller hooks to. I have found that it takes less effort to stick a smaller hook into a fish than a larger hook.
I compare it to trying to go through leather with a needle or a nail.

WW

[iceintheveins]

I usually use smaller hooks to. I have found that it takes less effort to stick a smaller hook into a fish than a larger hook.
I compare it to trying to go through leather with a needle or a nail.

WW

It just depends on the size of the bait your using. For most baits #8's or #6's are good. I can see using #2 or #4 trebles for big, fat suckers or the like in the 10 - 12" range though.

[Hood]

trebles...small ones...#10 is my pref....wont go any larger than a #6

[iceintheveins]

I tried trebles yesterday missed fish.I will stick to my octopus!!

Trust me, stick with a pair of small trebles. The key is to set the hook when the pike is running and turning the spool steadily.

[marcus]

I was using 6# leaders and no 6 regular baitholder hooks with 8-10 " bait and didnt have a single "hit and spit" . We caught 11 no monsters but for the first time targeting pike not  too bad. Just my observation guys next to us using trebles on steel leaders did catch plenty but had alot of misses too. I know the 6# needs to be changed to ta least 12# but i will stick with the hooks.

[Hood]

Trust me, stick with a pair of small trebles. The key is to set the hook when the pike is running and turning the spool steadily.

ABSOLUTELY!....the key is like he said and come tight when the fish is turning the spool slow and steady, not when its screaming either or the shock can break the line....

[fishermen50]

I like to use #6 hooks on 30Lb seven stran leaders that I make.  They seem to hold up pretty good.  After maybe six fish or so have to replace the leader as it gets pretty twisted up by the Northerns.  Also with smelt I use a quickstrike rigs I make up out of 30 lb seven stran.  I like my leaders to be at least 12 inches long.  Rich