AKDan,
Sounds like your having fun with the pike! Anyways, what size hook are you using with your setup? I haven't missed a legitimate strike all year on single 7/0 octopus hooks. I don't mind giving the hammerhandles some bait now and then, but single hooks are much easier to release fish. The argument will haunt this site pro and against quick strikes.... quick strikes are really effective at what they do no doubt!! I'm still not convinced on using them for release purposes.
I catch enough 4-5 lb. fish to make me want to release one or three. Quick strikes always make a dang mess while trying to release a fish at -20.
Nails for ballast are not "pike friendly". I used them in the past and am guilty as sin!
I halted the use of nails years back, having considered the negative effect it had on their digestive tracks. I haven't tried to pass a nail yet, but I bet it wouldn't be fun! Then again my wife's cooking has left me pondering whether she puts nails in the spaghetti after a lengthy visit to the throne??
There's always a couple that get away to enjoy their meal of herring eh! No problem in my mind, get fat and multiply! I'd suggest breaking the air sack on the bait, or placing a split shot just above the hook? It works without the hassles of nails in the pocket!
Hope I don't come across in the wrong way?
Barleydog