Author Topic: Bait for pike (Read 4238 times)

GONFISHING608 · « **on:** Dec 14, 2017, 09:39 PM »

What is everyone using for pike. Smelt or shiners?

pmmpete · « **Reply #1 on:** Dec 14, 2017, 09:59 PM »

Smelt, herring, northern pikeminnows (a/k/a squawfish), or peamouths. But if you're buying bait, a less expensive and equally effective bait is hot dogs. Cut a mouth in one end, carve the other end like a tail. Maybe add some eyes. Click on the thumbnail to enlarge it.

waltman · « **Reply #2 on:** Dec 14, 2017, 10:03 PM »

BIG MINNOWS EMERALD SHINNERS MEDIUM AND LARGE SHINNERS

Tip_Up! · « **Reply #3 on:** Dec 15, 2017, 09:34 AM »

What about the size of the bait? I know there are many different theories out there. It seems the larger the bait, the lower the chance of successfully hooking up. However, many claim larger bait equals larger pike. It seems to me that my tipups with large baits tend to produce less. I also like to partially rip or cut my bait to get some more scent of blood and guts in the water. It seems to help, but who knows. I have also found sucker meat works well.

grizzlyhackle · « **Reply #4 on:** Dec 15, 2017, 09:35 AM »

Biggest smelt you can find if no live bait, otherwise big chubs

Stickhick86 · « **Reply #5 on:** Dec 15, 2017, 09:37 AM »

trout

grizzlyhackle · « **Reply #6 on:** Dec 15, 2017, 09:41 AM »

Quote from: Stickhick86 on Dec 15, 2017, 09:37 AM

trout

Funny for a couple reasons...one this being a Montana forum where a lot of guys are trout fisherman, but I agree pike can get massive on a trout diet. I'm pretty sure the would-have-been state record northern in Nebraska was caught in a trout stocked lake:

http://kikn.com/record-pike-caught-in-nebraska/

Stickhick86 · « **Reply #7 on:** Dec 15, 2017, 09:46 AM »

I know I'm not from Montana and I apologize if using them offends but it is legal here in PA as long as they are caught by legal means and you are not over the daily limit.

grizzlyhackle · « **Reply #8 on:** Dec 15, 2017, 10:04 AM »

Quote from: Stickhick86 on Dec 15, 2017, 09:46 AM

I know I'm not from Montana and I apologize if using them offends but it is legal here in PA as long as they are caught by legal means and you are not over the daily limit.

No offense taken brother

Stickhick86 · « **Reply #9 on:** Dec 15, 2017, 10:05 AM »

Thanks

Golden Trout · « **Reply #10 on:** Dec 15, 2017, 09:25 PM »

In the Western District we use smelt. East and some of Mid (depends) use live minnows.

PerchPounderMT · « **Reply #11 on:** Dec 16, 2017, 04:19 PM »

Big ass sucker minnows,Roberts baits is stocked up.

albo · « **Reply #12 on:** Dec 18, 2017, 10:56 AM »

Cut cheap hotdogs into 1" chunks and put in a Ziploc bag along with a bunch of garlic powder and a package of raspberry jello

Stickhick86 · « **Reply #13 on:** Dec 18, 2017, 11:05 AM »

Quote from: albo on Dec 18, 2017, 10:56 AM

Cut cheap hotdogs into 1" chunks and put in a Ziploc bag along with a bunch of garlic powder and a package of raspberry jello

Seriously??? Never hear that one

albo · « **Reply #14 on:** Dec 18, 2017, 03:45 PM »

yep, it works

hoofer · « **Reply #15 on:** Dec 18, 2017, 03:49 PM »

BS that is lunch

tbern · « **Reply #16 on:** Dec 18, 2017, 03:50 PM »

Quote from: albo on Dec 18, 2017, 10:56 AM

Cut cheap hotdogs into 1" chunks and put in a Ziploc bag along with a bunch of garlic powder and a package of raspberry jello

. Do you add any liquid into the bag?

hoofer · « **Reply #17 on:** Dec 18, 2017, 03:54 PM »

liquid comes in the cans or bottles you bring.

The Fish Boss · « **Reply #18 on:** Dec 18, 2017, 09:49 PM »

We typically use smelt in Pishken usally works pretty good

hoofer · « **Reply #19 on:** Dec 19, 2017, 06:36 AM »

walleye- guy let the dog be the judge. he or she might have better taste.

SKIFFLAKEJIMMY · « **Reply #20 on:** Dec 19, 2017, 07:08 AM »

If I want to use tip ups, the first undersize sunny I catch on the rod goes on it. It is legal here in Michigan.

KeeghanL · « **Reply #21 on:** Dec 19, 2017, 02:10 PM »

I like to get the fire died smelt at Roberts bait and tackle. I like the red most and it makes the smelt more visible from long distances even though they are already smelly enough

albo · « **Reply #22 on:** Dec 19, 2017, 02:35 PM »

Quote from: tbern on Dec 18, 2017, 03:50 PM

. Do you add any liquid into the bag?

No I don't, the cheap hotdogs usually have just enough moisture. The Jello helps bind the garlic which is the fish attractant and it also makes them darker

Stickhick86 · « **Reply #23 on:** Dec 19, 2017, 07:12 PM »

Going to try it. Have them made in the fridge

tbern · « **Reply #24 on:** Dec 19, 2017, 08:23 PM »

Quote from: albo on Dec 19, 2017, 02:35 PM

No I don't, the cheap hotdogs usually have just enough moisture. The Jello helps bind the garlic which is the fish attractant and it also makes them darker

. Thanks for the info, Albo!

BonesJonesMT · « **Reply #25 on:** Dec 21, 2017, 12:25 PM »

Newbie question...Where does one find pike near Missoula?

OTTOCAR · « **Reply #26 on:** Dec 21, 2017, 03:47 PM »

Back waters of Bitterroot....

JohnMcN1 · « **Reply #27 on:** Dec 21, 2017, 04:08 PM »

Quote from: BonesJonesMT on Dec 21, 2017, 12:25 PM

Newbie question...Where does one find pike near Missoula?

The Clark Fork or Bitterroot River. Otherwise its a trip up towards Kalispell or Clearwater Chain.

BonesJonesMT · « **Reply #28 on:** Dec 21, 2017, 04:34 PM »

Are there some popular sloughs down the bitteroot? Or where do you find safe ice?

vicster · « **Reply #29 on:** Dec 21, 2017, 04:48 PM »

I don't know if many of the sloughs would have water in them this time of year even if you could find safe ice... plus I don't think you are supposed to use smelt on the river (although a lot of people do open water). If your looking for hard water pike near town the clearwater chain is your closest option.

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Author Topic: Bait for pike (Read 4238 times)