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I like to try to get baits to hang horizontally. The best rig to use is a quick strike rig that consists of fluorocarbon in the 15 - 30 pound test range. For baits your size I would use #6 trebles and also stick a nail type sinker inside the deadbait.
I am not sure if it matters, but I to perfer the bait to hang horizontally, appearing more life like. I like to use #6 treble hook. I stick one treble between the head and the dorsal fin and the other between the dorsal fin and the tail. If I am using my own quick-strike rig I usually have a bead or two above the treble hook for some color, I then add a rubber core weight above it to help sink the bait. I use both wire and fluorocarbon, if the water is clear, there are walleye present and the pike seem finicky I go with fluorocarbon, but if it is a bit dingy or there are monster pike present, I feel safer with a thin invisa-leader made by southbend. As steel leaders go it is hard to see. P.S Be sure to check the regulations in your area as to the number of hooks you can have on one line. You may have to cut one hook off the trebles to comply. WW
Grizz - I make my own quickstrikes like so.......(Image removed from quote.)I put the bottom treble in behind the bait's head and the sliding treble goes in around the dorsal (wherever it takes to get the bait to sit horizontally). I use no weight. If the bait will not sink I puncture and squeeze air out from air bladder.Hope this helps.
Tip-up, Thank You for the excellent photo of your rig as well as your explanation of your hook placement. May everyone who shared their expertise on this thread catch a 40"er . I just bought some 50lb fluoro and man is it a bugger to tie knots with-won't cinch up very good-I'll try different knots or stick with the wire.-Grizz