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Montana => Ice Fishing Montana => Topic started by: slickice on Jan 25, 2024, 11:07 PM

Title: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: slickice on Jan 25, 2024, 11:07 PM
Been out 10 times this season for perch & pike and have done really well with the pike by using a hotdog on a tip-up.  I've iced numerous large pike this season and am ready to pickle a few gallon bags of pike loins. This is the 3rd season I've used hotdogs for bait and I'm totally convinced that they out perform most bait other than large live minnows which is illegal in Western MT.  Here's my routine:  Prior to fishing, I microwave the dogs in a zip lock for 20-30 seconds, let cool, then repeat.  The microwaved dog may develop minor splits as it softens, secretes fatty juice and flavor onto the outside of the skin. I bury two hooks into the side of the dog and let the third hang out the side. The pike really go for dogs done this way. This isn't a joke or BS, it really works.  Other "ice-heads" that use hotdogs for pike feel free to offer constructive tips and suggestions. I'm curious to see how many on this forum have tried hotdogs on tip-ups.
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: PyroZuki on Jan 25, 2024, 11:57 PM
Been out 10 times this season for perch & pike and have done really well with the pike by using a hotdog on a tip-up.  I've iced numerous large pike this season and am ready to pickle a few gallon bags of pike loins. This is the 3rd season I've used hotdogs for bait and I'm totally convinced that they out perform most bait other than large live minnows which is illegal in Western MT.  Here's my routine:  Prior to fishing, I microwave the dogs in a zip lock for 20-30 seconds, let cool, then repeat.  The microwaved dog may develop minor splits as it softens, secretes fatty juice and flavor onto the outside of the skin. I bury two hooks into the side of the dog and let the third hang out the side. The pike really go for dogs done this way. This isn't a joke or BS, it really works.  Other "ice-heads" that use hotdogs for pike feel free to offer constructive tips and suggestions. I'm curious to see how many on this forum have tried hotdogs on tip-ups.


Well, there goes my upper hand...   ;)

Tight lines,
Pyro
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: mt-mike on Jan 26, 2024, 05:59 AM
kosher dogs work the best
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: mt-mike on Jan 26, 2024, 06:00 AM
kosher dogs work the best
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: slickice on Jan 26, 2024, 08:17 AM
Oscar Mayer's been my go to dog.  Not sure if pike know the kosher quality thing but I'll give it a try.
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: PyroZuki on Jan 26, 2024, 08:20 AM
I just use what the ol lady finds for cheap. This season, she's been gettin Bar S for 59 cents a pack. The slay no less than any other brand I've used.


Pyro
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: BigKirby on Jan 26, 2024, 02:08 PM
Well this answers a question I've had. We caught a pike last Tuesday and I found half a hotdog in its gut. I couldn't figure out where the hell he got it from but now I know.  ;D
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: G fish on Jan 26, 2024, 06:27 PM
I heard if you soak your hotdog in powdered Kool-Aid, the female Pike like it better pro tip
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: PyroZuki on Jan 26, 2024, 06:29 PM
I heard if you soak your hotdog in powdered Kool-Aid, the female Pike like it better pro tip

This is the exact way we slay catfish.

Pyro
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: slickice on Jan 27, 2024, 09:40 AM
The Kool-Aid thing is new to me and rather strange.  Never heard of that but did know about catfish eating hotdogs.
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: albo on Jan 29, 2024, 01:28 PM
Blue raspberry works best and I add garlic salt
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: Whitey Fisk on Feb 03, 2024, 01:25 PM
Hot dogs under any circumstances do not, i repeat do not ever work for pike. Forget all about that nonsense and dont trust anyone who says otherwise. Its all a lie to get you to catch less fish, while the trickster catches all the pike to himself.
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: KatJohn7 on Feb 03, 2024, 02:08 PM
I personally have not used hotdogs but I know people that do. They do work. I was with a buddy last year on a lake in northwest mt. He kicked me but using hotdogs. I am just set in my ways. I honestly thought about using them but couldn’t bring my self to do it
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: Ronnie D on Feb 03, 2024, 02:54 PM
I run tip-ups  for pike when I'm  spearing  & when they're  hitting  & bait runs low, the can of Vienna sausage  I keep in my gear  has worked well over the last 20 years
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: slickice on Feb 04, 2024, 08:42 AM
Hot dogs under any circumstances do not, i repeat do not ever work for pike. Forget all about that nonsense and dont trust anyone who says otherwise. Its all a lie to get you to catch less fish, while the trickster catches all the pike to himself.
  Obviously he's never used hot dogs for pike because they do indeed work and work very well.  There's no nefarious agenda to trick people into wasting time with posting the use of hotdogs as bait. 
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: fishinator on Feb 04, 2024, 08:51 AM
  Obviously he's never used hot dogs for pike because they do indeed work and work very well.  There's no nefarious agenda to trick people into wasting time with posting the use of hotdogs as bait.
i think you may have missed the sarcasm.
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: slickice on Feb 04, 2024, 03:23 PM
i think you may have missed the sarcasm.
Is the newbie attempting to be humorous or sarcastic?  Either one seems abrasive.  At 75, I say what I mean...and mean what I say.  "Hotdogs work very well for pike."
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: BurbotsNBourbon on Feb 05, 2024, 08:53 AM

(https://i.postimg.cc/DmWKS9nV/3gaizz.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DmWKS9nV)
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: slickice on Feb 06, 2024, 08:04 PM

(https://i.postimg.cc/bsZmzs8P/IMG-20240206-161952.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bsZmzs8P) Yup.  Hotdogs at work.  Went for 3 hours chasing perch today.  Had 1 flag on an Oscar dog.  Pike measured 29"...about 5-6 pounds. 
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: PyroZuki on Feb 06, 2024, 08:11 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/bsZmzs8P/IMG-20240206-161952.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bsZmzs8P) Yup.  Hotdogs at work.  Went for 3 hours chasing perch today.  Had 1 flag on an Oscar dog.  Pike measured 29"...about 5-6 pounds.

Good deal, slickice!

We picked up a few today on the BarS weiners soaked in that FireBrine.




(https://i.postimg.cc/k28Hj25Z/20240206-122650.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k28Hj25Z)

(https://i.postimg.cc/8FS0xTJC/20240206-130041.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8FS0xTJC)

(https://i.postimg.cc/k6MhXwy3/20240206-132744.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k6MhXwy3)


Pyro
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: slickice on Feb 06, 2024, 08:25 PM
Nice looking catch.  Making a batch of pickled pike right now.  Added this guy to the batch.
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: freeman on Feb 07, 2024, 01:03 PM
If you don't mind me asking Pyro, what is the Firebrine. I've had luck with hotdogs but would like to improve my catch. thanks
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: PyroZuki on Feb 07, 2024, 01:12 PM
If you don't mind me asking Pyro, what is the Firebrine. I've had luck with hotdogs but would like to improve my catch. thanks

Here is their list of offered products. They can be purchased at pert near every place that sells tackle.

https://pautzke.com/shop/product-pautzke-fire-brine/


Pyro
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: BurbotsNBourbon on Feb 07, 2024, 01:24 PM
I've used the firebrine on shrimp and had decent success with perch as well, they seemed to hit it faster than the poles with unbrined shrimp or maggots nearby.
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: freeman on Feb 08, 2024, 01:17 PM
Here is their list of offered products. They can be purchased at pert near every place that sells tackle.

https://pautzke.com/shop/product-pautzke-fire-brine/


Pyro
Thanks much Pyro
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: maddogg on Feb 08, 2024, 02:46 PM
How do you rig the hot dog?  Single hook or treble hook.
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: slickice on Feb 08, 2024, 09:24 PM
Medium sized treble with the shank against the dog and two of the hooks buried.  The third hook faces away from the dog and is exposed.  Gamakatsu hooks work well for me.
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: Lincoln406 on Feb 19, 2024, 07:49 PM
Hello everyone! Newbie to the forum. Found this conversation about using hotdogs for pike bait very interesting. Heard it before from a friend and thought it was a joke. I've always just used smelt and herring but will definitely give it a shot this weekend. I'll post some pics if successful.
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: slickice on Feb 26, 2024, 08:32 PM
Hey Abe (Lincoln406).  Saw your pics on the photo section.  Nice Pike.  You said you'd try.  Did you happen to use any hotdogs that day?
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: Lincoln406 on Feb 26, 2024, 08:39 PM
Took some and tried for about an hour, got bites on smelt right away and gave up on the dogs. Maybe I'll try it again some day.
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: PyroZuki on Feb 26, 2024, 08:42 PM
Took some and tried for about an hour, got bites on smelt right away and gave up on the dogs. Maybe I'll try it again some day.

This ain't the 1st time I heard if a similar story on Bull.

I find that the hotdogs only work better in some waters, but not all.
 
Nice pike, by the way.


Pyro
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: Hillsfisher on Feb 26, 2024, 08:59 PM
Hotdogs are my go-to pike tip up bait.  I do not live near a bait shop, so I am left with deadbait or hotdogs.  I use both and find the hotdogs out produce.  My largest pike (41 inches) was on a dog.  This weekend I fished with a buddy, we had hotdogs, dead chubs, and live shiners out.  We got two pike on the ice and both on the hotdog.  We had two flags on the shiners but both drops.   I use a single circle hook in the middle of the dog and have great hook-up rates. 
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: Lincoln406 on Feb 26, 2024, 09:39 PM
This ain't the 1st time I heard if a similar story on Bull.

I find that the hotdogs only work better in some waters, but not all.
 
Nice pike, by the way.


Pyro
Thanks Pyro. Maybe I'll give it more of a chance next time. Hard to not switch when a different bait is working and 2 lines the limit.
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: PyroZuki on Feb 26, 2024, 09:56 PM
Thanks Pyro. Maybe I'll give it more of a chance next time. Hard to not switch when a different bait is working and 2 lines the limit.

It really is! There have been many times I've told myself to switch the bait out for the other, but figured I'd give it more time. I always leave the ice within I had switched earlier.  ::)

If smelt is workin, it's really hard to switch to hotdogs.

Pyro
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: RuralMT on Feb 28, 2024, 04:21 PM
Anyone ever tried vienna sausages? I've heard about people using jimmy dean links, but for the more economically minded, perhaps the poor-man's sausage would be worth a shot?
Title: Re: Hotdogs for pike
Post by: mt-mike on Feb 29, 2024, 05:58 AM
hot dogs big pike. vienna sausage pick handles.