What size hook for pike?

[sportsmenoftheyear]

What size hook do you guys use for northerns on tip-ups? Trebs, singles, or circles?

[kingfishy66]

I prefer #4, but I know alot of guys use #6 trebles. Just my 2 cents...

[ice yeti]

I like #4 trebles for big golden shiners.

[gumpy2]

Red #4 trebles. 

[IceRaider]

When you guys say #4. Do you mean 4? or 4/0?

[rjhulbert]

When you guys say #4. Do you mean 4? or 4/0?

4/0 I am pretty sure is what they mean I use 6/0 or #6's

[pikeaddict]

#4 or #6 trebles are WAY smaller than 4/0 or 6/0 trebles.  As a reference, many of your 3/8-1/2 ounce crank baits will have #4 trebles on them.

[ice cracker]

When you guys say #4. Do you mean 4? or 4/0?

Bub, 4/0 would be a huge treble.

[esox_xtm]

I use smaller than most. #10s (singly or in tandem) for live bait and #6s for deads. The important thing is use a quality hook. The #10s are 4x strong and I've never straightened one out on fish up to 44". The #6s are similar. Smaller hooks are sharper and tend to slip between teeth to find something soft better than larger ones.

Lots of guys use #4s and #2s around here but I've never seen the necessity.

Just my opinion based on my experiences........... ...user mileage may vary.

/m

[Whopper Stopper]

Much depends on the size of the pike in your lake. Keep in mind if you are fishing a lake that has 20 lb + pike in it, their mouths are the size of a small culvert.

                  WS

[esox_xtm]

Much depends on the size of the pike in your lake. Keep in mind if you are fishing a lake that has 20 lb + pike in it, their mouths are the size of a small culvert.

Point taken Whopper, size does matter. That said the biggest percentage of fish in any system are much smaller than 20# and most baits are more attractive to those populations. I have covered dead baits up to 14" with a pair of quality #6s and never been compromised.

I also believe that less hardware on a live bait lets it move more naturally. To me, proper smaller hooks not only means more action but can still easily handle the largest fish in the system. It's my opinion that baits and rigs should be matched with the average size you would expect to catch, not the "1 in 100" or more. Even so I'll still stand by the "smaller than you think" advice, just build enough quality into your rigs to handle that happy eventuality when the giant does shine around.

Life is too short and opportunities too few to trust cheap terminal tackle. Don't skimp on hooks or swivels, they're your last link to the catch of a lifetime.

/m

[Martian]

  I find year ,to year, they get smaller, I used to think big is best, I am very comfy with4-6, on trebs,( and think you could go smaller), but now I have been on circle hook kick, and like 1/0- 3/0

[fishinnut]

When you guys say #4. Do you mean 4? or 4/0?

They mean 4. Plenty big enough, just don't horse them in.

[fishin machine]

I lean toward esox's way of thinking.
I use high quality # 8's and have had no problems landing fish to 20#.
I believe I miss very few fish because of the size of the hooks I use, as well as quick strike rigs I make.
Very sharp smaller hooks almost always find flesh, and quality components rarely let go.

[meatman]

4/0 or 5/0 mustad demon circle hook.

[headhunter67]

I use a a 1/0 Gamakatsu circle hook with 30 lb floro

[mr tip up]

i read that smaller hooks grab flesh better i use #4 #6 #8 once in a while i wii go bigger try to match hook size to bait size

[headhunter67]

When it comes to line and hook size everyone will have an opinion but thats because they have found whats works for them. Try a bunch of different combinations and you will find what works best for you.

[perchmonger]

Circle  hook guys do you set the hook when there running or do you what for no line movement?
Why i ask is i want to start using circles and was thinkin if the fish is running they and the
hook are in position to work as designed. A little tug hook moves and fish hooked in corner of mouth.

[headhunter67]

When the fish is running i set the hook and it hooks nicely in the corner of the mouth

[pikeaddict]

When its running.  Sweep of the arm across my chest, and most of the time it lands in the corner of their mouth.

[perchmonger]

Going to give them an honest try this weekend. In your opinion would 1/0 circle hooks
be to small. Avg. size pike is 20-24 in. large would be 30 no muskie in this lake.
thanks

[headhunter67]

Like i said above all i use anymore is a 1/0 circle hook. Give it a go and let me know how you do.

[pikeaddict]

All I use is Gamakatsu Inline Straight Eye 1/0 Circles.

[HUNTnFISHSD]

Bub, 4/0 would be a huge treble.

 Got that right!

[BIG FOOT]

i go small my may of thinking is if thy feel it they spet it out and i also do the double hook but one by the head and one by the tell end and you will catch more

[stripernut]

# 4 Double Rider Hooks, rigged quick strike;

[Invader440]

#4 VMC Sureset

[mr tip up]

#4 VMC Sureset

(Image removed from quote.)

           nice quick strike rigs  I also use the partridge hooks  I like them

[thomasthepikehunter]

I think bait size plays a big role. I generally try to find a middle ground so any bait I get can be used on the same rigs. I use #2 treble hooks, and 3/0 circle hooks. I find them a good size for baits ranging 5"-10". I prefer my baits 8"-10", but I'm not scared to go bigger. I just don't think a #8 treble will do very well with a foot long sucker. 1/0 is a good circle hook for smaller baits up to about 6". My favorite circle hook has become the Team Catfish Double Action circle hook. It is the best hook that I can find readily. I use the standard eagle claw trebles. I've messed with sure-set trebles, trokar, etc. but nothing compares to the simplicity of the eagle claw 374.