hooks for automatic hook setter for pike

[BentPolePete]

Hey guys, i'm new to fishing for pike and am hoping you guys can suggest a hook to use on this setup   

tFh_A 

On pickeral, crappie, perch I use an aberdeen size 4 or size 6 with a fathead or rosie red minnow.   This seems to work very well.    On pike I'm using pike minnows and I put on the same hooks that I use for Bass fishing in the summer a Gamakatsu EWG Worm hook  http://www.basspro.com/Gamakatsu-EWG-Worm-Hook/product/53661/  in a 1/0 or a 2/0.   I've only been out one time so far and I had one really good hook set with this setup on pike and also lost one that must not have had a good hookset but wasn't a complete miss either.   

Let me know if you guys have any idea of different hooks to use for pike with automatic hook setter.   

[thomasthepikehunter]

I'll start by saying, I've never used a set up like this before. I assume you have a strong enough rod like a medium heavy or heavy action? A lighter action rod may not have the power needed to set the hook. The problem I see with worm hooks is they are a very fine wire. I like stronger hooks, which set nicer (but need a harder hook set) and they hold better too. Its possible pike are too strong for that setup. Its possible they can rip a hook free from their mouths before you get there. Maybe loosen up the drag? I would think you would be better off with an octopus hook. I'm not sure how big a pike minnow is, but 1/0 is usually a bit small for most pike size bait. I would try a 3/0, or even a 5/0 if bait is over about 6".

[BentPolePete]

Thanks for the thoughts Tom.  The rods that I use are a medium 28"-30" with 10lbs test mono with short either steel or heavy flourocarbon.   Setting the drag is important on these.  It needs to be stiff enough to set the hook but loose enough to let line out when the pike goes on a run.  I've thought that octopus hooks would work well also.  Generally with this there are no deep hook sets and they are always in the corner of the mouth. Since the hook is in the corner of the mouth the hook set doesn't need to be very strong.   The pike minnows I use are 5-6". 

[thomasthepikehunter]

I would definitely give a 3/0 or 4/0 hook a try. Another thing would be to try braided line. It would be a small change in shallow water, but it the less stretch tends to help hook sets.

[big big rdg]

I use anywhere from 3/0 to 5/0 owner octopus hooks for baits 5"-12" and have had good luck all season using this setup. I ran 40lb floro most of the season but had 3 bite offs(always used 40lb for te past 4 years and never had a bite off)but changed to 80lb floro crimped. Good luck!

[thomasthepikehunter]

I agree, most people use too light of fluoro, but it won't matter much with his rig. When it sets the hook right away, it almost keeps the leader out of the mouth.

[BentPolePete]

I'll pick up some 3/0 octopus hooks and give them a try this weekend.  Thanks for the help guys