Hook size for Tip-Up leaders.

[Coachkwj]

Hello-
I'm going to start making my own Tip-Up leaders and was trying to pick a good all around hook size for here in Northern Illinois.
We usually get pike up to 35-36", bass up to 5 lbs, and the occasional walleye. I'm thinking size 1, 2, or 4 trebles. Any thoughts?
Thanks.

[oldJiffy30]

In NH we can't use trebles with bait but for bass and pike/pickerel we use a #1 bait holder. #2 seems a bit small for larger bait

[esox_xtm]

Hey Coach, IMO you're thinking too big. Really, bigger is not necessarily better. Try thinking quality and stealth. Check this thread:

Think about it, it works for me!

[thomasthepikehunter]

You don't choose hook size for the fish you are after, you choose it based on the bait you are using. If you are using 3" shiners, a #2 might be ok. Something like a 10" sucker needs a hook around 5/0. Trebles are a whole different matter. In a 10" sucker, #4 trebles are more than enough.

[bigace]

I use gamakatsu size 6 for bass, perch pickeral and trout. Don't have pike where I fish you might wanna go to a size 4 or 2. Don't waste your time with trebles unless your only pike fishing they can be a hassle.

[jcrow75]

I make my own quick strike rigs for Pike. I think a #6 or #8 treble is a great place to start. I use a mix of bass minnows and pike minnows on my tipups. I think the smaller hooks penetrate better and hold well. Of course, you can just horse a fish in using those hooks. I think you are less likely to gut hook a fish with quick strike rigs. you can set the hook as soon as you feel the weight.

The link below is from an ice shanty post from a while ago. It also shows how to make your own rigs which is fun.

http://s1226.photobucket.com/user/esox_xtm/media/Public%20Video/TyingawiretraceforpikefishingFishingVideosGofishingcouk_zpsfa08320d.mp4.html

[lewisr993]

I tie swivels to the end of my tip up line then create 4-6 leaders of fishing line from 6-20 lb fluorocarbon and steel leaders. I use a snap swivel on the end of my leaders to quickly change hook types and sizes. I can change quickly, on the fly or even during the fishing itself without losing more than 30 seconds.