Fluor vs. steel, circle hooks or not for pike.

[Billie]

Did a search on these, many opinions, but thought I'd ask the N.Y. guys. What do you use and why? Water clarity seems to be a big issue also. I mostly fish Little Sodus and Blind Sodus and would like some opinions on the best set up for tipups as far as leaders and hooks for northerns. Thanks!

[Bartman44]

We use 50lb floro when targeting big pike and 25lb floro when targting medium to smaller pike simply becuase the waters we fish here in NY are pounded pretty heavily. Haven't lost a big one yet (but at some point we probably will)   

[GAMBELL]

I watched a segment on North American Fisherman a couple weeks ago and they stated circle hooks have a 30 -40% hook up rate for pike.  I would stay away from them.  I use 20 -40lb. Florocarbon leaders.  Seagar is the best in my book.  The clear water keeps some fish from hitting lines with steel leaders.  Good luck.

[deadsmelthead]

I use 30# mono, fluro, haven't had a snap or bite off, I am in the middle of a 2 year experiment of half the tip ups  I have out with circle hooks half trebles, (ah the beauty of having the girlfreind or kid go) So far i am starting to lean towards #2 circle hooks, if you set the hook when they are moving it catches the corner of their jaw almost everytime and eliminates their teeth wearing on the line during play. I have gone as far in the last 2 trips to try 15lb and 12 lb  line with the circle hooks and iced a couple pike on both rigs in the 28-32 inch range with out any problems, granted they are not huge fish and I am sure anything bigger I would have lost. I have been done with steel for a few years now,the big pike that have been around the block a few times without a doubt in my mind notice and remember that hunk steel hanging from the bait as danger, and it shys them away. I say this all the way until they bulk up to spawn, I am pretty sure once they are in this state of mind you could use a tow chain and a shark treble and they wouldn't care, but mid winter clear water calls for precision presentation tactics and in my book that means tackcle that is less noticable.

[akdg]

I ran half floro, half steel last year and it did not make a difference as far as getting hits went. I did have one breakoff of 30lb p-line floro but that had more to do with a backlash and a big fish than the leader.  The Malin Boa single strand wire is all I use now when there is a chance of catching big pike.  The stuff is amazing and very thin.  Since I started using it I have caught some nice salmon on it, splake, browns, perch, bass, bullheads, and tons of pike - pretty much everything we have around here.  Use it as a set up with two trebles on a quick-strike rig, and have not had one fail yet, and I have not had to replace any yet either due to fraying or curling up after a fish, and some of these have caught a lot of fish since last year. Just my observations and opinion

[gumpy2]

Adkg,

Just started using the Boa titanium myself.  Haven't used it long enough to have an opinion other than the stuff is real thin and should produce more strikes than steel.  So far 1 for 1 with pike.

 Do you mind me asking what Lb. test you are using Adkg?  Also what length leader are you running?

[akdg]

Adkg,

Just started using the Boa titanium myself.  Haven't used it long enough to have an opinion other than the stuff is real thin and should produce more strikes than steel.  So far 1 for 1 with pike.

 Do you mind me asking what Lb. test you are using Adkg?  Also what length leader are you running?

I'm using the 30lb, and make most of my leaders about 16 inches, unless I'm going to use some extra big baits then I make them the length of the bait plus 8 inches.

[eye hunter]

I have had good luck with leaders made from Stren Magnathin in 30# using a # 2 Circle hook. I use the circle hooks for just about everything.

[AirManCam]

I use 12 lb mono, and have yet to be bit off. I've landed a 38" and a few 35" and countless other 30" pike. I just bought 17lb floro however to give a try. If I were you, I would use size 10 red trebble hooks.

[MacEnvy]

I use 12 lb mono, and have yet to be bit off. I've landed a 38" and a few 35" and countless other 30" pike. I just bought 17lb floro however to give a try. If I were you, I would use size 10 red trebble hooks.

The only time I've been bitten off was using 8 lb mono (yeah, I know ... I learned my lesson).  I'm currently using 12 lb fluoro and I figure if I can't bite through it myself - when trying my best - neither can a fish.  I don't fish for the trophies though.

[Mr.Sodus]

I use 30# mono, fluro, haven't had a snap or bite off, I am in the middle of a 2 year experiment of half the tip ups  I have out with circle hooks half trebles, (ah the beauty of having the girlfreind or kid go) So far i am starting to lean towards #2 circle hooks, if you set the hook when they are moving it catches the corner of their jaw almost everytime and eliminates their teeth wearing on the line during play. I have gone as far in the last 2 trips to try 15lb and 12 lb  line with the circle hooks and iced a couple pike on both rigs in the 28-32 inch range with out any problems, granted they are not huge fish and I am sure anything bigger I would have lost. I have been done with steel for a few years now,the big pike that have been around the block a few times without a doubt in my mind notice and remember that hunk steel hanging from the bait as danger, and it shys them away. I say this all the way until they bulk up to spawn, I am pretty sure once they are in this state of mind you could use a tow chain and a shark treble and they wouldn't care, but mid winter clear water calls for precision presentation tactics and in my book that means tackcle that is less noticable.

I agree, however, about two years ago, 9fingers showed me the way with circle hooks on muskie with 12-15# test.
I've been using a Mustad #6 laser point circle hook with Shakespeare Cajun Red 12# line this year(this line disappears in the water)
and have not had any problems. Walleye, bass and pike have all taken the bait. I was concerned about that size hook, but, so far, they are holding their curve.