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This appears to be a good application for a quick strike setup.
Flouro 40-50lb (when pike fishing) and I set the small hook (There called Double Rider hooks) in the bait completely.
In reference to your original question about setting hooks, if you go with a single hook setup, just remember that pike like to play. They will normally hit you bait, drag it a few feet, spin it around, then go for the kill shot. I personally use circle hooks and I like to practice a lot of patience at the hole, I have sat there and stared at my button a foot off the reel for a minute + numerous times to see that second hit take the bait for a ride then patiently apply pressure after another few seconds of spooling. Hope all the advise on here helps you land some of those 40+ beasts.
then cross its eyes!
FlagRun to hole and watch it spinThen watch is stop spinningThen wait....when the second run takes off, SET!Just what an old time taught me when i was a kid.........40 years later, missed some, caught more.