Deadbaiting Buyer's Guide - Updated for 2026

Deadbaiting for pike is a fishing discipline that combines a unique blend of patience, strategy, and pure adrenaline. The silence of waiting, the gentle tug of the bobbin, and then… an explosive run that gets your heart racing!

As the colder months approach, deadbaiting becomes one of the most effective ways to target large, often less active pike. It’s a method that simply can’t be beaten when you’re after a monster.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll demystify the art of deadbaiting for both beginner and expert anglers alike. We’ll cover all the gear you need, from rods and reels to the all-important terminal tackle, and share our expert advice on how to get the most out of your time on the water.

We’re also excited to introduce you to some of the new deadbaiting product ranges we’re stocking, all designed to give you an advantage this season.

The Essentials: Deadbaiting 101

Now that we’re ready to get serious about deadbeating, let’s nail down the basics. This section will cover the fundamental principles of deadbaiting, the essential gear you’ll need, and the crucial aspects of fish safety and welfare.

What is deadbaiting?

At its most basic level, deadbaiting involves using a dead fish (either a whole one or a section) as a bait to attract and catch predatory fish, primarily pike in the UK.

Unlike lure fishing, where you actively cast and retrieve an artificial bait to imitate a distressed fish, deadbaiting is a more passive, static approach.

So why would you choose a deadbait over a lure?

Scent: Deadbaits release a natural scent trail into the water that no artificial lure can truly replicate. This is a huge advantage, especially in coloured or cold water where a pike’’s sense of smell is more effective than its sight. A pike can track down a deadbait from a considerable distance.

Conservation of Energy: In colder water, a pike’s metabolism slows down, and it becomes less inclined to chase a fast-moving lure. A static, easy meal presented on the bottom or suspended in the water column is far more appealing and requires minimal effort from the predator.

Targeting Bigger Fish: Deadbaiting is a proven method for consistently catching larger pike. Bigger fish often prefer a substantial, easy-to-get meal rather than expending energy on a smaller, harder-to-catch one.

Float vs Ledger Fishing

There are two main ways to present a deadbait, and the choice between them often comes down to the conditions being fished.

Float fishing: This is a fantastic method for covering a range of depths, or for fishing over snags and weed beds where you want to keep your bait off the bottom. A large, buoyant float supports the bait’s weight, allowing you to suspend it at a specific depth. This method is also ideal for trotting a bait down a river or a canal to cover a long stretch of water.

Ledgering: This method is all about fishing on the bottom. Using a lead weight (or ‘ledger’), you cast your bait and sink it to the bottom of the loch or riverbed. Ledgering is perfect for fishing at a distance, in strong currents, or in situations where a float would be hard to see. It’s a very effective way to target pike that are holding close to the bottom.

The Non-Negotiable: Safety and Fish Welfare

Pike are beautiful, powerful fish, but they are also delicate and have sharp teeth. To ensure their safe return, you absolutely must have the correct tools and knowledge.

Wire Traces: Pike have razor-sharp teeth that will easily shred monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines. A strong, reliable wire trace is essential for preventing the fish from biting through your line and leaving a hook in its mouth.

Unhooking Tools: Never attempt to unhook a pike with your hands. Instead, use long-nosed forceps to keep your hands far from the pike’s teeth, and a pair of wire cutters to handle deep hook-sets.

Unhooking Mat: A large, padded unhooking mat is critical when predator fishing. It provides a soft, safe surface to rest the fish on while you unhook it, protecting its body and fins from damage.

Landing Net: Use a large, wide-mesh landing net that can comfortably accommodate larger pike. This makes it easier and safer to bring the fish onto the bank.

Keeping angler safety and fish welfare in mind, and using the right tools for the job will not only make you a more effective deadbait angler, but more importantly, a more responsible one. With this foundation, we’re now ready to learn about the tackle and techniques needed to land these prehistoric predators.

Choosing Your Tackle: The Gear Breakdown

With a solid grasp of the basics, it’s time to build your deadbaiting arsenal. The beauty of this discipline is that you don’t need an overwhelming amount of gear to get started. By making the right choices from the get-go, you’ll be set for a successful season this winter.

The Rod: Your Connection to the Fish

Deadbait fishing rods are designed to be powerful, with a test curve that allows them to cast heavy baits and battle hard-fighting pike.

For the Beginner: We would recommend a rod with a test curve of 2.75 to 3.25lb. This is a versatile ‘sweet-spot’ that will handle everything from small roach to larger mackerel baits, giving you the power to cast and land fish without being overly stiff.

The most common rod length recommended for beginners is 12ft. This length provides an excellent balance of casting power for reaching distance spots, and control when playing a fish on the bank.

The Westin W2 Deadbait range of rods represent an outstanding starting point, offering a perfect blend of performance and reliability at a great price. It’s a forgiving rod that will help you learn the ropes without compromise, and is available in semi-telescopic models for easy transportation.

For the Experienced Angler: For the experienced deadbaiter, rod choice is a more specialised decision based on the specific fishing venue and conditions.

As mentioned, the most common and versatile length for a deadbait rod is 12ft, but you might consider different lengths depending on the situation. For instance, a shorter 10ft rod is often the best choice for fishing from a boat or in tight, overgrown swims, as it makes unhooking and landing fish much easier in a confined space.

Conversely, a longer 13ft rod can provide the extra casting distance needed to reach distant features on large waters, while also offering the extra reach required to steer the fish away from snags and land it safely from a high bank.

When it comes to the test curve, a 3.5lb (or even higher) rating will be the best choice for fishing bigger baits or bigger waters. This extra power provides the backbone needed to cast heavy baits a significant distance and to handle large, hard-fighting pike with confidence.

A rod designed for long-range work, such as the Pike Pro P200 Long-Range Deadbait Rod, is a great example of a tool built for this purpose, offering the power and control to confidently target larger pike at longer distances.

The Reel: Your Foundation of Control

A reliable reel with a smooth, powerful drag is non-neogitable. It needs to both hold a sufficient amount of heavy line, and have the cranking power to battle a big fish.

For the Beginner: A freespool / ‘baitrunner’ style reel is an excellent choice. This feature allows a pike to pick up the bait and run without resistance, which is crucial for a clean take and hook set. The clutch can be set to a low drag, and once you’re ready to strike, a flick of a liver engages the main fighting drag.

Mitchell X1 FS Reel: A fantastic option for anglers on a budget who don’t want to compromise on key features. The MX1 FS features a lightweight graphite body and a smooth freespool system, making it an excellent value-for-money choice that is both strong and reliable.

Shimano Baitrunner ST RB: A classic for a reason. This reel offers Shimano’s famous Baitrunner system in an affordable, no-frills package. It’s a workhorse that provides all the essential features you need for a smooth and reliable performance, making it a perfect entry-point into deadbaiting.

Shimano Baitrunner DL: Stepping up in quality, the Baitrunner DL offers a noticeable improvement in both smoothness and build. It features Shimano’s Varispeed Oscillation System for superior line lay, ensuring long-term performance and improved casting efficiency. Overall this reel combines many high-end features at an unbeatable price point.

For the Experienced Angler: For anglers who demand more from their gear, specialised reels offer enhanced features for long-range casting, greater power, and improved durability.

Shimano Baitrunner X-Aero RA: This reel is a fantastic bridge between a traditional baitrunner and a big pit reel. It features an oversized ‘Aero Concept’ spool, which significantly improves casting distance without the bulk of a full-sized big pit reel. and its two-speed oscillation system ensures perfect line lay.

Shimano Baitrunner Ci4+: This is a top-of-the-line reel designed for ultimate performance. The Ci4+ body material makes it incredibly lightweight yet exceptionally rigid. Paired with Shimano’s X-Ship gearing system, this reel delivers immense cranking power and a silky-smooth retrieve, even under extreme pressure. This reel is the ultimate tool for fishing large, demanding waters, and represents the absolute pinnacle in predator reel technology and performance.

The Line: Strength, Feel, and Control

The line you choose is your direct link to the fish. This section is all about your mainline: the line that is spooled onto your reel and runs down to your terminal tackle. The choice between monofilament and braid is one of the most important decisions a deadbait angler will make, as it directly impacts your fishing experience.

Monofilament: The Forgiving choice

Monofilament (or “mono”) is a single-strand nylon line that has been the primary line choice across all angling disciplines for decades. It’s an excellent choice for deadbait anglers, especially for those just starting out.

The key advantage of using mono is its stretch. When a pike takes the bait and makes a powerful, head-shaking run, the stretch in mono acts as a shock absorber. This is much more forgiving and helps prevent hook pulls, which can be common with less stretchy lines. It’s also more abrasion-resistant than braid, making it a better option when fishing near snags, gravel, or sharp mussel beds.

For the beginner we recommend a high-quality monofilament line with a breaking strain of 18-20lb. This will provide more than enough strength to handle larger pike.

Daiwa Sensor Clear Monofil: Known for its exceptional durability, consistent diameter, and superb knot strength, this mono offers a medium amount of stretch, making it a very forgiving line for beginners.

Maxima Chameleon Mono: Maxima Chameleon is popular for its super-tough, quick-sinking properties and its unique reddish-brown colour that camouflages into the murky bottom of many waterways. It has a slightly higher stretch than other monos, which is a great shock absorber when a pike hits the bait hard.

Braid: The Ultimate in Feel

A braided line is made by weaving multiple strands of synthetic fibres together. It has become a favourite among experienced deadbaiters due to its unique properties.

The primary advantage of using braid is that it has virtually no stretch. This provides fantastic bite indication - you will feel everything from a curious knock to a gentle take, allowing you to react instantly. Its high breaking strain-to-diameter ratio means a 50lb braid is often thinner than an 18lb mono, which can help with casting. Because braid has no stretch and is less abrasion-resistant, it requires a robust leader and careful use around snaggy spots.

For the experienced angler we recommend a braided line with a breaking strain of 50-80lb.

Daiwa J-Braid X8:This braid is an excellent choice for casting as it glides effortlessly through rod guides thanks to its perfectly round, incredibly smooth 8-strand construction. It’s also highly sensitive, allowing you to feel every single knock and tap on the bait, which can be the difference between a missed run and a landed fish.

Westin W3 Deadbait Braid: Made from premium Japanese fibres, the W3’s 8-strand construction ensures superior strength and abrasion resistance. It’s extra stiffness and ‘Double Dura-Coating’ helps prevent wind knots, and it’s ‘Jungle Jive’ camouflage colour provides excellent stealth.

Terminal Tackle: The Business End

This is arguably the most critical part of your deadbaiting setup, both for your success and for the welfare of the fish.

Wire Traces & Rigs:

Pike are equipped with hundreds of razor-sharp teeth designed for gripping and tearing. These teeth will slice through monofilament or braided mainline in an instant. This is why a purpose-made wire trace is 100% non-negotiable when deadbaiting. Never fish for pike without one.

Understanding the difference:

A wire trace is simply the short length of wire that directly connects your mainline to your hooks. Its sole purpose is to prevent teeth from cutting your line.

A good wire trace is made from multi-strand wire, and is rated to a breaking strain of at least 30lb. It should be at least 40cm long to prevent the line from touching the pike’s teeth as it engulfs the bait. Using a reliable trace ensures you don’t leave a hook in the fish’s mouth or throat, which can often be fatal.
We would recommend using a high-quality multi-strand trace wire such as PikePro 19-Strand Wire or Fox Rage Predator 19-Strand Coated Steel Wire.

On the other hand, a pike rig is the complete terminal setup. It includes the wire trace, hooks, and all other components such as sleeve covers, swivels, and beads that are assembled to present your bait effectively.

Westin Multi-Purpose Rig: This rig is a versatile, all-round rig that is perfect for ledgering and general deadbaiting. It features a high-quality wire trace, ultra-sharp treble hooks, and all the components needed for a simple and effective running ledger setup. It’s a great option if you want one rig that can handle a variety of situations.

Westin Float Rig: Designed for float fishing, this rig is built to suspend your bait at a set depth. It includes a high-quality wire trace and hooks, but the standout feature is the included float stop system, which makes it easy to quickly adjust the depth of your bait. It’s an ideal choice for targeting pike that are holding off the bottom or for fishing in weedy areas.

To keep these rigs and others organised and tangle-free, we also recommend the Westin Trace Case, which is designed for hassle-free, easy-access storage on the bank.

Hooks:

For deadbaiting, treble hooks are the go-to choice. They provide a secure hold, which is essential when targeting bony-mouthed pike. To ensure the safe release of the fish, it’s vital to use barbless or semi-barbless hooks, which allow for a quick and easy unhooking process, causing less stress and damage to fish.

The size of your hooks should always be matched to the size of your deadbait. For smaller baits like roach or smelt, a size #8 or #6 hook is a good choice. For larger baits like mackerel or herring, you’ll want to opt for a size #4 or even #2.

For a unique and highly effective presentation, consider the new Westin Add-On Heads. These jig heads are designed to be added to your bait, creating a perfectly balanced rig for horizontal bait presentation. They are an ideal choice for trolling deadbaits, where the head’s design helps the bait track straight and true through the water, imitating a swimming or distressed fish.

Leads and Floats: Presenting Your Bait

Your choice of lead or float determines how your bait is presented in the water column.

For ledgering on the bottom, a flat pear lead is a great all-rounder. Its shape ensures it holds the bottom well in most conditions.

For fishing at extreme range on large waters, a distance lead is the tool for the job. Its aerodynamic shape allows you to achieve extra yards on the cast, helping you to reach distant features where the fish may be holding.

When float fishing, your float needs to be large and buoyant enough to support the weight of your bait and any shot you’ve added to balance the rig. We have a fantastic new range of options, including the Westin Pike Wagglers and Pike Sliders, both of which offer superb visibility and stability.

For precision, the new Westin Adjustable Float Weights allow you to fine-tune your rig’s buoyancy quickly and easily on the bank, adapting to different conditions or baits.

For a convenient, all-in-one solution, the Westin Pike Float Kit contains everything you need to build a perfect float rig straight out of the box.

Baits: What to Use and Why

So you’re kitted out with your rod, reel, line, and tackle. All that remains is that critical namesake: the bait! The saying “match the hatch” is as true in predator fishing as it is in fly fishing. A well-selected deadbait is more often than not the key to landing a monster pike.

Fresh vs. Frozen: A Simple Choice

Frozen Baits: These are the most common and widely available option, and are convenient to both store and transport. The main benefit is that the freezing process breaks down some of the fish’s cellular structure, which can cause them to release their oils and scent more quickly once in the water. Angling Active carries a wide range of frozen baits that are available for purchase from our Stirling shop location.

Fresh Baits: While less common for anglers to use, a fresh deadbait is arguably the best option. They are tougher, meaning they will stay on the hook better during a cast and last longer in the water. Most importantly, they have not lost any of their natural scent or oils, making them highly attractive to predatory pike.

Popular Baits: The Go-To Options

Pike are opportunistic hunters that will gladly eat a wide variety of prey. That being said, a few baits have proven themselves time and again as pike magnets.

Coarse Fish (roach, rudd, skimmers etc.): These are the classic “go-to” deadbaits. They are a staple of a pike’s natural diet in many waters, and their familiarity makes them an easy meal for a hungry predator. Their relatively small size makes them ideal for beginners to handle, and they can be fished on both float and ledger rigs.

Sea Baits (mackerel, herring, sardine): These are popular choices for anglers who really want to make a statement in the water column. The main advantage of sea baits is their high oil content. The scent trail they release is incredibly powerful and can attract pike from a great distance, especially in coloured or fast-flowing water. Mackerel is a particularly durable bait, making it ideal for distance casting.

Specialist Baits (smelt, lamprey, eels): These are often the baits of choice for experienced anglers fishing on pressured waters where the pike have seen everything. Smelt have a unique cucumber-like scent that pike seem to find irresistible. Lamprey and eel are extremely tough and durable baits, which makes them perfect for fishing in strong currents or where crayfish might be a problem.

Bait Additives: Making Your Bait Stand Out

For anglers looking to add an extra layer of attraction to their deadbaits, there are several simple tricks you can use.

Injecting a scent-rich oil into your bait can dramatically increase its appeal. Oils like sardine or lamprey oil can be a game-changer on tough days.

For a convenient and highly effective option, consider Holy Mackerel Fish Oil. This oil is 100% natural, incredibly potent, and comes in a handy bottle for easy application on the bank. A few drops injected into your bait can create a powerful, lingering scent trail that pike simply can’t ignore.

For precision enhancement, the Pike Pro Oil & Air Kit allows you to not only inject oils deep into the bait for maximum release but also to inject air, which helps the bait to sit up off the bottom, making it more visible and appealing.

Before casting, take a moment to puncture the bait with a baiting needle or make a few small slices along its flanks. This helps to release its natural scent trail more quickly once it's in the water, making it a more immediate target for any nearby pike.

By carefully considering your bait choice and presentation, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful session. With your tackle and bait sorted, you’re ready for the final piece of the puzzle: the essential accessories that ensure a safe and successful day on the bank.

Safety & Fish Welfare: The Non-Negotiable Gear

You’ve got the perfect rod and reel, the best bait, and you’re ready to take on some toothy behemoths. But before you can make your first cast, you must ensure you have the correct safety accessories. These are not optional extras, but essential tools required for responsible predator angling.

Though they are the apex predator of our freshwaters, pike are a delicate species that must be handled with the utmost care. As anglers, our duty is to ensure the safe and quick return of every pike we catch.

Essential Tools:

Long-Handled Forceps/Pliers: This is your most important tool. Pike have powerful jaws and rows of razor-sharp teeth. You must use a pair of long-handled pliers to safely and easily remove hooks. Never, under any circumstances, attempt to put your fingers inside a pike’s mouth. The Westin Unhooking Pliers are an excellent choice, providing a long, strong reach for safe and effective hook removal.

Wire Cutters: These are your insurance policy - If a hook is deeply embedded or the fish is thrashing, the safest course of action is to cut the wire trace as close to the hook as possible. The Westin Cable & Hook Cutter is specifically designed for this task, with robust jaws that can effortlessly slice through wire traces, allowing you to free the fish quickly and safely without causing any further damage.

Large Padded Unhooking Mat: A hard, bare bank can seriously damage a fish’s scales, fins, and slime coat. A large, padded unhooking mat provides a safe, soft surface to rest the fish on while you unhook it and take a quick photo. The Westin W2 Unhooking Mat is a perfect example, offering ample padding and size to accommodate even the largest pike.

Large Landing Net: A standard coarse fishing landing net is simply not big enough for a pike. Predator anglers will require a large, wide-meshed net with a deep bag. This will allow you to safely and easily land the fish, making the unhooking process much safer for both you and the fish. The Westin W3 C&R Pike Landing Net is ideal for the job, featuring a large rubberised mesh that won’t harm the fish.

Bite Indication & Alarms

Unlike lure fishing, where you’re constantly feeling for a bite, deadbaiting is a more static discipline. You need a system that can alert you to a take when you’re not holding the rod. This is where bite alarms and indicators come in, providing the unmistakable signal that a pike has picked up your bait.

Bobbins & Drop-Off Indicators: These are simple devices that attach to your line and hang below your bite alarm. Their primary job is to provide visual indication of any bites. A pike taking the bait and moving away from you will pull the line, causing the bobbin to lift. If the fish swims towards you (known as a “drop-back”), the bobbin will drop toward the ground. This visual clue is your first sign of a run. The Wychwood Agitator Drop Off Indicator is a fantastic example, with its dual-ball clip that provides a solid take indication and a quick-release mechanism for easy striking.

Bite Alarms: The alarm’s job is to give anglers an audible warning. The line runs through a roller on the alarm, and when a bobbin moves, the alarm emits a loud sound. For deadbaiting, you’ll want an alarm that is sensitive enough to pick up a subtle run, but not so sensitive that it’s set off by the wind. We carry a range of options for every budget and level of expertise:

For a beginner or angler on a budget, the ProLogic BAT Bite Alarm is a perfect choice. It’s a reliable, no-frills alarm that gives you a clear and consistent signal, ensuring you don’t miss a run.

For the experienced angler, the Fox RX+ Micron Alarm is a top-of-the-line alarm known for its unparalleled reliability, advanced features, and exceptional battery life. Its highly sensitive D-Tec sensing system is second to none, giving you total confidence in your bite detection.

Finding the Fish: Bonus Tips

Don’t just cast blindly. Pike are ambush predators, so look for features that provide them with cover or an easy meal. This includes the edges of weed beds, submerged snags, steep drop-offs, and areas where a current creates a slack water eddy.

Your Pike Season Starts Now

With the knowledge from this guide, you're now ready to build the perfect deadbaiting setup. Every piece of tackle, from the essential rods and reels to the safety equipment, plays a crucial role. Head over to our website or visit us in-store to explore our full range of tackle, including the latest products from Westin.

The Angling Active team are all experienced anglers, and we're always on hand to offer further advice and help you choose the right gear.

Now get out there, be safe, and we can't wait to see your catches. Tight lines!