Pike and Predator Fishing: Your Guide to Tackle and Techniques
Pike and predator fishing is an exhilarating and rewarding pursuit, focused on targeting aggressive freshwater species like pike, perch, and zander. This style of angling requires specialized tackle and a deep understanding of fish behaviour to handle the powerful strikes and intense fights these formidable fish are known for.
UK Predatory Fish Species
The UK is home to several predatory fish species that offer thrilling sport for anglers.
Pike: The apex predator of freshwater, pike are known for their aggressive strikes and formidable fighting ability. They can be found in a variety of waters, from rivers and canals to large reservoirs.
Perch: Recognisable by their distinctive striped markings, perch are ambush predators that are highly sought after by lure anglers. They can be found in both rivers and canals, and stillwaters.
Zander: Often referred to as “pike perch”, zander are a challenging and powerful species with a preference for murky, deeper waters. They are a popular target for lure and deadbait anglers.
Predator Lure Rods
Lure fishing requires a rod with specific characteristics to perform effectively.
Rod Technology: Rods are built with advanced carbon blanks that provide a balance of power and sensitivity. This ensures the rod can handle a powerful strike while still transmitting subtle vibrations from the lure's action.
Action: Most lure fishing is done with spinning rods that have a specific action to suit the technique. A moderate action rod works well for crankbaits, as a softer tip provides a slight delay that allows the fish to properly take the bait before the angler pulls it away on the hook set.
Casting Weight: The casting weight on a rod indicates the range of lure weights it is designed to cast. For general pike fishing, rods with a casting weight up to 40-60g are popular, whilst rods with a heavier casting weight are used for large swimbaits.
Length: Rod length is chosen to suit the fishing environment. For boat fishing, a shorter rod of around 6 feet is common. A longer rod up to 10 feet can be useful in large reservoirs, whilst a highly versatile rod length of around 8 to 8.5 feet is ideal for reservoir pike fishing.
Pike Deadbaiting Rods
Deadbaiting for pike requires a rod designed for casting larger, static baits and handling a solid hookup.
Rod Technology: Built with a strong backbone and a more forgiving action, these rods absorb the lunges of big pike and prevent hooks from falling out.
Rod Type: These are typically more powerful than lure rods and have a longer length, offering both the leverage needed to cast large deadbaits and the control to handle heavy fighting fish.
Fixed Spool Reels
Fixed spool spinning reels are a popular choice for predator anglers, especially for lure fishing and cold weather conditions.
Lure Reels: These open faced reels are used for casting lures and feature a static spool from which the line peels off. Sizes from 3000 to 4500 are considered best for pike fishing, offering a good balance of line capacity and casting performance. For perch fishing, a smaller 1000 or 2000 size reel can be used, but a larger reel is a better choice if bigger pike are also present. Many of these reels feature a smooth drag system, which is crucial for handling hard running fish, and some include anti-freeze designs that make them easier to use in cold weather.
Baitrunner Reels: A specialized type of fixed spool reel, the baitrunner reel has an additional drag system that can be disengaged, allowing line to be taken freely by a fish that has picked up a bait. A simple flip of the lever re-engages the main drag, allowing the angler to fight the fish. These reels are particularly popular for deadbaiting.
Baitcaster Reels
Baitcaster reels are a specialist choice for lure anglers, offering superior line control and power.
Reel Type: These reels are typically used with casting rods for accurate lure placement and feature a line spool that rotates with the cast for a more direct retrieve.
Technology: Modern baitcasters feature advanced braking systems to prevent backlashes, and powerful gears that provide increased torque for battling hard fighting fish.
Key Tackle
Predator fishing is defined by specific tackle that stands up to the challenge of hard fighting fish.
Lines: A quality braided mainline is the preferred choice for most predator anglers due to its lack of stretch, which offers superior bite detection and powerful hook sets. A line with at least 25lb breaking strain is recommended as a minimum for pike, with many anglers opting for 40lb line to ensure safety in snaggy areas.
Leaders and Trace: A wire or heavy fluorocarbon trace is absolutely essential when targeting pike to prevent their sharp teeth from severing the line. For general pike fishing, a trace with a breaking strain of at least 30lb is a good starting point.
Lures: Lure fishing is a highly popular technique for predators, with a huge variety of options including hardbaits, soft plastics, and spinners.
Safety and Fish Care
Pike have mouths filled with razor sharp teeth, making correct handling and fish care essential for the safety of both the angler and the fish.
Unhooking Mats: A large, well padded unhooking mat is a must have for protecting the fish from rough ground while you unhook it.
Landing Nets: A large, sturdy landing net with a deep, soft mesh is crucial for safely landing pike. Rubberised mesh is particularly useful as it prevents hooks from getting tangled and helps protect the fish’s protective slime coat.
Tools: Long-nosed forceps or pliers are an essential tool for safely unhooking pike, keeping your fingers well away from their sharp teeth. A good pair of side cutters is also needed to cut hooks if a fish is deep-hooked, which can often be the best way to release the fish quickly and with minimal damage.
FAQs
What is the best line for pike fishing? A quality braided line of at least 25lb breaking strain is recommended as a minimum for pike fishing. Its low stretch and thin diameter offer a distinct advantage over monofilament, but a fluorocarbon or wire leader is essential for bite protection.
Do I need a wire trace for pike fishing? Yes, Pike have very sharp teeth that will easily sever standard fishing lines. A wire or heavy fluorocarbon trace is absolutely essential to prevent bite offs and protect the fish.
What is a lure’s “action”? The action of a lure is the way it moves through the water. This can be wobbling, rolling, or swimming motion, and a specific action may be more effective in certain conditions.
What is the best time of year for pike fishing? Pike can be caught all year round, but spring and autumn are often considered the most productive seasons, as the fish are actively feeding. In winter, a slower retrieve with lures fished near the bottom is often more effective.
What is the difference between a fixed spool reel and a bait caster reel? A fixed spool reel is an open faced reel where the line peels off a static spool, making it versatile and easy to use in cold weather. A baitcaster reels has a revolving spool that casts with the lure, offering more accuracy and control, but requires more practice and can be prone to backlashes/bird nests.
How do I safely handle a pike? Always use a large, rubberised landing net and a padded unhooking mat. Use a chin grip to control the fish, keeping your fingers away from the gills and teeth. Have long-nosed forceps and wire cutters ready to quickly and safely unhook the fish, which is crucial for its welfare.
