Pike for many fishermen is a welcome trophy, which is doubly nice to get if you do not use any additional ultramodern devices. Indeed, it is true that bait fish for pike is one of the most ancient methods of fishing for this “river shark”. And this can be asserted safely, since fishing - a way of obtaining food - was known even in primitive times. And it is unlikely that the fishermen of the time used any additional silicone or metal accessories. This is probably why the bait fish on the pike, of course, is one of the most popular ways of fishing for a cold-blooded predator. And the bait in this case is a live small fish.
How to catch a pike on live bait: some features
First and foremost: before you catch the pike itself, you must also fish the bait! In part, this nuance, I must say, has a frightening effect on some fishermen. Like, why bother, because bait is still needed on the pike. And where to get it, what types of small fish are most effective to use?
Best treat
On the other hand, it is the freshest fish - bait fish for pike - the best delicacy for it. And no substitutes, from the point of view of a predator, in any case, in terms of taste, can be compared.
Perishable product
Another point: this kind of fishing, of course, cannot be too long, as live bait fish can go bad, you will have to catch new ones. Although, of course, there are methods for preserving specific bait, so to speak, in health for quite a long time (we will talk about this a bit later).
Which fish to use
As a bait for pike, you can use the top, and a small carp, and a carp, and a gudgeon. Some catch tiny perch caught on the eve, for example, nonsense. The brush is less suitable for these purposes because of its prickiness. How to catch a pike on live bait? In no case should unnecessarily large fish be attached to the hook. Of course, such a tactical move can attract a particularly large trophy. But it may not play into the hands: either smaller predators will not be able to swallow a large nozzle, or you may not be able to cope with a trophy that is gigantic in size (it’s no secret that you can catch a toothy fish weighing more than 15 kg, and in some cases up to 30 )
How to plant live bait
It should be used as the most effective version of the double hook or tee is not too large. It is best to pierce under the upper fin, as accurately as possible. So the fish will stay on the hook for as long as possible (than, for example, when baiting in the mouth or eye) and remain mobile, attracting the attention of pikes. Thus, it will be possible to change bait much less often.
Pike fishing rod
The most commonly used gear for such fishing is a bottom fishing rod or a float. Fishing for pike on live bait for a float can be carried out both from the shore and from the boat. In the latter case, the fisherman in search of a trophy should move as carefully as possible, stopping every few meters for a short while. First, upon arrival at the pond, carefully examine the relief for snags, anomalies in the form of flooded trees, next to which there usually is a toothy beauty. She also prefers in warm weather to go out to feed in the shallow water, overgrown with plants (all kinds of water lilies and "herringbone"). Here it can be found. And in the rain and cloudy weather, she again goes under the snags, where she stands in ambush for a long time, waiting for the lost fish.
Gathering gear
What kind of tackle do we need? The pike loves the rod more powerful, since it is a fish in itself active in survival and strong. The coil should be simple, but reliable (gear ratio, for example, 6: 5: 1), and the float is quite large. We adjust the friction clutch below the friction load so that it does not constantly buzz. The braid line is best suited. If Japanese - 0.2 mm. It is better to take a metal leash, for example, to make it yourself from a guitar string (the second one is taken - “si”). It turns out both cheaply and cheerfully - it is it!
How to make a bait fishing string from a guitar string
It is noticed that a metal leash is the best remedy for pike teeth, with which it can simply rub an ordinary nylon line. But branded products in shops for a fisherman are quite expensive. We offer the best option: make a leash yourself. A minimum number of standard tools will be required: a vice and pliers, a soldering iron, tin and wire cutters, a small metal rod, a silicone tube. We cut a piece of the string with pliers (the second from the bottom of the guitar) - 15 cm. Bend the end of the string 15 mm from the edge in the form of a hook. Clamp in a vice and twist with a metal rod until a small loop. We process sandpaper and solder the connection. At the place of twisting we put on a piece of a safety silicone tube. We do the same with the other end of the string. We put swivels on the hinges, a homemade product will be attached for them. The leash is ready. We select the hook - a double or a tee, commensurate with the dimensions of the live bait that you are going to plant.
In general, the tackle can look as follows: we fix the float to the main fishing line-braid with cambric. A sinker is small, drop-shaped, a string leash and a hook. You can start fishing. Yes, and do not forget the landing net. Without it, catching a large or medium pike will be quite problematic!
Fall
Pike on live bait in the fall, when the predator begins to actively feed itself, is especially good. Fishing tactics include biting, hooking, fighting. And all stages are extremely important for pike fishing. It is also necessary to ensure that the pond is not overpopulated by a perch. Then a rather large live bait will not save (this minke whale can swallow fish only one third less than its size).
Fishing tactics
After the pike grabs the fry, she seeks to move to the most convenient place to enjoy prey. From the bite point, the float can sometimes sail up to 2 meters! At this time, experienced nerds are advised to observe a pause and in no case to hook, as you can run into an idle walk. When the float slows down, then only you need to make the appropriate movements.
Sometimes it happens that the pike does not sail anywhere, then the float sharply dives, but then it floats up and freezes for a while. There is also a pause to give the fish a good “try out" of the bait. If you catch it at the wrong time (as hasty beginners like to do it), the trophy, as a rule, comes off the hook. And live bait remains in the mouth of a predator, stripped off with sharp teeth.
So, we pause before the float begins to swing to the sides and sink. At this time, the pike turns its live bait forward with its head. And then, having swallowed the nozzle, makes a movement to the side, dragging the float behind him. So it's time to hook! And the fishing trophy is almost guaranteed not to get off the hook and will be on the shore after skillful survival!
How to save live bait
Finally, a few words about how to keep the fish intended for the attachment alive during the whole fishing. Some prefer to do this in a special cage, lowered to a shallow depth. If you catch from a boat, and bait fish floats in a small bucket, then often change the water to 2/3 of its volume. The fewer fish in the tank, the longer they swim. And it’s best to get them out of there with a small net so as not to damage the fins.