Kodex Consumer Catalogue 2021 2022 compressed (1) - Flipbook - Page 88
ADVICE
3 SIMPLE YET SUPER EFFECTIVE PIKE RIGS
TEAM KODEX PIKE EXPERT DEAN BROOK EXPLAINS THREE VERY SIMPLE RIGS THAT WILL CERTAINLY HELP YOU TO
PUT A FEW MORE FISH ON THE BANK.
SUSPENDED DEAD-BAIT
FLOAT LEDGER
An excellent method, particularly when fishing
close to a snag, is the ‘suspended dead bait’.
It’s very easy to construct and I have had great
success with this rig on canals, rivers, lakes and
reservoirs. It involves fishing the bait up-inthe-water - I usually fish the rig at around two
thirds depth under a jumbo slider float. When
pike are striking at fish in the upper layers or on the surface, this is the rig that I turn
to. The float can be either sliding to a float stop, or fixed in position via float stops
at the required depth. The dead-bait should be mounted with the upper treble in
the back and the other treble in or near the head of the dead-bait - this will make
the bait sit horizontally and look natural in the water. A small drilled bullet lead is all
that’s needed to help keep the bait down and, with average size bait attached to the
trace, it will cock the float for perfect presentation. I like to use tough skinned baits
like a smelt for this, or match the hatch using roach for example.
Pike fishing is all about keeping it simple and
one rig that has banked me many a specimen
is the float ledger rig. Suitable for fishing
from the bank or boat, this rig is incredibly
versatile. Float ledgering for pike is a visual
and exciting method. There is just nothing
more exciting than seeing that pike float slide
away and it certainly increases your heart rate
on a cold winter’s day.
SINK AND DRAW
Wobbling dead-baits or ‘sink and draw’ sadly
seems to have gone out of fashion, but it can be
absolutely deadly throughout the winter months
and can remove pike from a lethargic state.
Probably the easiest rig of all, using just a trace
made up of size 4 X-Strong Trebles with a couple
of swan shots attached to the trace to help keep
the bait down in the water. I also like to add the
red Attractor Fins to the bait, adding that splash of
colour to attract fish. I also put a tiny crank in the
bait so the fish takes on that crippled, wounded
rolling action. This is a roving, searching method,
constantly casting and retrieving, working the
bait in open water, as well as around weed beds
and any structure. During the autumn I generally
employ a steady or faster retrieve, as pike are
generally more active, but during the colder months
a very slow retrieve inching the bait close to the
bottom is usually the winning way. Takes can be
anywhere from very gentle to the most explosive
takes right at the rod tip, so hold on to your hat
and enjoy.
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#beintelligent
The rig is easy to construct…
1. Slide on a float stop. This will determine the depth you’re fishing at, and I usually
fish the rig 3ft over depth…
2. Slide on a bead…
3. Followed by an 18g dumpy slider float…
4. Then a 2.5oz lead…
5. Followed by another bead…
6. Then attach the trace.
A top tip when using this method is to twitch the bait every 20-30 minutes. This can induce
a take. I employ this method during the Autumn, then as we head towards the colder
months I use more of a static ‘’bait and wait approach’’ leaving the bait longer but maybe
moving swims every hour or so, covering water throughout the day. I have caught pike to
just over 30lb on this rig and it’s certainly one to have in the pike angler’s armoury.
I am a great believer in pre-baiting for pike, because it’s a great way to hold pike in a
certain area. I introduce about 1kg into a pikey looking swim - these are usually old deadbait, saved back from previous piking sessions. All that is left to do is to fish back over
the pre- baited area whenever you get the opportunity. You will be amazed how many
different fish appear and how confidently they pick up your dead-bait.