Hook dead baits the right way

1 When using whole fish as deadbaits make sure you hook them correctly. Pike swallow all but the smallest food items head-first. This is to prevent fins and gill plates from jamming in their throat.

You want the maximum chance of hooking a pike that takes your bait. This means that the top hook of the trace needs to be placed in the tail root of the bait. This also provides a secure hold that makes it less likely the bait will fly off on the cast.

It is important, however, that the hook is not too firmly attached, as this could reduce the likelihood of it pulling free on the strike, which will lessen the chances of hooking a pike.

The bigger the deadbait, the more likely it is the hook can become stuck in it, and the further you need to cast, the stronger the hookhold needed – it’s a balancing act, so it’s worth experimenting to get it just right.