Andy Wilson

Predator expert Andy Wilson reveals his simple deadbait rig that ensures you never miss a bite

Catch pike on deadbaits

PIKE are widely regarded as the most ferocious coarse species on offer. Their razor sharp teeth and streamlined body leads many anglers to believe they always feed with intense aggression, striking their prey at pace and giving an unmissable bite when said prey is actually a hookbait!

However, that theory is far from reality according to predator fishing enthusiast Andy Wilson.

The Leicestershire- based angler has caught more than his fair share of pike and swears by an ultra- sensitive deadbait rig that makes sure he never misses a bite.

“At this time of year pike are often lethargic, like other species, and they aren’t in the mood for chasing their prey around,” said Andy.

“When they do feed it usually involves scavenging on any dead fish on the bottom, gently mouthing them before deciding whether or not they want to eat.

“If you used a standard leger rig and they intercept your bait, there’s every chance you’d miss the bite unless they moved off with it, which doesn’t happen every time.

“I rely on a lift bite rig that makes sure the indication is obvious, no matter how delicately the predator takes the bait.”

Super sensitive rig

When water temperatures hit rock bottom, pike become more reliant on taking an easy meal. Which is exactly what a deadbait provides.

They will often approach it with caution, mouthing it tentatively for a moment and then engulfing the lot if they don’t sense any danger in those first few seconds.

But even if they did smell a rat, Andy’s rig would have already detected the movement giving you the chance to set the hook.

“I use a running float on the line and there is a 20g inline weight pinned to the bottom, with my 18in trace and hooked deadbait trailing behind.

“The moment the fish picks up that bait, the lead is lifted and the float rises up out of the water. Then all I have to do is strike.”

At the beginning of the session, before adding the trace, Andy uses the lead to plumb the depth. This then enables him to position a small sliding stop knot up the line to prevent the float from going past that point.

“The float goes down to the bottom with the lead to start but its immense buoyancy and free running capabilities bring it back to the surface quickly. If it isn’t sitting correctly, add a couple of turns to the reel and you’ll soon have just the float tip showing.”

The set- up is a bit like a pumped up version of the lift bite method you’d use for summer tench.

Bait choice

Like all species, pike regularly switch their food preferences. In order to make the most of your

“A lift bite rig makes sure the indication is obvious”

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Pour a glug into the deadbait to boost attraction