2012/09/15 20:09:08
troutguy
Does anyone have any reccomendations on wire leaders? 
 
The reason I ask is just today I got bit off by three pike.  I've caught a bunch of pike in the past but they have all been on artificials and the line was never really exposed to the teeth so I've never been broken off because of the teeth.  Well, today I decided to try live bait for pike and hooked and lost 3 pike in about 40 minutes or so and had a 4th one look at my bait but wasn't interested. I was praying I hooked the fish closer towards the edge of the mouth so the line wouldn't be against the teeth, but unfortunately they weren't. The first fish I didn't really get a good look at it, but from what I saw it looked like a northern.  The second fish was a pike around 25in or so, and the third I didn't even see the fish but I'm gussing pike since I have never been bit off there before except for today using chubs.  The fourth fish that I didn't hook was definitely a pike. 
 
I was using 6lb test line, but I'm almost 100% sure the line broke because of the teeth and not because my drag wasn't set properly. I'm usually pretty good with landing big fish on lighter line. Would heavier line help prevent break offs if I don't use a wire leader?  I have never targeted pike or musky with live bait before so I have no experience with wire leaders.  Thanks 
2012/09/15 20:15:56
Josh7388
For live bait you almost need wire leaders. That's because a pike or musky will grab the bait sideways, run the stop and turn the bait head first to swallow.

Whenever I live bait fish for toothy fish I always use a 6-9 inch leader that is black. Silver can wori but I've fOund black is a lot better.

I also make my own. You can get the stuff at gander or any fishing store about.
2012/09/15 20:56:13
troutguy
Awesome thanks.  Yeah like I said most of my pike/ski experience has been with artificails which they don't swallow so I never had to deal with break-offs before.  Are there different lb tests for the wires?  Most likely I'll be using 6, 8, or 10lb mono or fluoro.
2012/09/15 21:08:24
Josh7388
Yea i use 15lb leaders. The come in 15, 20, 25 and probably higher but I only use 15lb, sometimes 20lb
2012/09/16 04:58:07
thunderpole
Troutguy iv been broke off more times then u can even think by those buggers,they trash around and wrap up i think it wasn't there teeth but its gill that broke u off ,very sharp iv been sliced my share I like the 12 in leader or any size really, I found that a piece of 50lb mono works good as a leader tied to a swivel
2012/09/16 10:50:53
snydje
I concur with 50lb mono. I use it exclusively for ice fishing on my tip ups and I have never lost a pike to bite off. Check your leader as they will get frayed over time.
2012/09/16 21:10:32
Fish5000
You can use heavier pound test mono or whatever type of line you use which will help and if you decide on wire leaders, you might want to consider multi-strand instead of single strand. Experiment and see what you like best .
2012/09/16 21:18:27
wade alexander
not sure why your fishing for pike with six pound test anyways...
2012/09/16 21:23:03
muskefisher
try using 30# or 40# flourocarbon.  cabelas makes a good flouro. use it all the time for muskies.
2012/09/17 00:47:35
thunderpole
Iv caught alotasheet on 6lb test even pike obviously I'd rather not but u gota make due right, and muskiefish I'm gona order that stuff try it out my buddy's dad used it said its good
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