Much as discussed in the first of these bait information pages the basic message is to consider the size and placement of the hooks.
 Much can be gained from organizing your hook traces for both hook size and spacing between hooks and storing them in trace winder tubs or onto trace winders that fit into flat wallets.
You will encounter baits, both live and particularly dead baits, that vary dramatically in size, some of which will be too large to use realistically and these can be sectioned as shown in the hooking sectioned baits.
Shown here are a couple of typical hook mounts that are ideal for small to medium sized dead baits, both coarse and seas fish, here a 'joey' mackerel and a roach. These could be smelts, sardines, rudd or even small skimmer bream, the principles should be the same.
Hooks that are too large and too widely spaced for the size of bait are more of a disadvantage than a benefit and the ability to change to the correct trace for the bait will have distinct advantages in preventing premature bait rejection. You may only get one run and you want to maximise every opportunity to hook and land that pike, so consider this when hooking you bait!
Some baits you will have to use may have become 'soft' due to freezing and prolonged storage, typically herrings, sprats and sardines suffer this problem and can be a real problem for casting.
Of course secure hook holds for casting can be achieved by using elasticated cotton thread to 'tie' the upper trace treble firmly to the tail root. Better, if the conditions are dry, to use PVA thread or tape as this will dissolve after casting and offer the ability to strike the hooks out of the bait and greatly enhance the hook hold security on bigger pike!
One other option for optimising soft baits for casting, is to mount the hook trace into the baits and then pop them into the freezer on a tray for a couple of hours, then wrap them in cling film and take them to the bank in a large neck thermos flask. They will quickly soften once in the water and the hooks will easily strike out of them and ito the pikes jaw.
|
