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Making traces - Using Crimps |
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 The hook trace is both the implement of presentation of the bait and the method of capture, two very specific tasks. Firstly to allow the bait live or dead to be presented as naturally as possible and and not spook the pike before the hooks are set. It also has to be strong enough to secure a firm hold on the pike once the hooks are set after the bait is taken. As you will encounter both wild scrapping small fish and perhaps ponderous solid, pulling fights with big pike, your trace needs to be able to withstand the rigors of the fight, however it comes, so strength is vital and should be achieved by using the strongest materials. Wire strength should be 20 to 30lbs BS and hooks should be top quality.
You should always use the best materials for this purpose and if in doubt about making them yourself, please purchase ready made traces from a reputable manufacturer to ensure neither you or the pike is a casualty of poor quality tackle. This would certainly be the best option in the early days of taking up pike angling.
Once established and seeking to make your own traces the method shown here is a typical way of creating traces from small specifically design components. This applies to spinning traces, up-traces or hook traces. For hook traces always use semi-barbless trebles in sizes 6, 8 or 10. Swivels should be quality ones from manufacturers like Berkeley or similar.
Using crimps
The illustration above shows the key elements of trace making using multi strand wire with the wire being secured by it being trapped within the tubes by crimping these down on the wire. This is again a method that needs some trial and error testing to get the crimp correct to prevent the wire pulling out due to insufficient pressure on the crimp or failure due to too much pressure cutting through the tube and even the wire. Special crimp tools are available to purchase, however the crimps can be secured by using a pair of worn pliers utilising the wire cutting blade to effect the crimp. Remember to practice making the trace and testing the early ones to destruction to find any weaknesses.
Once you are happy that you are making these types of trace correctly don't test them other than to give them a firm pull to test the security etc, you won't have weakened the trace and it will be at its strongest when you use it!
Selection of items for trace making available from the Pike Online Amazon store, click an image to view prices and availability.
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