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 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 typically the merging of two strong ideas to give a relatively simple but extremely strong method of making a trace. 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.

Spin whipping

The illustration above shows the key elements of trace making using multi-strand wire with the final fix security be made by spinning the end around the main wire. This does take some practice to get right and you should practice making this type of trace several times before using the trace to mount baits to catch fish. Also test the strength of the finished trace to destruction to find any weakness you may need to improve.

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 bed down the whippings 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.