Tackle Index Guides
Predator Fishing guides
Predator fishing gets busy as the water cools. Pike feed hard through autumn and winter, and perch shoal up and become much easier to find.
Fish care comes first with predators. Pike especially need the right unhooking kit and a confident angler. These guides put that up front, alongside the rigs, lures and watercraft.
Start here: recommended order
- 1Pike Fishing for Beginners: Tackle, Baits, Lures and Fish CarePike fishing starts with fish care. What kit you must have before you cast, why wire traces matter, simple deadbait and lure approaches, how to land and unhook a pike calmly, and the warm-water and rule checks every beginner should know.
- 2How to Set Up a Deadbait Rig for PikeA strong, simple legered deadbait rig for pike: running lead on a boom, buffer bead, swivel and a wire trace with two hooks. How to mount the bait, set up bite indication so you can strike early, and prepare to unhook before you cast.
- 3Winter Pike Fishing: Location, Deadbaits, Lures and ConditionsWinter is classic pike time, but cold fish move less and sit in specific areas. Where to look on lakes, rivers and canals, how to choose between deadbaits and slow lures, how conditions change your approach and how to keep fish care tight in the cold.
- 4Lure Fishing for Perch: Where to Find Them and What to UsePerch love structure and shoal up, which makes them a great lure target. Where to look on canals, rivers and lakes, how to choose lure size and type by depth, clarity and mood, retrieve speeds that work, and when to use a wire leader because pike may be about.
Quick answers
- What do you need to start pike fishing?
- A rod and line strong enough for pike, a wire trace, semi-barbless trebles, a big landing net, an unhooking mat, long forceps and wire cutters. Have the unhooking kit ready before you cast, and strike early to avoid deep hooking. Read the full guide
- How do you set up a deadbait rig for pike?
- Use a strong wire trace with two semi-barbless trebles set into the bait, a running lead or float above a buffer bead and swivel, and a drop-off indicator or alarm so you see takes quickly. Read the full guide
- What lures catch perch?
- Small soft plastics, spinners and drop-shot lures all catch perch. Match the lure size and depth to how active the fish are and how clear the water is, and use a suitable leader where pike are present. Read the full guide
Guides by topic
Pike
Tackle, unhooking, deadbaiting and lure fishing for pike.
Perch
Finding perch and the lures and baits that catch them.
The short version
- What do I need before I fish for pike?
- A wire trace, long-nosed forceps or pliers, wire cutters, a big soft net and an unhooking mat. If you're new to it, go with someone experienced first.
- Can I use lures anywhere?
- No. Plenty of venues restrict lure or predator fishing, especially in the close season or on carp lakes. Always check the rules.