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Tackle Index Guide · Predator Fishing / Pike

Pike Fishing for Beginners: Tackle, Baits, Lures and Fish Care

Pike 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.

  • Beginner
  • Fish welfare first
  • Lakes, rivers & canals

Written & researched by Tackle Index Editorial Team · Last checked 6 October 2026 · 6 sources checked · Methodology

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Tackle Index Answer

Before you catch a pike, get the right kit: a wire trace, a big landing net, a padded unhooking mat, long forceps and wire cutters. Use tackle strong enough to land fish quickly. Strike early on deadbaits to avoid deep hooking, unhook calmly on the mat, and return the fish promptly. Avoid pike fishing in warm water, and always follow venue rules.

At a glance

Must-have
Wire trace, large net, mat, long forceps, wire cutters
Season
Cooler months; avoid water around 18°C or warmer
Easy start
Legered or float-fished deadbait
Active option
Lures, with a wire or suitable trace
Hooks
Semi-barbless or barbless trebles or singles
Golden rule
Strike early, unhook calmly

Kit you need before you cast

  • Wire trace

    Pike teeth cut ordinary line. Use a properly rated wire trace, commonly 30lb or more and long enough to protect the line.

  • Large landing net

    Big, knotless mesh so the fish can be landed without folding it.

  • Padded unhooking mat

    Never unhook on hard ground.

  • Long forceps or pliers

    At least 10 inches.

  • Wire or side cutters

    To cut hooks if one is awkwardly placed.

  • Rod and reel with backbone

    Light tackle prolongs fights and stresses fish.

  • A glove (optional)optional

    Some anglers use one on the gill-holding hand.

Predator tackle reviews →Lure reviews →

Deadbait or lures?

  • Cold water, fish slowGood fitStatic deadbaits are a reliable start.
  • Mild spell, clear waterGood fitLures let you cover water and find fish.
  • Can't watch your rodsLook elsewhereNever leave deadbaits unattended; pike can swallow them.
  • Water 18°C or warmerLook elsewhereThe PAC advises against pike fishing in water this warm.

Landing and unhooking, step by step

  1. 1

    Get ready before you cast

    Mat out, forceps and cutters on it, net ready.

  2. 2

    Net the fish

    Draw it over a sunk net, lift by the frame and carry net and rod together to the mat.

  3. 3

    On the mat

    Check where the hooks are before touching the fish. Kneel to keep it low.

  4. 4

    Open the mouth safely

    Turn the pike on its back and slide one or two fingers under the gill plate, away from the gill rakers and hooks. Lift gently and the mouth usually opens.

  5. 5

    Remove the hooks

    Use the long forceps, top hook first. If a hook is deep, get help or cut it rather than wrestling.

  6. 6

    Return quickly

    Support the fish upright in the water until it swims off strongly.

Problems & fixes

  • Symptom

    Deep-hooked pike

    Likely cause

    Striking too late

    Change

    Strike as soon as the float moves off or the indicator drops.

  • Symptom

    Bite-offs

    Likely cause

    No trace or trace too short

    Change

    Always use a suitable wire trace.

  • Symptom

    Fish thrashing on the bank

    Likely cause

    Unready unhooking kit

    Change

    Set everything up before you cast.

Rules & welfare

  • If you haven't unhooked a pike before, go with an experienced angler or a PAC regional group the first time.
  • Rules vary: some venues ban trebles, livebaits or certain baits, and in England, statutory close-season rules apply on rivers. Check the venue and GOV.UK guidance.

Bank-side quick reference

  1. 1.Wire trace always
  2. 2.Mat and forceps ready
  3. 3.Strike early
  4. 4.Never leave rods unattended
  5. 5.Unhook on the mat, top hook first
  6. 6.No pike fishing in warm water

Stuck on something? Ask Willy about this guide.

FAQs

Do I really need a wire trace?

Yes. Pike teeth cut through ordinary line and a bitten-off pike can be left with hooks in its mouth.

When is pike season?

Most anglers fish the cooler months. Avoid warm water, and check any close-season rules where you fish.

Sources & methodology

Source-backed editorial guidance. We checked the mechanics and safety points against the publishers listed below, then wrote and drew everything here ourselves. Tackle Index hasn't bank-tested this approach as part of this guide and we don't claim catch results. Venue rules always beat anything written here.