Quick Strike Rigs

[Fishin4fun_MN]

I have never fished a quick strike rig or "predator rig" under a tip-up and was going to try one out this weekend. How do most of you tie these onto your line? Do you tie direct or do you use a swivel snap? Any help would be appreciated.

[Alagnak]

I suggest not using a snap of ANY sort while tip up fishing pike. Why not remove that weak link? Or you could use a #100 plus snap but then it's the size of your thumb lol. No- stretch line + chunky pike + human hands for a drag system = something getting broke if it's whimpy. So use some strong braid (thicker so you don't cut your hands) and tie one on.

Quick strikes work wonderful for big baits/big fish and you don't have to let them take it long by any means. If they're running with it, you know they are going the opposite direction and that leader is coming out the corner of the mouth back at you. Hit em!

[20lbSloughShark]

the best quickstike I have found for tip up is the "natural" rig. It is all one thing (it has a swivel). If you dont have a swivel the bait will seriously twist your line. I albright knot 3' of 30# mono line, then add a 1/8-1/4 oz egg sinker, then tie my rig on. I do the same thing with circle hooks too. If you fish with small bait (under 4") a single hook is usually better, and you can set the hook imediately (unless its a circle hook). I have found the prefered bait size for bigger pike to be 8-10" (small pike under 25" will still hit it), so a quickstrike is nessesary for me. A 4/0 circle hook also works great, in the case of a circle hook let them have the bait for a minute or two after you spot the flag. If you usually gut hook fish (not judging ) mark your tip ups with masking tape and a marker, you dont want to have a fish swallow two trebbles. It WILL kill the fish, and rigs are expensive weather you make them yourself or not. Need more info?

Edit: I add the 30# line not only for visibility reasons, but it also stretches absorbing headshakes like a rod normally would.

[Fishin4fun_MN]

I bought Northland Predator rigs and they do not have ball bearing or barrel swivels. They have a loop to tie to.

[20lbSloughShark]

I would recomend tying your line to a swivel, then add 3' of heavy mono or flurocarbon line to the other end and attatch your rid to that.