Leaders for Northern Pike fishing

[Chester-MN]

I need some advice on leaders for pike fishing.

In the past I always used an 8 inch ball bearing steel leader around 25# test. The place I am fishing rarely puts out more than a 10lb fish. I do quite a bit of trolling with spoons and Mepps spinners. Do some casting with the same stuff.

I am wondering why some leaders are black? What are the differences in swivels?

Is there a better set up to use? Why?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[mplspug]

I don't know if I can give you any good advice, but I can tell you what I use and think. I always use black leaders and I tend to use the smaller (length) ones (8" - 12"). I usually soak suckers and mud minnows under a bobber when fishing for Pike. Frankly, I don't think the color matters much. I think 18" leaders are over kill and just give pike another reason not to take the bait. I figure if I am careful and play the fish right, I don't have to worry about my line being cut by the teeth. But make sure I net them. A good death roll can wrap the leader around enough to leave my mono exposed to the teeth.

[nofishfisherman]

The weight of the fish isn't the problem with pike generally its the teeth. Giving them something they can't bite through is the important thing. I usually cast spoons like Little Cleo or Dare Devils and I usually use the same 8"-12" black leader. I figure that the fish is more interested in looking at the big flashy thing and aren't looking for a wire leader. When casting or trolling the fish strike out instinct and aggression so the leader showing isn't important. When bobber fishing I would be more concerned since the fish have second or two to look things over before biting.

For me when casting my theory is a good spoon is $3-4 so putting a wire leader on it to help avoid losing it isn't a bad idea. It gets expensive if you lose enough of them so sacrificing a bite or 2 here and there is worth saving me the $$$.

[Bobb-o]

I barely use leaders anymore, i use superline when i fish for northerns and havent had a problem with losing any fish, the only time i ever really get bitten off by northerns is when i am crappie fishing.

[Jim Hudson]

I make my own out of multistrand wire, 40lb test!! Pretty simple to make, and pretty inexpensive.. Get some wire, some quality ball bearing swivels, and some snaps... crimp them up and your set. I usually make my leaders 12" long or so...

[bigdog]

Often times I don't use a leader when fishing crank baits on braided line. When I do use a leader it's a 12" Titanium.

[Deitz Dittrich]

You may want to ask this question in the Muskie/Pike forum. I know Jonnie P and the boys in that forum will have plenty of advise for you.

[Chester-MN]

Thanks, I'll post this over in the Musky-Pike forum. I don't spend alot of time here and didn't realize it was there.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Well, Welcome to the boards.. search them all, there is a lot of very good information here!