I broke my Pike Cherry

[Zupa da Bass]

Went on an exploratory Pike mission yesterday . I was looking for a few spots to cast from shore on the Passaic in Fairfield/ Wayne. After a few spots trudging my way down to the water I found a clear spot under a bridge. My 3rd cast with the spinner bait I get wacked by my first Pike. Im hooked. Can't wait to get back. I would love a little help from the regulars on if I should use braid or mono and what kind of leader I should use. I know Pike have some big teeth. I had 6lb test tied right to the lure yesterday. Thanks in advance.

[fishin4fun]

congrats, im still trying to find my first from shore as well, further down river though..

[Matt L]

Congrats. Never caught one or a walleye. Got plans to fix that this fall

[flyboy1]

Went on an exploratory Pike mission yesterday . I was looking for a few spots to cast from shore on the Passaic in Fairfield/ Wayne. After a few spots trudging my way down to the water I found a clear spot under a bridge. My 3rd cast with the spinner bait I get wacked by my first Pike. Im hooked. Can't wait to get back. I would love a little help from the regulars on if I should use braid or mono and what kind of leader I should use. I know Pike have some big teeth. I had 6lb test tied right to the lure yesterday. Thanks in advance.

Congrats on your first PIKE.... but.... I cant believe you targeted PIKE with only 6lb mono and no leader.... that is pretty reckless and irresponsible.... If you are going to target PIKE in the Passaic then I recommend no less than 30 lb braid and 20lb steel leader... there is a lot of debris and junk in the Passaic and its easy for your line to get frayed just on casting and retreiving so you need something strong to stand up to the possible abrasions as well as the teeth and strength of the PIKE especially if you hook into a monster...

[Zupa da Bass]

I knew it was way too light but I really didn't even think I was going to fish. I just went out Sunday night to find a place to get down to the water and I took along my smallmouth setup just in case. Im glad I did.Thanks alot for the info . I'm gonna get set up and have it . I'm trying to upload the pic from my phone.

[antgogz]

congrats bro.....I use 15 pound power pro with a 25 lb fluorocarbon liter. I set the hook with the rod up. Never sideways because thats how a pike can bite through the line.

[SkillfulAngler908]

I personally use 30lb power pro and I bought a cheap 10yd spool of 50lb mono for leaders. My buddy uses 17 lb mono with the same type of leader and both setups handle the fish/snags very well. Braid or mono comes down to preference but I would definately suggest some heavier tackle, especially fishing from shore or else you will prob end up donating a lot of lures to the river and fish. Good luck and post some pics for us!

[Zupa da Bass]

Lol. I donated 2 spinner baits and 1 daredevil that afternoon. Thanks for all the info I'm leaning toward using 30lb braid and a 20 lb mono leader. I wanted to stay away from the wire If I could help it. Is there special size spinner baits for Pike or can I use the size I use for largemouth? Thnx again

[saxmatt]

Go with floro instead of mono for the leader. Mono is a lot softer than floro and they can bite right through it. I was experimenting with floro vs mono leaders through the ice and had several fish bite through 80 pound mono like it was nothing. I've been using 60 pound floro and it had held up well. I've caught tons of pike and only remember breaking off 1.

[Skunk City]

Lol. I donated 2 spinner baits and 1 daredevil that afternoon. Thanks for all the info I'm leaning toward using 30lb braid and a 20 lb mono leader. I wanted to stay away from the wire If I could help it. Is there special size spinner baits for Pike or can I use the size I use for largemouth? Thnx again


I use 30lb PowerPro braid with 20lb FLOURO leader. The flourocarbon is a little more expensive, but WAY more abrasion resistant than any mono I've used. Plus with all the branches, boulders, laydowns, weeds, bicycles, etc. in this river that I usually end up snagged on to, I definetly get use out of it. I do use steel leader from time to time though...

[Zupa da Bass]

Im gonna try the flouro leader with the 30lb braid. Thanks for the info

[saxmatt]

Another good option is Malin Boa No-Kink Titanium leader material. You can cut it to any length you want and crimp it, it's stronger and thinner than steel, and it stretches!

[Zupa da Bass]

Looks like I'll go with the 30lb braid and flouro leader. Thanks again

[The Dominator]

I caught him on 6lb mono tied directly to a 5/8 oz Chartreuse/White Spinner Bait.. I don't advise it but it is sure fun. I caught another 40" and many in the 30 to 36" this year. Now I use 15 lb mono no liter..

[The Dominator]

I caught it june 30th i forgot I submitted it for skillfull angler award to nj fish and game on that date. They said they were going to use the fish on their website. The stretch I usually fish is very high right now I walk the banks and I used to cross in certain areas but you can forget about that now. Where I used to cross is now about 6 feet deep and like you guys said the water is murky.

[Bassload]

Congrats on your first PIKE.... but.... I cant believe you targeted PIKE with only 6lb mono and no leader.... that is pretty reckless and irresponsible.... If you are going to target PIKE in the Passaic then I recommend no less than 30 lb braid and 20lb steel leader... there is a lot of debris and junk in the Passaic and its easy for your line to get frayed just on casting and retreiving so you need something strong to stand up to the possible abrasions as well as the teeth and strength of the PIKE especially if you hook into a monster...

Ouch Flyboy! Little harsh with the "reckless and irresponsible " comment. I think getting a DUI is irresponsible. He's just fishing for pike! Congrats on breaking your cherry!

[tycomps]

congrats. I use 30lb powerpro on a 6' rod with a progressive taper because of the limited casting space in some areas. I tie spinnerbaits direct with a palomar and use a 20lb nylon coated steel leader for spoons. since your casting into structure as well as who knows what's below that cocoa water braid is essential in my opinion, stuff amazes me.