pike technique
 

Probably a dumb question but what are you guys using when you catch pike? Braid,mono? Steel leaders perhaps? Caught a nice muskie once on 6lb yozuri once( pure luck) I'm well aware.

Re: pike technique
 

Alot of guys on here do the braid mainline with a fluoro leader, 20-30 lb test. I myself use straight mono, no leaders, no steal. I have been snapped off a couple times but I love to use light gear. Maybe Ill up my mainline to 12 lb test this year, just maybe.

Re: pike technique
 

Thanks. I'm not a braid fan, usually 8lb yozuri hybrid soft for me but those toothy guys always worry me.

Re: pike technique
 

If you don't want to use a steel leader and you're worried about toothy critters, you can attached a 25-pound test fluorocarbon leader to your mainline using a uni-to-uni knot. If you keep your drag a little on the loose end and don't horse the fish, you'll land the vast majority of the ones you hook. I've landed two muskies on medium action gear where my 25-pound fluoro leader and my uni-knot held up. They weren't little ones either.

Re: pike technique
 

I use 30lb PowerPro to a barrel swivel to about 12" of 20lb+ Flourocarbon. A few break-offs here and there, probably from nicks in the leader that I failed to notice.