Any advice?
 

I have been fishing for bass for the good part of 10yrs, with most of my time fishing lakes. Over the past few years I started fishing for smallmouth on the Passaic and thanks to forums like this I have learned how to fish with current with decent success (so thanks everyone).

Now although I am targeting smallmouth floating worms on mono or working spinnerbaits, sometimes I hook into a Pike. This weekend a pike took my wacky worm on a size 2 circle hook but after a solid fight he cut the line near the boat.

Do guys use braid or a wire leader when going for smallies just in case they hook into a pike? any suggestions?

Re: Any advice?
 

40+ pound flourocarbon leader.Seems heavy, and hard to tie but bass will still take your presentation and if a pike decides to play you will land em too. 20+ braid, tied to swivel, tied to 18" of 40# plus # flourocarbon leader, to swivel clip or tied directly to lure if you don't plan on switchin to often..... I've had up to 30# flouro bit off so anything higher should work.....

Re: Any advice?
 

I use 40# fluoro as well. Doesn't bother the bass, holds the pike. 3 foot leader to barrell swivel with 20lb braid. Don't use anything with trebles for bass in the passaic; use jigs with plastic which work great

Re: Any advice?
 

also can tie a double uni knot if you dont want to use a barrell swivel

Re: Any advice?
 

Thanks for the advice guys, will give it a try next time I am out there.

Re: Any advice?
 

This!

Like G said, I have had plenty of Crappie, Perch, Bass and Cats with the 40lb flouro leader, they dont seem to mind. Also, make sure you pick up flourocarbon LEADER, not just regular flourocarbon line. Big difference.