[antgogz]

I agree with you dan. However, when I do use live bait I use a #4 or #6 gamakatsu octupus hook which is pretty small from what I see others use and i set the hook quick. I would say nine out of then times I hook the pike just in the corner of its mouth and release them unharmed. But i have witnessed other people use big hooks and harm the fish which is sad to see. Overall, nothing is better than catching a pike on a spinnerbait which you are the master of dan. Haha.