Set up a pike float trolling rig

 Issue 13 (Nov-Dec 2016)    James Norton

FacebookMessengerWhatsAppViberTwitterEmail

Float trolling deadbaits when boat fishing is one of the best, most effective ways of catching pike. It allows you to not only cover lots of water but also different depths and vary the speed of your baits. Often, in the depths of winter when the water temperatures are at their coldest and pike are being lethargic, a super-slow float trolled bait can catch you fish when nothing else will.

As you will see, there is nothing complicated about my float trolling setup – it is simple, strong and reliable and, above all, safe for the pike due to the heavy-duty components it is made from. Far too many anglers fish too light for pike and this is only going to lead to tackle and fish losses which can mean death for a pike. Fish strong and heavy and you won’t have any problems. The pike certainly don’t mind!

 

float trolling for pike

James’ top tips:

  • I use either a rattle bead or rattle spoon on my trace above the hooks to add attraction to my moving baits
  • I use strong clips (like Gemini clips for sea fishing) to attach my hook & up-traces. This means I can simply un-clip the hooks from my mainline & unhook a pike much easier in the net or on the mat
  • You must use a wire up-trace above your hook trace to avoid pike accidentally biting through your mainline on the take
  • Once you have your basic setup, worry about where you fish and when instead of the technical aspects of rigs!