Pike And Steel Leader Length And Five Of Diamonds Spoon

[Eagle]

Did not want to high jack an earlier thread and I understand that this is a very basic question, but you cannot learn if you do not start with the basics.

Usually fish for smallies and when using a white spinnerbait Mr. Pike will get there first sometimes. Thinking of going for Pike a little this year. Would appreciate suggestions on steel leaders. Best length etc. Also, your favorite way to fish the Five Of Diamonds Spoon would help as well. Any other tips???

Thanks for your response and helping a novice Northern Pike fisherman out.


Eagle

[Joey Rat]

I'm not an expert but I too notice that Mr. Pike and Mr. Bass like the same habitat. In fact often the only real difference is using a leader when targetting pike because they will hit almost anything.

I like fluorocarbon leaders. I have a few of premade in the 1 to 2 foot range but generally tie my own using 55lb test fluoro leader material. I tend to maybe start a little longer than I need to, about 2.5 to 3 ft but it allows me to retie the lure end throughout the day as i change up. I don't have a 5 diamonds but I do throw spinnerbaits, in line spinners (#5 Mepps and larger), a variety of spoons, larger crankbaits and topwaters. I actually tend to troll spoons. Another favourite is a berkley blade dancer and big bass like them too.

I wouldn't lighter than 50lbs on the leader or shorter than a foot. I just find that I end up throwing away a lot of kinked steel leaders.

[KMAC]

Hey, Eagle. I agree with JRat. Flouro is the way to go if you're fishing for both species: won't spook the smallies and you're ready for the pike if he shows up. I too typically only troll with spoons and since you're targeting pike in this case, a steel leader is fine, 12 inches will do the trick. It's not so much the teeth you need to worry about, it's the gill plates when the pike roll; that's when you'll lose them with no leader. I'm also usually loaded up with heavy braid for the largemouth and it's a solid line for pike fishing. You also tend not to lose lures to snags with 30lb or 50lb braid on. KMAC

[Bass Addict]

I was out using the 5 of diamonds yesterday ,,, outstanding action that
spoon has, i was using 10 inch steel black leader with it , but didn't have any luck

[Eagle]

Thanks for the input. One more question, what is the best knot to tie a leader on with?


Wish me luck!!!!!!!

Eagle