Lindy rigging for Pike

Anyone lindy rig much for Northern Pike? I will be doing some rigging for pike this week but haven’t done it in the past, so I’m not sure where to start. I will be using sucker minnows, but i’m not sure on leader length, how long the pike should have the bait before setting the hook, and hook placement on the sucker minnow (i’m assuming thru the lips, but maybe i’m wrong??) I’ve lindy rigged for walleye alot, but I’m thinking there may be a bit different technique when it comes to Pike. Any advice is appreciated, thanks guys.

I’ve done it a few times with good success. I typically use med suckers hooked thru the lips with a large thick octopus hook. Maybe 4/0 to 8/0. Thickness/strength of the hook is whats important if you are using heavy gear.

I haven’t done it yet, but I’d recommend 60-100lb fluorocarbon leaders. I bought some 60 lb that I want to make leaders out of. I hate steel leaders.

I’ve caught them as deep as 30 feet all the way up to the weedline.

Just don’t overthink it.

This is my idea of rigging for pike!

I pull 3/4 oz. or larger chrome raddle traps @ 3-4 mph. Pump the rod every minute or so will increase your hits. They can’t resist the flash and raddle.

I use custom tied & painted Lindy’s with leeches to get Pike all the time.

Works great!

Dragon ‘Em In

I myself hate using steel leaders and have tried the heavier mono leaders and really don’t care for those either. Try using American Fishing Wire Surflon Micro Supreme Nylon Coated 7×7 Stainless Steel Leader Wire, its heavy duty and much smaller diameter than a heavy mono.

Otherwise just troll cranks or spoons its much easier and I always seem to have better luck.

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I myself hate using steel leaders and have tried the heavier mono leaders and really don’t care for those either. Try using American Fishing Wire Surflon Micro Supreme Nylon Coated 7×7 Stainless Steel Leader Wire, its heavy duty and much smaller diameter than a heavy mono.

Otherwise just troll cranks or spoons its much easier and I always seem to have better luck.

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I agree. You can get Deep Tail Dancers down 20-30 feet without lead core. Just use a 4lb diameter hard line and about 200 feet of line. That’ll get you were the summer pike are hanging out. Much preferred over rigging, IMO. If you find you’re getting bit off and losing cranks, try a little Tyger Wire.

Good luck!

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I pull 3/4 oz. or larger chrome raddle traps @ 3-4 mph. Pump the rod every minute or so will increase your hits. They can’t resist the flash and raddle.

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Bob, how are you getting any depth at that speed? I’m fishing water that goes from 80′ up to 15′ in less then a 1/4 mile. I would like to start deep and pull the plug up the break wall at the speeds you are talking about. Rock bottom………..so when I hang them up they stay there.

Sounds like a 1 oz barrel sinker above a swivel above the leader.

That should get you the depth you need. Kind of like a poor man’s downrigger.

See? What you learn while catting really does pay off at times.