August 2006
- (Revised
addition of the May 2004 Pointer)
The
Northern Pike (Esox Lucius) is a fish most fisherman prize as tough and worthy
game fish. Without a doubt, the Northern Pike is a voracious predator consuming
three to four times it weight during the course of a year. One of the most
proficient methods of catching a pike is to use a spinnerbait. Most
spinnerbaits are made of heavy gage wire in a shape called an R-bend. When
fishing for pike many people tie the spinnerbait direct to their monofilament
line at the top of the R-bend. The possibility of a “big” pike biting off a
spinnerbait tied direct to monofilament is high and a metal leader is
recommended to reduce this risk. The problem with this procedure is when the
leader is clipped direct to the R-bend of the spinnerbait it can slide up and
down the two arms of the spinnerbait during casting. The constant casting of a
fouled spinnerbait is certainly annoying and doesn’t catch very many fish. I
have a suggestion that easily overcomes this troublesome problem, check out the
pictures.
(Revised Area)
Disconnect
the leader from the spinnerbait. Position a piece of PVC tubing over the top of
the R-bend of the spinnerbait. The PVC tubing can be purchased at any aquarium
store and is used to run filters and air pumps. The tubing costs about $.12 a
foot and should be cut in 1/8 inch rings, which can be stored in old film
canisters. The tubing is very cost affective compared to split rings and fits a
wide variety of spinnerbait brands. Reconnect the leader snap in the opening
above the PVC tubing and lock it closed. We commend South Bend invisa-leaders
in the 5” size with 18 pound test strength. These leaders can be purchased at
any Wal-Mart store. Look at the pictures to be sure your PVC tubing is in the
right position and that your leader is connected above the PVC ring.
