I broke my Pike Cherry

[Zupa da Bass]

Went on an exploratory Pike mission yesterday . I was looking for a few spots to cast from shore on the Passaic in Fairfield/ Wayne. After a few spots trudging my way down to the water I found a clear spot under a bridge. My 3rd cast with the spinner bait I get wacked by my first Pike. Im hooked. Can't wait to get back. I would love a little help from the regulars on if I should use braid or mono and what kind of leader I should use. I know Pike have some big teeth. I had 6lb test tied right to the lure yesterday. Thanks in advance.

[fishin4fun]

congrats, im still trying to find my first from shore as well, further down river though..

[Matt L]

Congrats. Never caught one or a walleye. Got plans to fix that this fall

[flyboy1]

Originally Posted by Zupa da Bass

Went on an exploratory Pike mission yesterday . I was looking for a few spots to cast from shore on the Passaic in Fairfield/ Wayne. After a few spots trudging my way down to the water I found a clear spot under a bridge. My 3rd cast with the spinner bait I get wacked by my first Pike. Im hooked. Can't wait to get back. I would love a little help from the regulars on if I should use braid or mono and what kind of leader I should use. I know Pike have some big teeth. I had 6lb test tied right to the lure yesterday. Thanks in advance.

Congrats on your first PIKE.... but.... I cant believe you targeted PIKE with only 6lb mono and no leader.... that is pretty reckless and irresponsible.... If you are going to target PIKE in the Passaic then I recommend no less than 30 lb braid and 20lb steel leader... there is a lot of debris and junk in the Passaic and its easy for your line to get frayed just on casting and retreiving so you need something strong to stand up to the possible abrasions as well as the teeth and strength of the PIKE especially if you hook into a monster...

[Zupa da Bass]

I knew it was way too light but I really didn't even think I was going to fish. I just went out Sunday night to find a place to get down to the water and I took along my smallmouth setup just in case. Im glad I did.Thanks alot for the info . I'm gonna get set up and have it . I'm trying to upload the pic from my phone.

[antgogz]

congrats bro.....I use 15 pound power pro with a 25 lb fluorocarbon liter. I set the hook with the rod up. Never sideways because thats how a pike can bite through the line.

[SkillfulAngler908]

I personally use 30lb power pro and I bought a cheap 10yd spool of 50lb mono for leaders. My buddy uses 17 lb mono with the same type of leader and both setups handle the fish/snags very well. Braid or mono comes down to preference but I would definately suggest some heavier tackle, especially fishing from shore or else you will prob end up donating a lot of lures to the river and fish. Good luck and post some pics for us!

[Zupa da Bass]

Lol. I donated 2 spinner baits and 1 daredevil that afternoon. Thanks for all the info I'm leaning toward using 30lb braid and a 20 lb mono leader. I wanted to stay away from the wire If I could help it. Is there special size spinner baits for Pike or can I use the size I use for largemouth? Thnx again

[Bassload]

Originally Posted by flyboy1

Congrats on your first PIKE.... but.... I cant believe you targeted PIKE with only 6lb mono and no leader.... that is pretty reckless and irresponsible.... If you are going to target PIKE in the Passaic then I recommend no less than 30 lb braid and 20lb steel leader... there is a lot of debris and junk in the Passaic and its easy for your line to get frayed just on casting and retreiving so you need something strong to stand up to the possible abrasions as well as the teeth and strength of the PIKE especially if you hook into a monster...

Ouch Flyboy! Little harsh with the "reckless and irresponsible " comment. I think getting a DUI is irresponsible. He's just fishing for pike! Congrats on breaking your cherry!

[tycomps]

congrats. I use 30lb powerpro on a 6' rod with a progressive taper because of the limited casting space in some areas. I tie spinnerbaits direct with a palomar and use a 20lb nylon coated steel leader for spoons. since your casting into structure as well as who knows what's below that cocoa water braid is essential in my opinion, stuff amazes me.