When live baiting for pike with a 30 gram float, what weight lead should I use?

When you're out there trying to entice those elusive pikes with live bait, ensuring you have the right setup is crucial. Using a 30-gram float is a good choice for targeting pike, as it provides the necessary buoyancy and visibility. Now, let's talk about the lead weight.

Choosing the Right Lead Weight

For a 30-gram float, you'll want to match your lead weight accordingly to ensure that the float sits perfectly in the water. Typically, you would use a lead weight that allows the float to be partially submerged, leaving just the tip visible. This helps in detecting any subtle bites from the pike.

A good rule of thumb is to use a lead weight that is slightly less than the float's capacity. So, for a 30-gram float, you might start with a lead weight around 20 to 25 grams. This ensures that the float is not overly weighted down, allowing it to remain sensitive to bites. This setup allows the bait to move naturally with the current, making it more attractive to pike.

Practical Tip

When setting up your rig, consider using a sliding float setup. This setup allows you to adjust the depth easily, which is crucial since pike can be at various depths depending on the time of day and weather conditions. Attach a stop knot on your line to adjust your float depth as needed.

For those interested in visual guidance, check out this video on setting up a simple pike float rig by Des Taylor, a seasoned angler with over forty years of experience. It’s a great resource to see how a pro does it!

Encouragement

Remember, the key to successful pike fishing is patience and adaptability. With your float and lead properly balanced, you're one step closer to landing that trophy pike. Tight lines and happy fishing!