What hook and hook size is best for live baiting for pike?

Short answer: for pike, a 1/0 S-61 Big Eye is workable only with very small live baits. For typical pike presentations, you’ll want to upsize to 2/0–3/0 (or bigger) to handle bigger bait and stronger bites.

What this hook is good for

• If you’re chasing small live bait (2–3.5 inches), a 1/0 can work, especially with a snell or lip-hook rig and a light leader.
• The Big Eye design can help eye-line visibility and reduce snag in some setups.

Limitations for pike live-baiting

• Pike usually take larger baits; a 1/0 can be under-gunned for bigger minnows, suckers, or paddle tails.
• With big teeth, you want a stronger, sturdier hook that resists bending and holds up to hard strikes.

Practical options if you’re sticking with a 1/0

• Use very small live baits (2–3") and a tight, controlled presentation.
• Pair with a 12–18" fluorocarbon leader to resist cut-offs and keep the bait lively.
• Consider a circle-style option in similar size if you’re aiming for fewer gut hooks and consistent mouth hookups. For 1/0, a well-made circle hook in that size can work on small baits.

Solid alternatives from the list

• Gamakatsu Live Bait Hook, 1/0 – strong option for live baiting: Gamakatsu Live Bait Hook 1/0
• Owner 4102-139 Single Replacement Hook, 3X, Sz3/0 – if you’re stepping up to a slightly larger bait, this is a robust choice: Owner 4102-139 3/0
• Owner Mosquito Light Hook 1/0 – lightweight, for lighter line scenarios; not ideal for big pike, but a reference point: Owner Mosquito Light 1/0

Weather note

• At 79°F with clear skies, pike are active along weed edges early and late in the day. A bigger bait on a sturdier hook often yields better hookups in warm, sunlit conditions.

If you want, tell me your typical bait size and target water (weed edges, rivers, etc.), and I’ll tailor a precise hook-size plan and rig for your setup. Tight lines!

I can’t automatically scan Sportfiskeprylar.se from here, but I can help you pick the best live-bait Pike hooks if you share the product links. If you paste 3–5 exact item URLs, I’ll compare them and pick the best option with why it fits Pike live-baiting.

In the meantime, here’s a quick, practical checklist to evaluate hooks on that site for Pike live bait:

• Hook type and size

  • Look for short-shank live-bait hooks or strong O’Shaughnessy-style hooks in sizes roughly 2/0–4/0 (for typical baits) and up to 5/0–6/0 for large minnows.
  • If you see circle hooks, consider 2/0–4/0 for medium to large live baits.

• Material and strength

  • Stainless or high-carbon steel with good corrosion resistance.
  • 2x–3x strong for pike bites and to resist bending.

• Bait retention and design

  • Look for features that keep live bait lively (slightly longer shanks, barb shape, or a locking/clip feature for minnows).
  • Some “live bait” or “bait holder” hooks will be labeled for live bait; those are ideal.

• Rig compatibility

  • Check product specs or descriptions for compatibility with snell, lip-hook, or small leader rigs. For big pike, you’ll want a sturdy leader and the ability to use a short leader or fluorocarbon.

• Quantity and value

  • Pay attention to pack size and price per hook. For frequent pike trips, 10–20 hooks per pack is common.

If you share the links, I’ll point out the best 1–2 options for live-bait Pike, plus a quick rig idea (snell or lip-hook with a 12–24" leader) tailored to those specific hooks. For a reference, many pike anglers also like tried-and-true brands like Gamakatsu, Owner, and Mustad in these sizes. If you want a head start, I can also suggest equivalent options from those brands. Tight lines!

Short answer: generally yes. For pike live-baiting, 2/0 is typically the better all-around choice, especially as your bait size increases. Use 1/0 mainly for very small live baits.

Sizing guide (when in doubt)

• Bait < 3 inches: 1/0 can work, but 2/0 is often safer if you want more bite retention.
• Bait 3–5 inches: 2/0 is ideal—strong enough for big pike, still keeps the bait lively.
• Bait 5–7 inches: 3/0.
• Bait 7–9 inches: 4/0.
• Bait 9+ inches: 5/0 or larger for secure hookup and bite resistance.

Hook style considerations

• Short-shank live-bait hooks (O’Shaunnessy-style) are classic for bait retention on larger baits.
• Circle hooks in 2/0–4/0 range can yield cleaner mouth hookups with less gut hooking, though they may require a bit more patience on the strike.
• For very lively action, pair with a 12–24" leader to protect against teeth and maintain bait presentation.

Practical tips

• Use a sturdy leader (fluorocarbon) to resist bite-offs and keep bait alive.
• If you’re rotating between baits, have a few 2/0 and 3/0 rigs ready so you can match the bait size quickly.
• Keep baits healthy; a tired bait catches fewer bites.

Quick reference links

• Learn hook sizes basics: Everything You Need To Know About Fishing Hook Sizes
• Example 2/0 live-bait options: Gamakatsu Octopus NS Black Hook Size 2/0
• Alternative 3/0 option: Owner 4102-139 3X Sz 3/0

If you share the exact bait sizes you’re using and your target water (weed edges, rivers, etc.), I’ll tailor a precise 2/0 vs 1/0 plan with rig ideas and a couple of model recommendations. Tight lines!

Short answer: Yes, the Decoy JS-3 Pike Type R in #2/0 is a solid, versatile choice for mid-sized pike live-baiting.

Why it works

• Built for pike: Designed specifically for pike presentations, with a sturdy profile that resists bite-offs from sharp teeth.
• Size fits common baits: #2/0 covers typical live baits in the 3–5 inch range, which is a common target for many pike setups.
• Hook geometry: The Pike Type R line emphasizes secure hookups with lively bait and reliable penetration on a decisive bite.

When to size up or down

• Use #2/0 for baits ~3–5 inches.
• If you’re using larger minnows or suckers (5–9 inches), consider moving to 3/0–4/0 for better bite retention.
• For very small live bait (2 inches), 1/0–2/0 can work, but you’ll often get better hook-ups with the larger sizes as the bait size increases.

Rigging tips

• Lip-hook or snell with a 12–24" fluorocarbon leader to protect against bites and keep bait lively.
• Pair with a strong, corrosion-resistant swivel or wire leader if you’re fishing in snaggy areas.
• Consider a tight presentation near weed edges or structure where pike ambush.

Quick references:

• Decoy JS-3 Pike Type R #2/0 product: Katsuichi Decoy JS-3 Pike Type R #2/0
• Similar 2/0 live-bait options: Gamakatsu Live Bait Hook 2/0

If you’re targeting a specific bait size or water type (weed edges, rivers, clear lakes), tell me and I’ll tailor a precise rig and hook choice, plus a couple of alternative sizes to keep in your tackle box. Tight lines!