Alright, future pike anglers, listen up! Forget what you think you know about fishing. This isn’t about little roach or tiny perch. We’re talking about pike, the apex predators of our canals. These guys are the underwater gangsters, and to catch them, you need to think like a hunter. This guide is your ultimate playbook for tackling these toothy beasts using a method called deadbaiting. It’s all about using a dead fish as bait, and it’s one of the most effective ways to land a proper canal giant. So, grab your gear, put on your waterproofs, and let’s dive into the world of pike fishing!
Why Deadbaits? The Art of the Lazy Predator
So, why use a dead fish? Simple. Pike are opportunists. They’ll happily chase down a lively lure, but they also love a free, easy meal. A deadbait is a bit like a takeaway dinner for a pike. It sits there, smelling delicious, just waiting for a hungry fish to come along and gulp it down. This method is brilliant for canals because they’re often narrow, and a static bait allows you to target a specific spot with precision. Plus, it’s less effort for you than constantly casting and retrieving a lure, which means more time for snacks and chatting with your mates.
The Gear: Your Arsenal for the Hunt
Before you even think about heading to the canal, you need the right kit. Don’t skimp here; pike are powerful, and a weak link in your gear will end in a snapped line and a lost fish.
The Rod: Your Pike-Fighting Stick
Pike Rod: You need a dedicated pike rod, not your dad’s old float rod. Look for something with a “test curve” of 2.5 to 3.5 lbs. The test curve is basically how stiff the rod is. A higher number means a more powerful rod, which is what you need to handle a big pike. A 10ft or 12ft rod is perfect for canals, giving you enough length for casting but not so much that you’re hitting trees on the other side.
Action: You want a rod with a powerful “through action.” This means the rod bends all the way down to the handle when you’re fighting a fish, helping to absorb the lunges of a big pike and preventing the hook from pulling out.
The Reel: The Engine of Your Setup
Fixed Spool Reel (Spinning Reel): This is the most common type for deadbaiting. Look for a size 6000 or 8000. These are big reels, designed to hold a lot of line and handle a powerful fish.
Baitrunner Reel: This is a real game-changer for deadbaiting. It has a special lever that allows the line to run freely after you’ve cast. When a pike takes the bait, it can swim off without feeling any resistance, which is key to a good hook-up. Once you’re ready to strike, you just flip the lever, and you’re back on the main drag.
The Line: Your Lifeline to the Fish
Mainline: Use a high-quality monofilament line with a breaking strain of 15 to 20 lbs. Monofilament has a bit of stretch, which is good for absorbing shock. A bright coloured line can be useful so you can see where your line is in the water, especially in low light.
Trace: This is the most crucial part of your rig. Pike have razor-sharp teeth that will cut through normal fishing line like butter. You must use a wire trace. A good quality 20-30 lbs breaking strain wire trace is essential. You can buy pre-made ones, which is a great idea when you’re starting out. They usually come with a couple of treble hooks already attached. Never, ever fish for pike without a wire trace. It’s not just about losing the fish; it’s about a pike swimming off with a hook in its mouth, which is a big no-no for fish welfare.
The Rigs: The Business End of Your Line
Getting your rig right is key to success. There are a few different types you can use for deadbaiting, but we’ll focus on the two most popular for canals.
The Ledger Rig: Simple and Effective
This is your go-to rig for deadbaiting. It’s perfect for canals where you’re fishing on the bottom.
How it works: A weight (the ledger) holds your bait on the canal bed. The weight can be a simple lead ball or a special ‘pike ledger’ with a swivel.
The Set-up:
Thread a run ring or a ledger lead onto your main line.
Slide a rubber bead down after the run ring to protect your knot.
Tie on a good quality swivel.
Attach your pre-made wire trace to the swivel.
Clip on your deadbait.
Key Tip: The run ring allows the line to run freely, so when a pike takes the bait, it feels no resistance from the weight. This is super important and is why this rig is so effective.
The Float Rig: A Visual Thrill
This rig is all about watching a float dance before it disappears under the water. It’s a bit more hands-on and can be great fun.
How it works: A float (a pike bung) supports your bait just off the bottom. You can adjust the depth by moving the float up or down the line.
The Set-up:
Thread a float stop or a couple of rubber bands onto your main line to hold your float in place.
Slide your pike float onto the line.
Add a weight (a shot or a lead ball) just above the swivel to cock the float (make it sit correctly in the water).
Attach your wire trace and bait.
Key Tip: This rig is excellent for fishing in spots where the canal bed is a bit weedy or silty. By setting your bait to sit a few inches off the bottom, you can present it perfectly to a passing pike.
The Baits: The Pike’s Favourite Meal
The bait you use is a massive part of the equation. Fresh is always best, but frozen deadbaits are a great, affordable option.
Sea Baits: These are arguably the most popular deadbaits.
Mackerel: Oily and smelly, mackerel are a pike favourite. They release a lot of scent into the water, which helps attract pike from a distance.
Herring and Sprat: Smaller and slightly less oily than mackerel, but still excellent baits. They’re often cheaper and a good choice for smaller canals.
Coarse Baits (Freshwater):
Roach and Perch: Pike’s natural prey. If you can get your hands on fresh roach or perch, they are incredibly effective. A great way to get them is to catch them yourself on a separate rod and then use them as bait.
Smelt: These have a distinctive cucumber-like smell and are highly rated by many pike anglers.
How to Hook Your Bait: You need to get your hooks in the right spot. The pre-tied traces with two treble hooks are designed for this. Hook one treble in the root of the tail and the other just behind the dorsal fin. This keeps the bait straight and gives you a good chance of a hook-up.
The Accessories: The Finishing Touches
Don’t forget the little things! These are the tools that make your life easier and, more importantly, keep the fish safe.
Unhooking Mat: A thick, padded mat is essential. When you land a pike, you need to place it on the mat to unhook it safely. This protects the fish from getting bruised or injured on hard ground.
Pike Forceps: These are long, thin pliers. Pike have teeth, and you do not want to put your fingers anywhere near them. Forceps allow you to reach deep into the pike’s mouth to remove the hooks safely. Get a good quality pair – they’re a must-have.
Wire Cutters: In a worst-case scenario where you can’t get the hook out, you might need to cut the wire trace as close to the hook as possible. This is a last resort, but it’s important to have them just in case.
Gloves: A pair of thick, tough gloves can save your hands from a painful bite or a slip.
Net: A good-sized landing net is crucial. A net with a wide, deep mesh is best. Don’t try to lift a big pike out of the water by the line – you will break the line and lose the fish. Use your net!
Tactics for Fishing in Canals: Where and How
Now you’ve got your gear and your bait, it’s time to hit the bank. Canals are a unique environment, and knowing where to fish is half the battle.
Where to Find Pike: The Hotspots
Pike are lazy. They don’t want to waste energy chasing food. They will hide in spots where they can ambush prey. Look for these areas:
Locks and Weirs: These areas have deeper water and often a good flow. The turbulent water can disorient small fish, making them easy targets for a pike.
Bridges and Overhanging Trees: The shadows and cover created by these structures are perfect hiding spots. The pike can wait in the gloom and dart out to grab a passing fish.
Moored Boats and Narrow Sections: Boats provide excellent cover and structure. The narrow sections of a canal can funnel prey fish, making them a prime hunting ground for pike.
Junctions: Where two canals meet, or where a feeder stream enters. These are food hotspots and will attract pike.
Bends in the Canal: The outside of a bend is often deeper and can hold larger fish.
The Fishing Session: Step-by-Step
Find Your Spot: Walk the canal and look for the hotspots. Don’t just set up in the first spot you see.
Set Up Your Rods: You can fish with one or two rods. Use rod rests or bank sticks to hold them securely. You don’t want your rod being pulled into the canal by a big fish!
Bait and Cast: Get your deadbait on the hooks and cast it out. Don’t cast too far; remember, pike are often close to the bank, hiding in the margins. Aim for a spot close to some cover.
Set Your Alarms: This is crucial. Use bite alarms (electronic devices that make a sound when the line is pulled) or bobbins (indicators that move when the line is pulled). This tells you when a pike has picked up your bait.
The Wait: This is the deadbait part. It’s not about constant action. You cast out, set your rod up, and wait. Be patient. Have a drink, listen to some music, chat with your mates. This is what deadbaiting is all about.
The Bite! When a pike takes the bait, you’ll see your bite alarm scream or your bobbin fly up to the rod. Don’t strike immediately! Remember, a pike takes the bait and then swims away to swallow it. Let it run for a few seconds. The baitrunner reel is great for this as it lets the line run freely.
The Strike: After a few seconds, when the line is running smoothly, lift the rod, click the bail arm over, and strike firmly but not violently. You need to set the hooks. You will feel the weight of the fish.
The Fight: A pike will often make a few powerful runs. Keep the rod bent and let the rod and the reel’s drag do the work. Don’t try to winch the fish in.
Landing and Unhooking: Once the fish is close, use your net to scoop it up. Carefully lift the net out of the water and place the fish on your unhooking mat. Use your forceps to remove the hooks. Be quick and gentle.
The Photo and Release: Get a quick photo if you want, and then carefully release the pike back into the canal. Hold it in the water for a few seconds until it swims away strongly.
Safety First: Respect the Fish
Fishing for pike is brilliant, but you must respect these magnificent creatures.
Pike are Fragile: They have delicate gills and soft skin. Handle them with care. Keep them on the unhooking mat and get them back in the water as quickly as possible.
Don’t Go Alone: It’s always a good idea to go with a friend, especially when you’re starting out. Two people can help with landing and unhooking.
Know Your Stuff: Read up on fish care. Watch some videos. The more you know, the safer the fish will be.
Wrapping Up: Your Pike Fishing Journey Begins
Fishing for pike with deadbaits in canals is one of the most exciting and rewarding types of fishing you can do. It’s a game of patience, stealth, and a bit of hunter’s instinct. You’ll learn to read the water, spot the perfect ambush points, and develop the skills to land a truly impressive fish. So, get your gear together, head down to your local canal, and get ready for the bite that will get your heart pounding. The canal monsters are waiting for you. Good luck, and tight lines!