How to Rig Spinning Poles for Northern Pike Fishing

Young anglers display an average-sized northern pike.

Northern pike are popular gamefish. The meat is good, although it is bony. Anglers prize pike mostly for their fighting ability. Although trophy pike can weigh more than 20 pounds, most fish average about 2 to 3 pounds. In most situations, a medium-action rod with a matching reel works just fine for pike. Setting up a spinning rod for northern pike fishing is easy. Best of all, this same setup can be used for many other freshwater species.

Things You'll Need

• 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod
• Spinning reel rated for 8- to 10-pound-test line
• 8-pound-test monofilament fishing line
• Knife or scissors
• 12-inch wire leader
• Spinners, spoons, crankbaits and jigs with plastic grubs

Instructions

1. Unscrew the threads on the rod's reel seat until there is enough space for the reel to fit on the rod. Mount the reel on the rod. Screw the threads until they are snug against the reel.

2. Open the reel's bail by pulling the bail up until it snaps into the open position.

3. Peel off the sticker that holds the fishing line on the fishing line spool. Thread the line through each eye of the rod, beginning with the top. Lay the fishing line spool on the floor with the label facing down.

4. Attach the line to the spool of the reel with an arbor knot. Pass the line around the spool. Tie an overhand knot around the standing line. With the tag end, tie another overhand knot around the freestanding line, and not around the main line. Draw tight to the spool and trim to one-quarter inch with a knife or scissors.

5. Close the bail by turning the reel handle until the bail snaps shut.

6. Hold slight tension on the line with one hand. Reel with the other to begin loading the reel with fishing line. It may be helpful to have a partner assist with this step. Reel until the line fills the spool to within one-eighth inch of the spool rim.

7. Cut the line between the fishing line spool and the end of the rod tip. Reapply the sticker on the line spool to keep the line from unwinding.

8. Tie the swivel end of a 12-inch wire leader to the end of the fishing line with an improved clinch knot. Push the line through the swivel. Wrap the line around the standing line six times. Push the tag end through the loop between the swivel and the wraps. Push the tag end under the final turn. Moisten and cinch tight. Trim the tag end to one-quarter inch.

9. Attach your lure of choice to the snap end of the leader. Spinners, spoons and shallow-running crankbaits are good choices in less than 10 feet of water. Crankbaits and jigs tipped with plastic grubs catch pike in deeper water. Push the snap closed after attaching your lure.

References

• Joe Shead; angler; Superior, Wisconsin

Resources

• Animated Knots By Grog