So fall trophy pike fishing is coming up right around the corner around here. One of my top techniques for triggering big pike is fishing jerkbaits super erratic. I catch a lot of big pike doing this but I always have an issue finding the right hooks to put on them. I have tried using 3x and 4x owners and although they are super sharp and strong they will make the baits sink quite quickly. I have also tried traditional lighter wire hooks from various companies that most bass guys would put on a jerkbait, and although they help keep the correct buoyancy and I can land fish with light drag on them, they are almost always trashed after one fish because of how hard pike fight, how bony their mouths are and how much they thrash in the net. What I am looking for is something that is heavy wire enough to stand up to at least a couple fish, but still light enough to not sink the bait too quickly as to kill the action. Doesn’t have to suspend perfectly as I’m usually fishing them with only a 1-2 second pause. I’m going to try some owner st 41’s which are 2x and then probably some 1x short shank triple grips, any other recommendations? I throw x raps, shadow raps, origonal floaters, kvd jerkbaits, jackal rerange, and others, generally try to stick with less expensive baits as they usually only last a couple fish at best before their destroyed.

 

 

 

Your best bet when targeting pike with bass sized jerkbaits (pike do seem to prefer this size when numbers fishing) is to get floaters, put those stout hooks on them and suspend strips to get them where you want them.  Also, I have found the right steel leader mixed with those big hooks is usually the ticket.

 

Otherwise, loosen your drag and take your time bringing them in so you dont bend out the hooks as much 

4 hours ago, JediAmoeba said:

Your best bet when targeting pike with bass sized jerkbaits (pike do seem to prefer this size when numbers fishing) is to get floaters, put those stout hooks on them and suspend strips to get them where you want them.  Also, I have found the right steel leader mixed with those big hooks is usually the ticket.

 

Otherwise, loosen your drag and take your time bringing them in so you dont bend out the hooks as much 

I don’t bend hooks out regularly, the issue is light wire hooks will get trashed when your unhooking the fish. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve netted a fish, had it thrashing around and had it snap multiple points off of the hook because it gets caught in the net or it’s just in there that hard. Whenever I’m fishing a jerkbait I will use a braided titanium leader, waaaaay thinner than steel and as supple as regular braid so it doesn’t take away from the action of the bait at all. I do use floaters a lot as well, when I’m using “suspending” baits I’m really not concerned with them actually suspending or not I just don’t want the heavy weight of the hooks taking away from the action. Heavy wire hooks have hurt the action more on floaters than with suspending baits in my experience.

Try using owner single replacement hook for each treble. Model 4101-111 for 1/0 hook size. Other choice is just use the tail hook. You can remove the other hooks or leave them on & just snip off the points down to the barb with a hook cutter. That maintains the weight balance if that is a problem.  

^this man knows a thing or two about pike and jerkbaits 

Pretty much all my jerkbaits and crankbaits have Mustad KVD Elite series short shank triple grips now. They are super sharp, will catch on swiping fish quite well, and are pretty tough too. I also catch a ton of good sized pike, many on jerkbaits and these hooks hold up very well, sometimes you still have to replace the odd one but not near as often as with stock or lighter hooks. Also, for me they don’t seem to affect the weight or amount of suspending either, as like you, I’m usually ripping them pretty quick so they don’t sit there too long anyway.