Pike line

[Maximus44]

What kind of fishing line do you use for pike?

The biggest fish I've targeted was bass, so I just have 8 lb mono.
Started hooking some big pike this weekend and they were breaking my line.

I have a spinning reel.

Thanks

[kickingfrog]

If its still going to be used for all-round fishing 30lb or even 20lb braid would be a good. I usually use 20lb fluoro leaders on my spinning outfits. If I'm using spoons or spinners a wire leader is fine as it's not going to impact the baits action at all.

[greatwhite]

I have always used Trilene XL in 8 or 10 pound. I have used it for Pike, speckles, Catfish Bass, mackeral, Tommy Cod, Flounder, Pollock. Years ago I tried a few others but never liked them and just went back to Trilene.

[Avid Angler]

I am running 17lb braid - 50lb on spinning gear for pike. I will run no less than 50lb. floro leader except for drop shotting I slim it down as most hook ups are corner of mouth.

[Maximus44]

Thanks for the replies!

Does the type of knot also affect the breaking strength?
I use steel leaders.

[kickingfrog]

The knot does make a difference. Both the type and the quality of the knot. The type of line also makes a difference.

If you're talking about the knot for the braid joining it to the leader a polomar knot is easy and works very well. Wet the line before tightening it. I found that the improved clinch knot that was my standard for mono wasn't very good for braid.

[LeakyBoots]

I run 40lbs braid, and 50lbs fluro leaders. Have landed several 40" fish on that setup.

[frederickwreid]

I run 17 lbs. mono on my bait caster and spin outfit. But always a wire leader. I've lost a few good lures as a result of a pike ripping through my line. As for knots, I use a surgeons knot for the line to wire leader connection (good old fly line knot - and then a chinch knot for the lure. works fine for me. Never landed a 40+ incher … yet…. but have never had any issues with 34" pike. Hope this helps. Also if there are better ways, I'd love to hear em.

[flowerjohn]

Thirty to forty pound braid, palomar knot to a swivel and lo leader. I never get bit off even with large pike. The trick is to strip off about three feet of line every time out or after your line shows signs of abrasion and re tie. Better presentation and better results in my experience. Cheers.

[bardern]

60lb PowerPro with a 70lb floro leader-material tied with a uni