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MyFishFinder By Species => Northern Pike => Topic started by: mrcrowley138 on Apr 02, 2008, 09:08 PM

Title: Good mono for pike?
Post by: mrcrowley138 on Apr 02, 2008, 09:08 PM
I posted a similar topic in th equipment forum professing my love for monofilament lines (haha).  Since i mostly target northern, I thought I would hit up the pike forum a well to maximize feedback.  Anycrap, on to my question:  What would be some good mono lines for pike?  Any input short of "use braid," is welcomed and appreciated.  Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Flash_King on Apr 03, 2008, 05:01 AM
40/50 lb Seagar
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: pikefishmen on Jul 17, 2008, 11:34 AM
never us mono
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Pike_Hunter on Jul 17, 2008, 02:48 PM
i use 15lb mono with a steel leader.and if i decide to not use a steel leader i always lose the big boy..go figure ;D  :'(
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Skipper on Jul 17, 2008, 04:40 PM
use braid  ;D
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: warsawbassman on Mar 11, 2009, 09:53 PM
Forget mono, and forget braid.............and lose the steel leader. Fluorocarbon is the ticket. Have yet to be bit off on fluoro.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Big Brother on Mar 30, 2009, 07:00 AM
30# or stronger Flouro LEADER material,not the regular flouro fishing line.This is virtually indestructable.Should a nick appear retie the leader.Will take a lot of toothie action before developing any nicks.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: camocrazy82 on Mar 30, 2009, 07:36 AM
I use 20# trilene xl with a leader of course. Oh, and I USE BRAID.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: mealworm on Mar 30, 2009, 05:16 PM
i used to be a big fan of fireline but this tear i switched to fluorocarbon and i love it its a little more abrasive resistant than mono
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: camocrazy82 on Mar 30, 2009, 07:58 PM
Is floro as invisable as they say? More than clear/blue stren?
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Skipper on Mar 30, 2009, 09:34 PM
It is stiff as a board and miserable to cast. I don't care if it is as abrasion resistant as superman's underwear, I'm done with it! I use it for a tie on leader with braid, but not as a main line.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: mealworm on Apr 01, 2009, 09:23 AM
It is stiff as a board and miserable to cast. I don't care if it is as abrasion resistant as superman's underwear, I'm done with it! I use it for a tie on leader with braid, but not as a main line.
i never used it on a reel i use it as leader as far as it being invisible i would say more invisible than steel
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: ScubaBrian24 on Apr 01, 2009, 05:19 PM
This is going to be the first year that I'm really trying to target pike.  I was wondering if I can get away with using 14# crystal fireline without a leader?  I don't think I can, but my buddy swears it's doable and I won't risk bite throughs.....

Is it possible or am I just wasting my time and good lures?
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Skipper on Apr 01, 2009, 06:43 PM
You may be fine with the hammer handle pike, but the bruisers will bite you off. Use steel, titanium, or 50-80lb fluoro leaders. The one exception is bigger spinner or buzz baits, and long in line spinners. They almost always shortstrike them, and when they are hooked their teeth are nowhere near the line.

Guys will argue this point to death, until they loose a 40''+ fish next to the boat. I will trust good mono to pike teeth before I trust fusion or braid superline, but they will all fail if you get a real ornery old gator.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: ScubaBrian24 on Apr 02, 2009, 05:58 AM
Thanks for the reply Skipper....that's what I was thinking.  It only makes sense  ;)

I think I have some titanium leaders around here somewhere.......
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: deadbait dave on Apr 02, 2009, 01:58 PM
gamma 80lb floro 12" as a leader or american fishing wire in red 45lb 12" as a leader with any line you choose!
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: ScubaBrian24 on Apr 02, 2009, 03:37 PM
Do you have a preference of which one to use Dave?  Also, does either one fit a certain situation better?
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Skipper on Apr 02, 2009, 05:05 PM
As Dave said, the AFW 1x7 Surfstrand is cheaper than dirt and works great. It will get a little kinky after a few fish, but it is more than cheap enough to throw away. You can just save your snaps and swivels and make a new leader for pennies.

http://www.fishusa.com/American-Fishing-Wire-Surfstrand-Camo-Wire_p.html (http://www.fishusa.com/American-Fishing-Wire-Surfstrand-Camo-Wire_p.html)

There is also a big difference in fluoro line, and fluoro leader. Leader is much more expensive, MUCH TOUGHER, and comes on wrist spools. I have used Triple Fish Fluorocarbon Leader for the past few seasons with no trouble.

Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: deadbait dave on Apr 02, 2009, 06:03 PM
Do you have a preference of which one to use Dave?  Also, does either one fit a certain situation better?


i use the floro in clear water, the wire in stained/dirty water and at night.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: ScubaBrian24 on Apr 03, 2009, 02:40 PM
Thanks for the advice guys...it's definitely appreciated!   ;D

Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Bunk on Apr 09, 2009, 01:09 PM
i use 20 # trilene XT with a good quality leader. works for me ;D
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: esox v on Apr 12, 2009, 02:44 PM
If I was using mono it would be 17# anything heaver is to difficult to cast.
 
I would not fish for pike or muskies with out wire of some sort and don't believe anyone who says they never get bit off with fluorocarbon leaders. I have used it as leader material in both fresh and saltwater. It's tough but not that tough. 
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: deadbait dave on Apr 13, 2009, 01:53 PM
55 northerns this winter 1 breakoff!  245lb bigeye 80lb floro works well for me fresh and salt! as the saying goes "every man's got to know his limitations"
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: esox v on Apr 13, 2009, 06:21 PM
55 northerns this winter 1 breakoff!  245lb bigeye 80lb floro works well for me fresh and salt! as the saying goes "every man's got to know his limitations"

How about in the spring and summer when the don't fight like an old  leather boot. Pike's teeth are designed to cut.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Skipper on Apr 13, 2009, 06:57 PM
80lb Fluro can take it, trust me. I have had plenty of boatside thrashers with it. It ain't steel, and it ain't my first choice, but it works. ;)
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: esox v on Apr 13, 2009, 09:33 PM
80lb Fluro can take it, trust me. I have had plenty of boatside thrashers with it. It ain't steel, and it ain't my first choice, but it works. ;)


Dude seriously what Is the line diameter of 80 # fluro. I guess if I was trolling for ski's with 80# power pro I would consider it. As for casting or anything like that... I would take  8"- 12" 27# stranded wire all day.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: deadbait dave on Apr 14, 2009, 07:57 AM
I posted a similar topic in th equipment forum professing my love for monofilament lines (haha).  Since i mostly target northern, I thought I would hit up the pike forum a well to maximize feedback.  Anycrap, on to my question:  What would be some good mono lines for pike?  Any input short of "use braid," is welcomed and appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

getting back to the origin of the thread, instead of jumping in and bashing mono or floro, if you have nothing positive to add thanks in advance we all know about wire and it's ability to catch toothy critters. if you like it use it! i'll put floro up against wire anyday when it comes to fishing clear pressured waters because i get bit more period!
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Skipper on Apr 14, 2009, 05:24 PM


Dude seriously what Is the line diameter of 80 # fluro. I guess if I was trolling for ski's with 80# power pro I would consider it. As for casting or anything like that... I would take  8"- 12" 27# stranded wire all day.

What does the diameter of a short leader have to do with anything? It may cause lures to run a tad shallower, but in the grand scheme it is much less visible! Big pike are not stupid like the little ones. When you fish gin clear water, you want to keep your gear a little more low key. Big northerns can be as tackle shy as walleye when they want to be. I fish surfstrand most of the time, but when they follow and just wont hit this is often the key. Sometimes you even need to downsize your treble hooks.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: esox v on Apr 14, 2009, 09:08 PM
What does the diameter of a short leader have to do with anything? It may cause lures to run a tad shallower, but in the grand scheme it is much less visible! Big pike are not stupid like the little ones. When you fish gin clear water, you want to keep your gear a little more low key. Big northerns can be as tackle shy as walleye when they want to be. I fish surfstrand most of the time, but when they follow and just wont hit this is often the key. Sometimes you even need to downsize your treble hooks.
   Well because depending how large a diameter your leader is has an effect on depth as stated and also lure action. Do you use a barrels or snaps and how large do they need to be to attach  80# fluro to them. My next question is  at what Diameter does invisible fluorocarbon become not so invisible ? 80 ...100... 150... 200.
 Sorry I'm not buying the use of fluorocarbon in the place of wire. I use it for walleye, trout, salmon and would consider it in a trolling application for pike And muskie.
  I agree it is Clear, very abrasive resistant and works great as a shock leader.
  Sorry about the thread hijack
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: mud_n_fun on Apr 14, 2009, 09:24 PM
I posted a similar topic in th equipment forum professing my love for monofilament lines (haha).  Since i mostly target northern, I thought I would hit up the pike forum a well to maximize feedback.  Anycrap, on to my question:  What would be some good mono lines for pike?  Any input short of "use braid," is welcomed and appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

I'll tell ya what. I have used trilene xl for years now and have never had a problem. Untill this year. Fishishing stealhead in a flowing, very flowing river. I broke of ever time with that. Then I switched to P-Line, was not impressed withit as it became stiff and twisted after landing a big fish. I them took a buddies advise and used Maxima. This stuff is awsome. On 10lb. line I thought i was going to pull up the bottom of the river when I got a snag. I run a 20" 7strand home made leader when fishing pike. FYI! Give the maxima a try i use th 10LB and bet I could land any pike with it.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: esox v on Apr 14, 2009, 09:43 PM
Boy... never gave maxima a thought. I would give it a shot. I have used it a long time drift fishing for steelies and salmon. Low stretch and abrasion resistant.
What equipment are you using ? 
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: ugp685 on Apr 15, 2009, 08:20 AM
I also use Maxima.  I use Maxima Chameleon, it is a dark brown/burgandy color.  I use 6lb. on my ultra-light and 12lb. on the rest.  I finally got a muskie rod and a big reel to match and am going to try the 18 lb. Maxima.

Previously I have used the 12 lb. and have caught 100's of pickerel, over a dozen tiger musky, half a dozen pike, a handful of walleye, and many 6lb bass including a 21.5" smallmouth. NEVER been bitten off.

I got a snag on a windy day on a bass boat and I anchored the boat with my 12lb. maxima.  We had to cut it off with a knife, it wouldn't break. 

It says on the package it is very abrasion resistant and boy is it right.  I have tried other lines because people have told me how great they are but in the end I always come back to maxima, I will not stray away from it again though.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: husb0023 on Apr 22, 2009, 12:36 PM
Had my 20# floro bitten off this winter so I am definitely going up to 40#-80# floro this season.  I am impressed with how the floro handles, I much prefer it to steel or titanium leaders.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: esox v on Apr 22, 2009, 06:58 PM
Had my 20# floro bitten off this winter so I am definitely going up to 40#-80# floro this season.  I am impressed with how the floro handles, I much prefer it to steel or titanium leaders.
You should just use 300# it can double as your anchor rope. Whats cool is the Fish..... they won't even see it. AMAZING !!!!
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Skipper on Apr 22, 2009, 07:26 PM
You should just use 300# it can double as your anchor rope. Whats cool is the Fish..... they won't even see it. AMAZING !!!!

If I can find a piece of 300lb, I will send it to you. ::) The rest of us mouth breathers will just stick to our 80.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: PIKE FISHERMAN on Apr 22, 2009, 07:37 PM
I braid three pieces of vanish 17# flouro.

I tie three pieces of line to a hook or swivel, braid it as tight as I can. Works great, hard to see, never broke off a fish.

Definately time consuming, but worth it for ice fishing and open water.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: esox v on Apr 22, 2009, 08:12 PM
If I can find a piece of 300lb, I will send it to you. ::) The rest of us mouth breathers will just stick to our 80.

 :thumbup_smilie: :thumbup_smilie:
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Wheres Walleye on Mar 18, 2010, 01:05 PM
After reading through all the posts I'm gonna try the fluorocarbon leader material this year and was wondering how long I should make the leader? Thanks
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: slipperybob on Mar 18, 2010, 04:45 PM
About 24 inches is what I've got.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Zoo Angler on Mar 26, 2011, 04:12 AM
For whoever still reads this, I caught my 28lbs pike with a 20lbs p-line flouro leader this season ice fishing without a scratch on the line. Caught a ton of pike this season without a bite off with this setup.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: SWAMPGOOSE on Apr 07, 2011, 03:07 PM
I like 12 pound trilene MAX  love the stuff with a braid leader only 7 to 8 inches, i dont break off.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: Mr.Esox on Apr 19, 2011, 06:25 PM
I like 12 pound trilene MAX  love the stuff with a braid leader only 7 to 8 inches, i dont break off.
None ,use Boa or any tieable titanium.
Title: Re: Good mono for pike?
Post by: AmazingZombieWeapons on Apr 07, 2013, 03:25 PM
12 pound Ultragreen by maxima.