Hooks for Pike flies

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@jszymczyk

I disagree that any heavy wire hooks are required at all for pike flies. I have never had a pike bend any quality hook. Good “standard” wire hooks such as Mustad C52SBLN or Gama B10S are completely sufficient. The stretch inherent in fly line and your leader, as well the cushion of your rod do not generally allow you to “horse” a fish or put as much hard pressure on them as the guys with casting tackle and very heavy nylon or braid. Add to that, heavy wire is more difficult to set into the bony toothy mouth of a pike. You don’t need heavy wire hooks.

I agree completely… except that Gami B10S is about as good as hooks get, IMO&E.

Stay away from anything short shank as getting them out can be difficult there amongst the white pointy stuff.

We have not used wire leaders in many years and see little need for them… a short tippet of heavy Maxima with a good loop knot will give you plenty of action on the fly and just check it regularly for wear. A common day for us here is well over 100 pike and we seldom lose flies due to teeth. Longer shank hooks will stay out past the teeth better in most cases, too.

Locally, ADF&G started a new program a year or so ago to Catch, Chop Up, and Release pike. All fish caught must be killed, whether kept or not…
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