Line to use for topwater if there is pike

[Gera]

Hi!

Quick question, what kind of line you recommend to use in waters with pike? I wont go to steel leaders, I mean if its meant for them to take it so be it. I do understand that the probability of them cutting the line regardless is high.

I usually fish braid straight on topwater but I wouldn't be opposed to a mono leader if it helps and actually been thinking about using it to help with treble hooks. On sub-surface I use fluoro leaders and main line and usually holds ok against them.

 

Thank you for your comments. 

 

[Functional]

thick...thick mono. honestly the thickest you can go before it starts significantly effecting the action of the bait you really want to fish.

[papajoe222]

I'd recommend Original Stren, or Trilene XT as your mono choice. Both hold up better than most monofilaments, but you're going to cut off if you don't hook them on the edge of their mouth.   Have you considered using a buzzbait? I've only had one pike cut me off when using a buzzer and a wire leader won't impair its action.

[PaulVE64]

Mono with a loop knot for topwater

[Gera]

Thank you for all recommendations, I will purchase some of that Mono as I only have some cheap that I use for backing. I guess the follow up question will be what #test should I use?

 

  On 6/1/2022 at 2:51 AM, PaulVE64 said:

Mono with a loop knot for topwater

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how does this make a difference?? I understand that there are two lines now between the know and the lure but the fish only need to cut one to come of.. its a simple knot and if it helps ill use it.

 

 

[PaulVE64]

Mono is stiff and it floats so it doesnt foul up in the treble hooks like any limp line would as a lure tumbles thru the air.

A loop knot allows the lure freedom to move.

[Gera]

  On 6/1/2022 at 3:04 PM, PaulVE64 said:

Mono is stiff and it floats so it doesnt foul up in the treble hooks like any limp line would as a lure tumbles thru the air.

A loop knot allows the lure freedom to move.

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Understood,  thanks!!

[WRB]

Soft Steel Eminent 65 lb braid.

Tom

[FrnkNsteen]

I typically run heavier mono on my topwater and don't typically worry too much about northerns on topwater. Very rarely have I had northerns hit a topwater.

 

Sub-surface baits,... Absolutely, but typically not topwater. One benefit of living where I do now is not having to worry about northerns, though I'd take them if it meant having my Minnesota fishing back!! (Born and raised there!!)

[MN Fisher]

  On 6/1/2022 at 9:12 PM, FrnkNsteen said:

Very rarely have I had northerns hit a topwater.

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I'd say about half my pike catches have been on topwater - WPs, Spooks and even a buzzbait...so ya, I run heavier line to possibly mitigate the loss of lures to the toothy critters.

[FrnkNsteen]

  On 6/1/2022 at 9:37 PM, MN Fisher said:

I'd say about half my pike catches have been on topwater - WPs, Spooks and even a buzzbait...so ya, I run heavier line to possibly mitigate the loss of lures to the toothy critters.

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Huh!! In all my time growing up, I can't think of many times I was bit off on topwater. Spinners,  Rapalas, ... Pretty much anything else, but can't remember ever losing poppers, "Bass-orenos" or "Superfrogs" to northerns.

 

In fact,.. I've lost more fish to northerns than topwater lures.... Meaning catch a bass, perch, or walleye and have a big northern grab them while trying to reel them in. Often times you can reel them right up to the boat before the northern lets go.

[CM-fisher]

Heavy mono seems to do the trick for me

[FishTank]

One of the lakes I fish as an abundance of sauger and they can be ferocious.  One of local guys uses saltwater mono leader for topwater. Not sure what brand.  I would guess that it is around 20-25lb test.  He reties often and catches a ton of bass and sauger.