Pike Ledger Stems: Using Ledger Stems for Pike Fishing
The Ultimate Guide to Pike Ledger Stems
Pike fishing is a popular and challenging sport, and ledger stems are one of the most effective rigs for catching these predators. This guide will help you understand what pike ledger stems are, how to tie them, and how to use them effectively to catch more pike.
Pike ledger stems are a type of fishing rig that is used to present a baitfish suspended above the bottom of a lake or river. The rig consists of a hook, a swivel, a weight, and a trace. The hook is tied to the swivel, which is then attached to the weight. The weight is used to keep the bait suspended at the desired depth. The trace is a length of strong line that is attached to the swivel and is used to prevent the pike from biting through the main line.
Pike ledger stems are used to fish for pike in a variety of situations. They are effective in both flowing and still water, and they can be used to fish at a variety of depths.
1. Components of a Pike Ledger Stem
A pike ledger stem rig consists of four basic components: the hook, the swivel, the ledger stem weight, and the trace. The hook is the most important part of the rig, as it is what the pike will bite on. The hook should be strong enough to hold a large pike, and it should be sharp enough to penetrate the pike’s tough jaws. The swivel is used to connect the hook to the ledger stem weight and the trace. The swivel allows the hook to rotate freely, which helps to prevent the pike from tangling the line. The ledger stem weight is used to keep the bait suspended at the desired depth. The weight should be heavy enough to hold the bait in place, but not so heavy that it spooks the pike. The trace is a length of strong line that is attached to the swivel and is used to prevent the pike from biting through the main line. The trace should be long enough to allow the bait to move freely, but not so long that it gives the pike too much room to maneuver.
When choosing the components for your pike ledger stem rig, it is important to consider the size of the pike you are targeting. For smaller pike, you can use a lighter hook and a shorter trace. For larger pike, you will need to use a heavier hook and a longer trace. It is also important to consider the fishing conditions. If you are fishing in flowing water, you will need to use a heavier weight to keep the bait in place. If you are fishing in still water, you can use a lighter weight.
Once you have chosen the components for your pike ledger stem rig, you can tie it together. There are a number of different ways to tie a pike ledger stem rig, but the most common method is the “loop knot”. To tie a loop knot, simply pass the end of the trace through the eye of the hook and then back through the loop that you have created. Pull the knot tight and trim the excess line.
Hook
There are two main types of hooks that are commonly used in pike ledger stems: circle hooks and treble hooks. Circle hooks are designed to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, which makes them less likely to be swallowed. Treble hooks are designed to hook the fish in multiple places, which makes them more likely to hold on.
The size of the hook that you use will depend on the size of the pike you are targeting. For smaller pike, you can use a hook that is size 6 or 8. For larger pike, you can use a hook that is size 4 or 2.
It is important to use a hook that is strong enough to hold a large pike. The hook should also be sharp enough to penetrate the pike’s tough jaws.
Here is a table that shows the different sizes of hooks and their respective strengths:
| Hook Size | Strength | |—|—| | 2 | 250 lbs | | 4 | 150 lbs | | 6 | 100 lbs | | 8 | 50 lbs |
When choosing a hook for your pike ledger stem rig, it is important to consider the size of the pike you are targeting, the type of bait you are using, and the fishing conditions.
2. Step-by-Step Instructions on Tying a Pike Ledger Stem
There are two main types of hooks that are commonly used in pike ledger stems: circle hooks and treble hooks. Circle hooks are designed to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, which makes them less likely to be swallowed. Treble hooks are designed to hook the fish in multiple places, which makes them more likely to hold on.
The size of the hook that you use will depend on the size of the pike you are targeting. For smaller pike, you can use a hook that is size 6 or 8. For larger pike, you can use a hook that is size 4 or 2.
It is important to use a hook that is strong enough to hold a large pike. The hook should also be sharp enough to penetrate the pike’s tough jaws.
Here is a table that shows the different sizes of hooks and their respective strengths:
| Hook Size | Strength | |—|—| | 2 | 250 lbs | | 4 | 150 lbs | | 6 | 100 lbs | | 8 | 50 lbs |
When choosing a hook for your pike ledger stem rig, it is important to consider the size of the pike you are targeting, the type of bait you are using, and the fishing conditions.
Tying the Hook and Swivel
There are two main ways to tie the hook to the swivel on a pike ledger stem rig: you can either tie the hook directly to the swivel, or you can use a short length of trace material.
To tie the hook directly to the swivel, simply pass the end of the hook through the eye of the swivel and then back through the loop that you have created. Pull the knot tight and trim the excess line.
To tie the hook to the swivel using a short length of trace material, first tie a loop knot in the end of the trace material. Then, pass the end of the hook through the loop knot and pull it tight. Trim the excess line.
Once the hook is tied to the swivel, you can attach the weight to the other end of the swivel.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a pike ledger stem rig:
- Tie a hook to the swivel using either of the methods described above.
- Attach the weight to the other end of the swivel.
- Tie the trace to the swivel using a loop knot.
- Trim the excess line.
Your pike ledger stem rig is now complete.
Connecting the Weight
A ledger stem weight is a weight that is attached to the ledger stem of a pike ledger stem rig. The weight helps to keep the bait suspended at the desired depth, and it also helps to prevent the rig from being swept away by the current.
There are a number of different types of ledger stem weights available, but the most common type is the bell weight. Bell weights are made of lead and they have a bell-shaped design. The bell shape of the weight helps to keep the bait suspended in the water, and it also helps to prevent the weight from snagging on the bottom.
To attach a ledger stem weight to the ledger stem, simply pass the end of the ledger stem through the hole in the weight. Then, tighten the screw on the weight to secure it in place.
The weight should be heavy enough to keep the bait suspended at the desired depth, but it should not be so heavy that it spooks the pike. It is important to experiment with different weights to find the right one for the conditions you are fishing in.
Here are some of the benefits of using a ledger stem weight:
- Helps to keep the bait suspended at the desired depth
- Helps to prevent the rig from being swept away by the current
- Can help to attract pike by creating vibrations in the water
If you are fishing for pike in flowing water, it is important to use a weight that is heavy enough to hold the bait in place. In still water, you can use a lighter weight.
Adding the Trace
A trace is a length of strong line that is attached to the ledger stem and is used to prevent the pike from biting through the main line. The trace should be long enough to allow the bait to move freely, but not so long that it gives the pike too much room to maneuver.
There are a number of different types of trace material available, but the most common type is fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon is a strong, abrasion-resistant material that is almost invisible in water. This makes it an ideal choice for use as a trace material.
To attach the trace to the ledger stem, simply tie a loop knot in the end of the trace material. Then, pass the end of the ledger stem through the loop knot and pull it tight. Trim the excess line.
It is important to use a strong knot to attach the trace to the ledger stem. The knot should be able to withstand the force of a pike’s bite.
Here are some of the benefits of using a trace:
- Prevents the pike from biting through the main line
- Gives the pike less room to maneuver
- Helps to keep the bait in the strike zone
If you are fishing for pike in areas with a lot of sharp objects, such as rocks or submerged trees, it is important to use a trace that is made of a strong, abrasion-resistant material.
3. Using the Pike Ledger Stem
Pike ledger stems can be used in a variety of different fishing conditions. The most common way to use a ledger stem is to cast it out and let it sink to the bottom. The bait will then be suspended at the desired depth, and the pike will be able to see it and take it.
In flowing water, it is important to use a weight that is heavy enough to hold the bait in place. The weight will help to keep the bait from being swept away by the current.
In still water, you can use a lighter weight. The weight will help to keep the bait suspended at the desired depth, but it will not need to be as heavy as it would be in flowing water.
You can also use a ledger stem to fish in deep water. To do this, you will need to use a drop-off rig. A drop-off rig is a type of rig that is used to fish in areas where there is a sudden drop-off in the bottom.
To tie a drop-off rig, simply tie a weight to the end of the ledger stem. Then, tie a hook to the other end of the ledger stem. The weight will help to keep the bait suspended at the desired depth, and the hook will be positioned just above the drop-off.
Pike ledger stems are a versatile rig that can be used in a variety of different fishing conditions. By understanding how to use a ledger stem in different conditions, you can increase your chances of catching pike.
Flowing Water
Ledger stems are a great choice for fishing in flowing water because they help to keep the bait in place and prevent it from being swept away. The weight of the ledger stem will hold the bait down on the bottom, even in strong currents.
Another advantage of using ledger stems in flowing water is that they allow you to fish at a variety of depths. By adjusting the length of the trace, you can position the bait at the desired depth. This is important because pike often hold in different depths of water depending on the time of year and the water conditions.
Here are some tips for using ledger stems in flowing water:
- Use a weight that is heavy enough to hold the bait in place, but not so heavy that it spooks the pike.
- Adjust the length of the trace to position the bait at the desired depth.
- Cast the rig upstream and let it drift downstream.
- Be patient and wait for the pike to take the bait.
Ledger stems are a versatile rig that can be used in a variety of fishing conditions. They are a great choice for fishing in flowing water because they help to keep the bait in place and prevent it from being swept away.
Deep Water
Ledger stems can be effectively used in deep water by using a drop-off rig. A drop-off rig is a type of rig that is used to fish in areas where there is a sudden drop-off in the bottom.
To tie a drop-off rig, simply tie a weight to the end of the ledger stem. Then, tie a hook to the other end of the ledger stem. The weight will help to keep the bait suspended at the desired depth, and the hook will be positioned just above the drop-off.
When using a drop-off rig, it is important to use a weight that is heavy enough to hold the bait in place, but not so heavy that it spooks the pike. It is also important to adjust the length of the trace so that the bait is positioned just above the drop-off.
Pike often hold in deep water near drop-offs because they provide ambush points for prey. By using a drop-off rig, you can position your bait in the strike zone and increase your chances of catching pike.
Here are some tips for using a drop-off rig in deep water:
- Use a weight that is heavy enough to hold the bait in place, but not so heavy that it spooks the pike.
- Adjust the length of the trace so that the bait is positioned just above the drop-off.
- Cast the rig out and let it sink to the bottom.
- Be patient and wait for the pike to take the bait.
Still Water
In still water, there are a number of alternatives to using ledger stems. Two of the most popular alternatives are float rigs and paternoster rigs.
Float rigs are a good choice for fishing in still water because they allow you to present the bait at a specific depth. The float will keep the bait suspended at the desired depth, and the pike will be able to see it and take it.
Paternoster rigs are another good choice for fishing in still water. Paternoster rigs are similar to ledger stems, but they have multiple hooks attached to the trace. This gives you a better chance of hooking a pike, especially if they are not actively feeding.
Here are some tips for using float rigs and paternoster rigs in still water:
Float rigs:
- Use a float that is the appropriate size for the depth of water you are fishing.
- Adjust the depth of the float so that the bait is suspended at the desired depth.
- Cast the rig out and let it drift with the current.
Paternoster rigs:
- Use a weight that is heavy enough to hold the bait in place, but not so heavy that it spooks the pike.
- Adjust the length of the trace so that the hooks are positioned at different depths.
- Cast the rig out and let it sink to the bottom.
Both float rigs and paternoster rigs can be effective for catching pike in still water. By understanding how to use these rigs, you can increase your chances of success.
Quiz
- What is the main purpose of using a ledger stem when fishing for pike?
a) To keep the bait suspended at a desired depth b) To prevent the bait from being swept away by the current c) To attract pike by creating vibrations in the water d) All of the above
- Which type of hook is most commonly used in pike ledger stems?
a) Circle hook b) Treble hook c) Single hook d) Octopus hook
- What is the importance of using a trace when fishing for pike with a ledger stem?
a) To prevent the pike from biting through the main line b) To give the pike less room to maneuver c) To help keep the bait in the strike zone d) All of the above
- In flowing water, why is it important to use a weight that is heavy enough to hold the bait in place?
a) To prevent the bait from being swept away by the current b) To keep the bait suspended at the desired depth c) To attract pike by creating vibrations in the water d) All of the above
- What is the advantage of using a drop-off rig when fishing for pike in deep water?
a) It allows you to position the bait just above the drop-off b) It helps to keep the bait in the strike zone c) It increases your chances of catching pike d) All of the above
Answer Key
- d) All of the above
- a) Circle hook
- d) All of the above
- a) To prevent the bait from being swept away by the current
- d) All of the above