Pike Float Ledger Rig

Background

The static dead-bait has been a popular method of catching pike for many years and one of the most important tactics used is the Float-Ledger rig.

The float provides the bite indication in this rig, many pike anglers also use an audible alarm with a drop-off indicator in addition to the float.

Situations

Float Ledgering is useful in the following circumstances:

Weedy swims - The line goes almost vertical from the bait to the surface, avoiding weed.

Uneven bottoms - Avoiding line damage on gravel & clay pits.

Fishing from boats - Ledgering is very difficult if not impossible.

Drifting or trotting - The bait is suspended mid-water and allowed to move with wind and flow.

Materials

12lb Main Line - This is my recommended minimum line strength for 2 reasons. Firstly, strong tackle is required to land pike, which are a powerful fish. Secondly, it reduces the risk of snapping and leaving a trace either in a pikes mouth or a baited trace in the water.

Powergum - The stop knot, used to set the depth of the rig, should be made using a soft material to avoid damaging the line. Start two feet over depth when presenting the bait on the bottom and adjust according to the conditions. I have also used elastic bands and a piece of the main line.

Beads - Used to stop floats and ledger bombs from damaging or passing over knots.

Float - My personal favourites for float ledgering are the Drennan Piker and Zeppler ranges which can be attached in-line and used as slider floats as well as bottom-end only.

Wire Trace - Also known as snap tackle or the hook-link. A standard dead-bait trace has a swivel attached to trace wire with two treble or double hooks. A variety of ready-made traces can be bought from all good pike tackle shops.

SSG Shot - Use just enough weight to cock the float without the rig being dragged around in the water (unless that is the required effect). Ledger bombs are also popular where more weight is needed, for example on rivers.