Pike Ledger Rig

Background

Ledgering requires no more than a wire trace for the hooks and bait, a weight to tighten line up to and a bite indicator located on the bank. This can be a drop-off indicator, a swinger, springer, dropper, or other such device. I recommend also using an audible bite alarm as pike often eat the dead-bait without moving away. You might get no more that a single bleep but you should always investigate it just in case. The risk of not doing so is a deep hooked pike which, although we have all had at some time, should be avoided wherever possible. Whichever device you choose to use it is absolutely critical that it lets you know you have a take whichever direction the pike runs. I cannot stress this highly enough for the reasons already mentioned.

Situations

Ledgering is useful in the following circumstances:

Fishing at distance - less casting resistance and easier bite indication than with a float.

Weed free swims - Line lays low in the water.

Venues with boat traffic - boats will safely pass over low lying line.

Even bottoms - No lumps and bumps for the line to snag and rub on.

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.

Ledger Bomb - The ledger comes in all shapes and sizes from 1/8 ounce upwards and serves two purposes in this rig. Firstly it provides casting weight and secondly an anchor point to wind down to in order to set the drop-off indicator. Use enough weight to fit the needs of the angling situation, for example a heavier bomb may be required in windy conditions and flowing water.

Beads - Used to stop the ledger bomb from damaging the knot.

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.

Andy Webster