Pike dead baiting

[bellebuster]

Went to Carr mill dam the other day piking got talking to a chap who said put a small elastic band around the bait to keep the wire trace in place surely if a pike swallows the bait the band wouldn't do it any good what r your views on this

[Big Kev]

Certainly would`nt do it any good....seen Matt Hayes put a length of balsa wood inside a dead roach bait to help it float,when fishing for pike....carp lads put cork plugs in boiles to critically balance the baits...none of which is gunna do the fish much good

[Steve Duffy]

When pike fishing you should strike well before the pike has a chance to swallow the bait.

[Ken the PACMAN]

The various bands and fixings an bits of wood are all tied to the trace normally so are removed the same time as the hooks.

[gilly111]

Iv bin pike fishing for years and never lost any bits and bobs
That iv ever used to tie or pop up baits like ken says everything is
Attached to the trace or should be. Never used elastic bands though
That dosent seem good practice their are plenty of ways to keep
Your bait on