Dead Smelts Under Tip-ups

[Fishnwire]

How do you folks like to present your dead baits for pike when using tip-ups? Single, treble, jig, quick-strike?...what kind of hook/hook combo do you like? Also...how do you hang the smelt (shinner, whatever) in the water? Can I assume everyone prefers the minnow to remain horizontal?

 

Thanks...

[Raf]

quick strike rig, horizontal. if the bait you are using is still frozne, you may need to drive a weight into it (big nail or railway tie).

 

a shiner, smelt is generally too small. try a 10"+ herring or go to your local fish market and pick up some mackerel or something oily, greasy and stinky.

[Raf]

a pic of a rigged cisco (herring)

 

 

note that some cos believe that to be a perfectly fine rig, while others may deem it illegal. the rig also has a blade and beads that are not in the picture. commercial quick-strike rigs come with two trebles as well, eventhough that in itself does not make them legal. replace a treble with a big single if you are concerned.

Edited January 7, 2009 by Raf

[ScugogBoy]

I've had luck rigging a frozen smelt with a single siwash hook through the eye sockets and a second (treble) hook behind the top dorsal.....we let the smelt rest on bottom.......make sure it's sandy or clay bottom not too far from a weed bed (usually 6-20 feet).....

Once you detect movement on the line...let the pike run with it for a few seconds.....once it stops-it's turning it in it's mouth and then give it a good steady tug to set the hook.....if it does not set...wait again till he picks it up again and be patient.