Then I discivered the European solution -- dead bait. Dead bait has several advantages over the live variety. For starters, it's easier to find -- I've even bought smelts at the grocery store -- and it doesn't hide in the weeds. But most importantly, you don't have to worry about killing it, so you can hook it in the middle of the body. When the pike takes the minnow, you can set the hook almost immediately, and live release is much, much easier.

I use a quick-strike rig to improve hooking percentages with minimal damage to the fish. For this setup, attach a six-inch leader to your hook, and then tie on a "stinger" trebblehook, The first hook goes in the snout of the minnow, as usual, Then imbed one of the trebles into the stomach of the minnow, so the other two trebles stay out for rnaximum hooking power.

Since I've discovered dead-bait fishing, I've had tremendous success with pike at all times of the year - even through the ice. My only problem now is the fish's nick-names. Somehow freshwater barracuda and water wolves don't seem right anymore, How about freshwater vultures?

Wes Lavergne is a member of the Let's Talk Fishing team with Pete Pokulok. The Let's Talk Fishing Team is well known for its annual seminar series, as well as being one of the most successful tournament teams in Canada with over 40 wins!

Note: If you want to experience some fantastic Southern Ontario Fishing with Wes and Pete, give them a call at (905) 666-4057, or (705) 799-9802 and book yourself a memorable trip. We have days open on a first come first served basis.

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