Beginner Thames pike bank‑rig
Kingston station—deep cut where 20lb pike sit in summer
Rig basics
Use a single-hook paternoster or running ledger. Mainline 12lb+ (mono or heavy braid). Trace 15–40cm wire, 30lb+ breaking strain. Hook size 4–6 circle or semi-barbed to favour jaw hookups and easy release. Crimp trace at the hook eye; no trebles.
Assembly and knots
Tie mainline to a swivel with a blood knot, 5–7 wraps. Attach the wire trace to the swivel with a short polymer knot or crimp sleeve. Thread the trace through the hook eye, double back and crimp. Use a small buffer bead and run ring between float and trace to reduce wear.
Float, weight and bait
15–20g inline sliding float such as a Drennan Zeppler sits well on Thames channels. Use lighter-than-float lead so the bait hovers; set float 3–4ft above bait to present over weed beds. Twitching sprat nose-hooked or smelt cutbait work best on river runs and deep bank holes.
Beginner gear notes
Rod: 10–12ft progressive-action pike rod. Reel: easy-running Nottingham-style with brass star back. Keep spares: crimps, sleeves, size 4–6 circle hooks, and a small cheburashka 7–10g for tight swims.
Landing and release
Use long forceps to reach back and rotate the hook out. Grip the gill membrane behind the teeth; never put fingers inside the gill rakers. Support the belly with wet hands, remove hook with minimal handling, photograph quickly and return fish to the flow to recover.
Recommended: stainless forceps tool