finding the level the pike
were feeding at was crucial
L U R E
Andy’s game plan is to work
through the depths, employing
different crank and swimbaits
to find out exactly what level the
pike are feeding. The obvious
starting point – and the most
exciting – is the surface. Out flies
a Sakura Pop N Dog. A vicious
serious of yanks on the rod tip
breaks it into life as it pops and
glugs, spitting water out in front
– if there are pike in the area
they’ll know this is about. Despite
Andy’s efforts, however, the pike
are not interested. On to the next
level with a sub-surface stickbait,
sinking slowly to around a 30cm
depth before suspending, but
again no action.
The next stage are cranks, and
covering the first metre of water
a Sakura Bomba Crank gets
wet. With steep angle lip and fat,
round body the lure has a tight
wiggle when pulled back and
down through the top layer.
Second cast, just as Andy’s
allowing the floating lure to rise
back to the surface it’s nailed.
The 30lb braid delivers what looks
like an electric shock to his rod
and Andy instinctively whips his
1) Andy employs a low-profile baitcaster for some
of his lure work as it gives better control on the
cast for landing in tight holes and bays.
2) Surface poppers with an added twinkle in their
backsides, with teasers whipped on the single
hook shanks.
3) Swimbaits give a more lifelike
swimming action on the retrieve,
even at slow speeds.