QUICK-STRIKE RIGS
WHEN TO FISH 'EM: From ice-out in early spring until early summer, the quick-strike rig may be the best trophy pike technique of all time. Target large, weedy bays wherever you find structural transitions, such as shallow to deep water, hard to soft bottom, or rocks to weeds.

WHERE AND HOW: Rig your bait on a quick-strike rig and attach a Big N Light-Strike Indicator-or a small balloon if the bait is too heavy-so the lure suspends two to three feet off bottom. Let the bait drift naturally (a very slow drift is far better than a fast one). The key to properly fishing a quick-strike rig is to quickly reel in slack line as soon as the bobber or balloon plunges under the water. But don't set the hook; just keep reeling until you feel the weight of the fish, then gently sweep back the rod tip. That way, you'll catch every fish.

PYZER'S PICKS (click here for photo): A quick-strike rig (27-pound-test [A] Sevenstrand Uncoated Wire and two #4 or #6 red [B] Gamakatsu treblehooks), a [C] Big N Light-Strike Indicator or balloon and a large live baitfish or, better yet, a dead smelt, mackerel, herring or sucker.


JIGS AND SOFT PLASTICS
WHEN TO FISH 'EM: Coupled with bass-style jigs, these soft-plastics are great in midsummer, when pike head for deeper water and patrol weedlines and the edges of hard rock structures, especially the sections exposed to the wind and waves.

WHERE AND HOW: Nothing catches a pike's attention quicker at these deeper locations than a large (1/2- to one-ounce) bass-style jig dressed with a big, bulbous, five- to eight-inch-long soft-plastic. The weight of the jig and the size of the dressing depend on the depth of the water and the size of the fish, but big is usually better. When the fish are aggressive, cast out and let the bait fall to bottom, then snap it back briskly using an exaggerated lift-fall-pause retrieve. And here's another secret: using a heavy jig forces you to work quickly. Also, if you spot a big pike on your sonar screen hanging below the boat, quickly lower the jig and pop it up and down.

When the fishing is slow-and especially just before you leave a spot where you've enjoyed great action using one of the other presentations-always retrieve a jig and soft-plastic through the area, three to five feet off bottom without imparting any additional action. This trick is always good for two or three more fish.

PYZER'S PICKS (click here for photo): [A] Berkley Gulp! Leech, [B] Berkley Gulp! Shaky Shad, [C] bass-style jig, [D] Mister Twister Exude Curly Tail, [E] Berkley PowerBait Power Lizard, [F] Yamamoto Kut-Tail, [G] YUM Ribbontail.