1) Rigidify the assembly
If you notice that the lure you've chosen has a tendency to turn on itself and that its swimming action isn't very nice, you need to give it less freedom. If the screw is not long enough, instead of using a lead head, you can insert a toothpick or metal rod to give the lure structure and stiffen the front end.
2) Keep the mount close to the lure
If the length of a stinger is long and it hangs too far below the lure, a pin can be slipped over its strand to add an anchoring point on the lure. This keeps the line as close to the lure as possible and prevents it from snagging on debris or obstacles.
3) Replace stingers with broken rings and swivels
For short lengths, rather than using a sleeved wire, which requires a certain length and always presents a risk of a sleeve slipping off, it is possible to make a succession of swivels and broken rings, until the desired length is obtained. Double or triple swivels can also be used to easily gain length.
Crimping a three-centimeter wire from each edge is no easy task, but using this technique makes it a breeze.
4) Use simple hooks
Shallow rigs are commonly made with treble hooks. Single hooks can also be used, and this modification reduces tangles. If the hook is not positioned in the right direction, one trick is to add a broken ring, which allows the hook to be rotated 90 degrees.
Hook sizes 2/0, 3/0, 4/0 and 5/0 cover all lure sizes for pike.
5) Adjust the lead
Attaching a sinker clip to the broken ring of the first hook helps to keep the lure balanced or to compensate for the weight of the screw head, keeping the lure horizontal. Positioning it at the head of the lure causes it to nosedive at every pause, which may be relevant depending on the desired effect.
6) Adjust the number of hooks
Personally, I often use just one treble hook, which I place in the middle. It makes unhooking easier, avoids tangles in the net and reduces injuries, should the fish bite on the second hook.
The use of two treble hooks is especially justified for larger lures, above 25 centimetres. In the case of single hook rigs, it's better to keep two hooks.
