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We have looked at a static bottom methods using various indicators to inform the angler of a take, here is one of the simplest ways to fish for pike with dead baits. It is called 'sink and draw' as basically you cast the bait and allow it to sink, once done you retrieve the bait sharply causing it to rise in the water after a few yards of this you allow the bait to sink again. Dependant on the depth of the water being fished you can vary the depth the bait is allowed to sink by occasionally starting the retrieve sooner.
To get the best from this you will need, unless you already know the depth of the water in the swim, to cast and count the bait down until the line goes slack indicating the bait is then on the bottom. Now when you cast you can count down to place the bait at a particular depth by design, perhaps beside a feature or weed bed and try and tempt a pike to strike from cover.
The diagram explains the technique and the bait mounting, to make the bait a little more reactive place the end hook a little further down the bait so that in is slightly curved, this will make the bait 'wobble' a little more and seem like a injured fish and further tempt a strike!
The 'wobbled' bait can benefit from the minimum of shot loading to utilize the baits natural buoyancy and to allow it to remain natural in its fluttering fall to wards the bottom. Casting distance may be impaired but the action is great. In flowing water you can allow the bait to 'trot' down stream and then begin working it back against the flow enticingly. Adding weight will allow the bait get and stay deeper id you need it, but most takes are from pike sheltering in hollows in the bottom, behind bridge piers or bottom obstructions that provide shelter.
Be prepared though for the takes can be hard and fast, often surprising the angler, much more exciting sometimes than sitting behind floats or buzzers.
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