Would fluorocarbon work as well with live bait rigs? What poundage?
My pike fishing is in ultra clear water and I only use live bait rigs. I use small hooks...like #1 or 1/0 live bait hooks from VMC. I also use about 6-7 feet of 15# Seaguar flourocarbon. I prefer the biggest river shiners I can get, but golden shiners and suckers also work.
I'd say 90+% of my fish are hooked right in the corner of the mouth.
Guys that have never fished this ultra clear water always want to use cable, but it doesn't take them long to realize fluoro is the way to go...especially after I get a couple dandies.
April is the time for big pike in Wisconsin...40+ inchers aren't uncommon.