Quick-Strike Rig Diagram & Gear List

Two small treble hooks on a wire trace are set into a deadbait or live bait a few inches apart, so the hooks sit near the surface of the bait and you can strike as soon as the fish takes. That quick strike hooks pike and musky in the jaw instead of the gut, which is why it is the standard responsible predator rig.

Also known as: Snap Tackle (GB, IE)

Where to use it: lake, river, boat
Difficulty: intermediate
Common in: US, Canada, UK, Ireland

Gear List

main Line15-30 lb monofilament or 30-50 lb braid
leader20-30 lb (pike) or 50-80 lb (musky) wire trace
leader Length18-24in wire trace; the two trebles are 3-5in apart at its end
hook RangeTwo #8 - #4 semi-barbed or barbless trebles for pike; #2 - 3/0 for musky
weight TypeNone under a float, or a 1-2oz running lead when ledgered
sinker Drop LengthIf ledgered, the lead runs on the main line above the wire trace's swivel
swivelSize 7 - 1 barrel swivel at the top of the trace
extrasFloat or pike bung when float fishing, Long disgorger or forceps and wire cutters

Optional gear

Gear to build this setup

These Amazon.com searches match the guide's starting specifications. Check the size, listing, and availability in your country before ordering.

Pike quick-strike rig components Check local hook and bait rules.Search on Amazon Quick-strike treble hooks Check hook size, bait fit, and local hook rules before ordering.Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to tie the Quick-Strike Rig

Crimp or twist a size 7 - 1 swivel to the top of 18-24in of wire.
Fix one treble at the end of the trace and a second, sliding or fixed, 3-5in above it.
Set one treble near the bait's tail root and the other near its pectoral fin.
Fish it under a float or ledgered, and strike firmly as soon as the float moves off or line starts running.

When and where it works best

Cold-water pike and musky fishing with dead or live bait from bank or boat.

Is the Quick-Strike Rig good for beginners?

It is rated intermediate: easy to tie, but worth a little practice to fish well. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Spinning Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Quick-Strike Rig good for?

Northern Pike Muskellunge (Musky)Chain Pickerel

Handling and regulations: Pike and musky are subject to size limits, bait rules, and in some waters catch-and-release requirements. Check current local regulations, and live baiting is banned in many areas. Carry long forceps, strike early, and unhook the fish on a wet mat.

Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Quick-Strike Rig?

A 15-30 lb monofilament or 30-50 lb braid main line, a 20-30 lb (pike) or 50-80 lb (musky) wire trace leader (18-24in wire trace; the two trebles are 3-5in apart at its end), a Two #8 - #4 semi-barbed or barbless trebles for pike; #2 - 3/0 for musky hook, and a None under a float, or a 1-2oz running lead when ledgered. Full gear list is above.

What is a Quick-Strike Rig best for?

The Quick-Strike Rig works best for lake, river, boat fishing, and is a recommended setup for Northern Pike, Muskellunge (Musky), Chain Pickerel. Difficulty: intermediate.

Is the Quick-Strike Rig hard to tie?

It is rated intermediate. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.