| Fishing For Pike |
Article Index for Fishing |
Website Links For Fishing |
Information AboutFishing For Pike |
|
The Pike is a popular freshwater 'sport' fish throughout the northern hemisphere. There are many different approaches to catching this lively fish. TACKLE Pike are hard fighting fish, so a strong line--such as braided dacron, but strong nylon monofilament is sufficient--is required, as is a length of wire between the bait and the line (a leader), since a pike's sharp teeth can readily sever ordinary fishing line. A strong, stiff rod is also the typical choice of rod for the Pike angler, of which there are many versions and makes on the market. Generally, a strong spinning or baitcasting reel is used. Pike are active year-round, and are thus a popular species among Ice Fisherman . In addition to conventional ice-fishing tackle, tip-up rigs are often used, since the sheer size and strength of large predatory fish such as pike will readily trigger them. Also, pike are among the most popular targets of Spear-fishing . METHODS There are several methods of catching Pike. Young Pike (up to about 6 kg) are fast and agile and able to catch prey with ease. Larger Pike tend to lie in wait for easier prey. Consequently, whilst an angler may readily take smaller Pike with a lure or livebait, it is the angler who fishes with a deadbait who typically captures the larger specimen fish. Livebaiting Pike feed on a great variety of small fishes so choice of bait depends a lot on the water which the angler is fishing. If you are not familiar with the water you are fishing, the most successful live bait for pike is the minnow. Anglers can even catch small Perch or Sunfish (though sometimes not legal in certain parts of Canada or the U.S.) and use them to entice large pike. Based on this same concept, finding a school of crappie can also be an effective means of finding a pike. Pike will also strike a jigged Night Crawlers or other Earthworm species or one suspended from a bobber. Since Pike, like other esocids, are such voracious fish, they are not wary when it comes to taking live bait. Small pike will even take Crickets and Meal Worms . Despite the pike's wide diet, the actual catching of the fish remains quite difficult and thus angler should have at least some knowledge of the waters he is fishing on or have the means to cover a large portion of the water. Deadbaiting The choice of bait for deadbaiting is a hard one for the angler to take. The best approach is perhaps to fish two or three separate rods and to try different bait on each. Once again, however, local knowledge will come in useful. Giving the dead bait a lifelike presentation, like twitching the line or drifting the bait, will increase strike chances.Two treble hooks attached to a strong wire trace are generally used for deadbaiting, making sure the treble hooks are attached towards the rear of the deadbait. Doing this helps prevent pike being deep hooked when they try and eat the deadbait, providing that the angler strikes to set the hooks immediately a bite is detected. Anglers when first trying deadbaiting for pike should first go fishing with an experienced pike angler. This will ensure the fish are correctly handeled and unhooked. This is very important so the fishes survival is guaranteed. Note that fishing with more than one hook or rod is illegal in many states in the US. Lure fishing Lures come in all shapes and sizes. And they are an exciting and popular method of catching Pike. However, a word of caution, there are more lures for sale than there are fish in the sea! On a given day, a particular type of lure will work wonders and catch Pike. The next day, it may not work at all. There are some lures which stand the test of time more so than others and these are the best ones to begin fishing with. In North America most recreational fisherman take pike on in-line spinners, spinner baits, spoons and generally anything that is shiny and attracts the pikes attention. Often Bass and Walleye fisherman will catch pike as a byproduct. Pike are not shy when it comes to hitting crank baits, jigs and just about any other lure intended for different species. An economically challenged angler may catch pike by using tabs from soda cans on a swivel with a hook with surprising efficiency. HANDLING Pike may look mean and tough but they are as liable to be damaged as any other fish if handled carelessly. In countries where the fish is being taken to eat - as is the case in much of continental Europe, for example - it may not be so important that the fish is properly handled. However, in all cases it is probably best - and safest - if a few basic tips are followed. 1. If inexperienced with Pike, go fishing with someone who is experienced. A large Pike can easily weigh in excess of 15 kg and they all have very sharp teeth. 2. In many parts of the angling world, the use of gaffs is no longer accepted. Consequently a Pike should be netted or, if experienced enough to do so, handled out of the water. 3. Take care in unhooking a Pike if you plan to return it to the water. In particular, avoid damaging the gill rakers when unhooking. CLUBS AND SOCIETIES There are clubs and societies dedicated to Pike and Pike angling throughout the world. It is always a good idea to take detailed advice on handling and tackle from a club in your area. SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS |
|
|