Northern pike for years were scorned as game fish, called snakes or jacks, and regarded by anglers as non-sporting fish. When the pike are on the move though, they are aggressive strikers and many times a new pike angler has realized the first strike with a ”Wow!” Pike often smack artificial lures hard but then again a larger, trophy sized pike may simply take the lure and swim off disregarding what’s holding onto them.
While pike rarely jump, they thrash about on the surface when caught in shallow water and when being brought to the boat. Mid-size pike, between 5 and 10 pounds, seek to escape with powerful runs and a side-to-side shaking of the head. Large pike, once hooked, often, but, not always merely swim off, powerfully taking out line with a loud zinging sound. It is as though they know they are the largest critter around and need not get excited. When a trophy pike gets the message, however, if the drag on your reel is not working or there is a nick in your line, it’s all over!
Targeting the Water Wolf
Because pike favor colder waters, the best fishing naturally occurs in the Canadian provinces.
Pike do best in relatively cold water. Lake bays and deep, spring-fed lakes like Wawang Lake are the prime places to look for trophies.
Unlike some species that become very inactive during winter, northern pike are caught year round. Here, only spring, summer and fall will be considered.
Gear
Most pike anglers use bait-casting gear, though spinning equipment works for those that prefer it. Rods are typically 6 or 7 feet long, with a medium or stiff action. Reels should have a quality drag system and sufficient capacity for 12- to 20-pound test line.
Braided line, particularly made from Spectra (there are a number of manufacturers), is becoming popular among pike anglers. The braided fiber lines do not stretch as monofilament does. While that quality permits improved sensitivity and more secure hook setting, it also means that angler errors in playing fish cannot be recovered as the line absorbs stretch.
Wire leaders, either cable or single strand, have been used by pike anglers for decades. Pike have an impressive array of sharp teeth that can cut monofilament in a flash. A recent trend has been to substitute heavy fluorocarbon—80-pound test or more—for wire as a leader material. The fluorocarbon does not reflect light underwater and is less visible to fish. Leaders should be 9 to 12 inches long for casting, longer for trolling.
Fly rod anglers with 8-weight, 9-foot rods armed with deer hair bugs or large streamers do well with pike. A wire or fluorocarbon leader is a must here, too.
Spring Tactics And Lures
Ice-out is prime fishing time for lunker pike, with many large fish lingering in shallow water following the spawn. Pike spawn in the early spring, often under the ice. Water temperatures will be in the mid-40 degree range.
Ice-out, the period just after the winter ice breaks up, is a prime time for lunker pike. After the spawn, huge fish linger in shallow water. Water temperatures will be in the 50 range. Often, you will be sight fishing. You can choose to throw to a 10-pounder or a 20-pounder—or perhaps an even bigger fish—if they’re present. Continue read at WaWang Resort….
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