Transwiki:Fishing for pike

The Pike is a popular freshwater 'sport' fish throughout the northern hemisphere. There are many different approaches to catching this lively fish. Usually a 10 kg pike is considered a target which to attain.

Tackle
Pike are hard fighting fish, so a strong line, 20 lb. test or more, such as braided dacron or strong nylon monofilament 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 spearfishing. In recent years fly-fishing for pike has become so popular that during June many northern Canadian lodges will be filled with only fly-fisherman.

Methods
There are several methods of catching Pike. Young Pike commonly are known as jack pike or "snakes". They are enthusiastic feeders and will readily take lures, dead and live baits. Larger Pike can be a lot more difficult to tempt. Consequently, while an angler may readily take smaller Pike with a lure, livebait or deadbait, the angler who fishes with a deadbait who typically captures the larger specimen fish.

Livebaiting
Pike feed on a great variety of small and large fishes, such as perch and whitefish, 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 5" long minnow. An oily minnow such as a cisco or a sucker is preferred because it leaves a "scent trail" for the pike to follow*. 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 mealworms. 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.


 * In some states and areas, it is either illegal to use certain minnows, or minnows in general. Always check with local regulations.

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. Again, an oiliy minnow such as a cisco or a sucker is preferred. 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. An effective way of catching pike is to attach a bobber about five feet above the steel leader with the deadbait attached. When the pike bites, it will take the bobber under and out. Let the fish take the bait for awhile, and then set the hook. 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 (especially weedless ones), large rattling crankbaits, bucktails and generally anything that is shiny, large, loud, and attracts the pikes attention. Often bass and walleye fisherman will catch pike as a byproduct. Pike commonly eat fish weighing up to 20% of their own weight, so you can never have too big a lure. Often Pike hit baits out of anger, so red-and-white Daredevils and large, brightly colored spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are go-to baits for many accomplished pike fishermen. Pike are not shy when it comes to hitting crankbaits, jigs and just about any other lure intended for different species. An economically challenged angler may catch pike by using tabs from soft drink cans on a swivel with a hook with surprising efficiency. Also beware that brightly coloured plugs tend to catch more anglers than fish and you will soon find that you have more than you will be able to use, but you will quickly discover your favourites for a particular water.

Beginners can throw on almost any common lure to catch their first pike. As mentioned above, red and white Dardevles or red and white Mepps inline spinners are great choices for pike of any size. Any jerkbait will also entice strikes. Know what the pike in your area feed on to pick the color for your jerkbaits in clear water. For stained water jerk a more colorful pattern such as a clown. Spinner baits are also good choices for active northerns. Many anglers’ uses blades with more thump than flash like Colorados or Indianas. Many northern spinerbaits have tandem blades, although single blades are often effective when duel blades fail. In this case red and black or something Halloween colored is often a good choice. When a bite goes cold on any of the above baits sometimes small changes can mean the difference in a continuous bite and day of frustration on the water.

Handling
Pike can be unhooked and returned quickly and with minimal damage if you have the right tools and handle them correctly.

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.
 * 4) If you are planning to keep the fish, or if the fish is small, the gill covers can be firmly (but gently!) squeezed shut to stun the fish and keep it from flopping around. If done gently enough, this procedure will not hurt the fish. It also keeps the fish from becoming injured from flopping about in the boat or on shore.
 * 5) *ONLY TO BE USED IF THE FISH IS TO BE KEPT AND EATEN*  Despite being one of the least humane methods ever used, it is common practice among some fishermen to hold a large pike by inserting the thumb and forefinger into the fish's eyesockets, and holding firmly.  This practice almost always keeps the fish from flopping excessively, allowing easy removal of hooks.  Although this is a very effective means by which to control large pike, it is certain to harm the fish, and is often frowned upon.

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.