How to Fish Northern Pike – Shop Home Made

How to Fish Northern Pike: A Comprehensive Guide

Fishing for Northern Pike can be an exhilarating experience for both novice and experienced anglers alike. These aggressive predators are known for their ferocious strikes and powerful fights, making them a highly sought-after species. If you’re looking to target Northern Pike, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you improve your chances of success.

1. Understand the Habitat:
Northern Pike can be found in freshwater ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, and ponds. They prefer weedy areas, underwater vegetation, and structures like fallen trees or docks. Targeting these spots will increase your chances of encountering a Northern Pike.

2. Choose the Right Gear:
For Northern Pike fishing, a medium to heavy action spinning or baitcasting rod paired with a sturdy reel is ideal. Ensure your line has a good breaking strength of at least 15-20 lbs, as Northern Pike have sharp teeth that can easily cut through lighter lines.

3. Select the Appropriate Lures:
Northern Pike are known for their aggressive nature, making them susceptible to a variety of lures. Some effective choices include spoons, spinners, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastic swimbaits. Experiment with different colors and sizes to see what works best in your fishing location.

4. Understand the Pike’s Feeding Behavior:
Northern Pike are ambush predators that often lie in wait near structures or vegetation. They prefer to strike at passing prey, so casting parallel to the shoreline or around structures can be more productive than casting directly towards open water.

5. Master the Art of Retrieval:
When retrieving your lure, vary your speed and incorporate pauses or jerks to mimic injured prey. This erratic movement can trigger a Northern Pike’s predatory instincts, enticing them to strike.

6. Practice Proper Hookset Technique:
Northern Pike have bony mouths, so a strong hookset is essential. When you feel a strike, quickly reel in any slack and give a firm, upward jerk to set the hook. This will help ensure a solid connection.

7. Handle Pike with Care:
Northern Pike have sharp teeth and powerful jaws, so handling them requires caution. Use a sturdy landing net and consider using a jaw grip tool to avoid injury. Wet your hands before handling, as this prevents removing the protective slime coating on their skin.

8. Use Wire Leaders:
Northern Pike have a tendency to bite through fishing lines, particularly monofilament and fluorocarbon. To prevent losing lures and potentially injuring the fish, use a wire leader to protect your line.

9. Follow Local Fishing Regulations:
Before embarking on a Northern Pike fishing trip, familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations. Pay attention to size limits, catch-and-release policies, and any specific rules regarding Northern Pike fishing in your area.

10. Be Patient:
Fishing for Northern Pike can sometimes require patience, as they may not always be actively feeding. Persistence and experimentation with different lures and techniques will increase your chances of success.

Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions about Northern Pike fishing:

FAQs:

1. What is the best time of year to fish for Northern Pike?
Northern Pike can be caught year-round, but they are most active during the spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler.

2. What is the average size of a Northern Pike?
Northern Pike can range in size from a few pounds to well over 20 pounds, with the average catch weighing around 5-10 pounds.

3. How deep should I fish for Northern Pike?
Northern Pike can be found at various depths depending on the time of year and water temperature. They may be closer to the surface during spring and fall, while in summer, they often move to deeper areas of the water.

4. What is the best weather for Northern Pike fishing?
Overcast days or times of low light, such as dawn and dusk, can be particularly productive for Northern Pike fishing. They tend to be more active during these periods.

5. Are there any specific techniques for ice fishing Northern Pike?
Yes, ice fishing for Northern Pike requires different techniques. You can use tip-ups or jigging with large spoons or live bait, such as smelt or shiners, to attract them under the ice.

6. Do I need a boat to fish for Northern Pike?
While a boat can provide access to deeper water, Northern Pike can also be caught from shore or while wading in shallow areas. It depends on the fishing location and your personal preference.

7. Can I eat Northern Pike?
Northern Pike can be consumed, but it’s important to be aware of local guidelines regarding consumption due to potential mercury contamination. Check with local authorities for recommendations.

8. What is the best time of day to fish for Northern Pike?
Northern Pike can be caught throughout the day, but they tend to be more active during early morning and late evening when water temperatures are cooler.

9. What is the lifespan of a Northern Pike?
In the wild, Northern Pike can live up to 20 years, although the average lifespan is usually shorter due to predation and fishing pressure.