Well, I went down to the local lake today. It is just a few miles down the road so I thought I would give it a try. The guy who owns it stocks a bunch of weird fish for such a small pond. There are northern pike, carp, bass, crappie, grass carp, channel cats, and almost any other kind of fish you can get. I guess he likes to mix it up.
Anyway, I was trying to land this huge northern pike that has been in there for a few years now. I bet he is close to 40 inches. No luck with him today, but there was a lot of other action. The crappies were pounding this little spinner I had and the bass loved it too. Got about a dozen or so total in just a bit over an hour. The lake is not huge maybe 3 acres, but contains tons of fish due to it being fertile.
While it was not a great northern pike fishing day, it still was fun. Sometimes it is less boring catching many than waiting around to catch one big one. I also had a grass carp hooked, but he ran into the lure by accident and quickly got unhooked since it was in his side. That guy is like 40 lbs so I doubt I would have landed him anyway.
Oh well, maybe next time.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Pike Fishing Tips
Many times when we want to go Northern Pike Fishing there is always something that we forget to do. Preparation is the key, as with any species of fish. Many people as me if there are any specific northern pike lures to use. This question is hard to answer, since many lures can be used for different species of fish. It is no different with pikes. Some people will say to use a spoon or crank bait, while others will use some sort of swim bait.
If anyone has ever gone on one of those Canadian Fishing Trips , they know that northern's are numerous up there. This would be one of the first places I would go if I was in North America. However, many places around the globe, from Finland, Germany, France, and so forth are supposed to have great waters as well.
A guy I used to know said he caught 30 pikes in one day fishing at a smaller lake in Minnesota. He said he was just using a jig and minnow for walleye when it happened. With that being said, anything can catch these fish, so do not be too picky with the lures. Some people even go fly fishing for northern pike. I bet that would be amazing.
Anyway, back to some more tips. This one may be a bit of a stretch, but I have had it work before when walleye or perch fishing. If you happen to get one of these on, take your time with them getting it into the boat. I good sized Northern Pike will hit these fish and normally hold on. While this is great, chances are you do not have a leader on and the fish may cut the line anyway. It does work though. So take your time with reeling in your other fish if any pike is nearby.
I really enjoy a using a huge bass buzz bait for really big fish. A monster water wolf will destroy these lures on the surface too. It is hard to wait for the fish to hit when you can see it tracking the lure. I have also missed many trophy pikes this way to I bet.
I guess it really does not matter which lures you choose. It may be best to take a handful of rods already lined up and ready with a bunch of different baits. Again though, there is no best tip except for your trial and error. Good luck in your next attempt for a trophy.
If anyone has ever gone on one of those Canadian Fishing Trips , they know that northern's are numerous up there. This would be one of the first places I would go if I was in North America. However, many places around the globe, from Finland, Germany, France, and so forth are supposed to have great waters as well.
A guy I used to know said he caught 30 pikes in one day fishing at a smaller lake in Minnesota. He said he was just using a jig and minnow for walleye when it happened. With that being said, anything can catch these fish, so do not be too picky with the lures. Some people even go fly fishing for northern pike. I bet that would be amazing.
Anyway, back to some more tips. This one may be a bit of a stretch, but I have had it work before when walleye or perch fishing. If you happen to get one of these on, take your time with them getting it into the boat. I good sized Northern Pike will hit these fish and normally hold on. While this is great, chances are you do not have a leader on and the fish may cut the line anyway. It does work though. So take your time with reeling in your other fish if any pike is nearby.
I really enjoy a using a huge bass buzz bait for really big fish. A monster water wolf will destroy these lures on the surface too. It is hard to wait for the fish to hit when you can see it tracking the lure. I have also missed many trophy pikes this way to I bet.
I guess it really does not matter which lures you choose. It may be best to take a handful of rods already lined up and ready with a bunch of different baits. Again though, there is no best tip except for your trial and error. Good luck in your next attempt for a trophy.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Fishing Time
Here in the midwest it is about time to start catching some fish. Within the next month or so, I hope to take a small fishing trip for some Northern Pike fishing. It has been a long winter, and ice fishing is not much fun in my opinion, so it will be great to get some action.
The first few months after ice out are never really that productive. However, I have found that many of the larger fish move to the spawning stage first, hence creating a great trophy pike opportunity. I do not like fishing too early in the year due to my hatred of the cold, so I can only fish for an hour at a time or so.
I hope to try fly fishing for northern pike later in the year, but I am not sure if I will get the opportunity. It will help if I learn to correctly fly fish first. It just seems there is not enough time to go regular fishing let alone learning a new style that is so unnatural to me.
I was watching an old in fisherman episode where they were fishing for gigantic lake trout up in Canada. This would also be an amazing trip I would like to make some day. They also have them in the great lakes, but that does not sound as fun as a canada fishing trip.
With Pike Fishing right around the corner for me, I have relined all my rods and reels and also put new hooks on some lures. I think this is a big place were most fisherman forget about. They assume all hooks are sharp and will hold fish.
However, hooks dull over time, and most hooks on cheap lures are already dull. You MUST have sharp hooks for Northern Pike since they have such a bony jaw and mouth.
Besides for that, my gear appears to be ready for my next trip. Hopefully it will come sooner rather than later. We will have to see.
The first few months after ice out are never really that productive. However, I have found that many of the larger fish move to the spawning stage first, hence creating a great trophy pike opportunity. I do not like fishing too early in the year due to my hatred of the cold, so I can only fish for an hour at a time or so.
I hope to try fly fishing for northern pike later in the year, but I am not sure if I will get the opportunity. It will help if I learn to correctly fly fish first. It just seems there is not enough time to go regular fishing let alone learning a new style that is so unnatural to me.
I was watching an old in fisherman episode where they were fishing for gigantic lake trout up in Canada. This would also be an amazing trip I would like to make some day. They also have them in the great lakes, but that does not sound as fun as a canada fishing trip.
With Pike Fishing right around the corner for me, I have relined all my rods and reels and also put new hooks on some lures. I think this is a big place were most fisherman forget about. They assume all hooks are sharp and will hold fish.
However, hooks dull over time, and most hooks on cheap lures are already dull. You MUST have sharp hooks for Northern Pike since they have such a bony jaw and mouth.
Besides for that, my gear appears to be ready for my next trip. Hopefully it will come sooner rather than later. We will have to see.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tips for Catching Trophies
Here are my simple rules for catching Northern Pike:
1. Medium heavy to heavy rod.
2. At least 10-12 lb line, if not more.
3. At least 30 lb + steel leader. About 1 foot long.
4. Lures that you can retrieve quickly and that create excitement.
5. Location- back bays early in the year, weedbeds later in the year.
6. Be creative- rule 5 is not always true.
7. A good landing net or cradle, if you prefer to do less harm to the fish.
8. Patience- while Pike fishing can be quick, you must always assume otherwise.
9. Enjoy yourself and relax.
10. And finally.. a camera to take a picture of your trophy!
1. Medium heavy to heavy rod.
2. At least 10-12 lb line, if not more.
3. At least 30 lb + steel leader. About 1 foot long.
4. Lures that you can retrieve quickly and that create excitement.
5. Location- back bays early in the year, weedbeds later in the year.
6. Be creative- rule 5 is not always true.
7. A good landing net or cradle, if you prefer to do less harm to the fish.
8. Patience- while Pike fishing can be quick, you must always assume otherwise.
9. Enjoy yourself and relax.
10. And finally.. a camera to take a picture of your trophy!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Fly Fishing for Northern Pike
I just read an article about fly fishing for Northern Pike. I was amazed that one could battle such a powerful fish with what is normally gear meant for smaller fish such as trout.
Some of these Pike were over 40 inches long!! Since I can barely fly fish at all, this will take some time before I venture out. I believe the article i read was from Alberta or Manitoba up in Canada, but I am not certain.
I will post further information later about fly fishing for Pike, since it seems like the trip of a lifetime.
Enjoy.
Some of these Pike were over 40 inches long!! Since I can barely fly fish at all, this will take some time before I venture out. I believe the article i read was from Alberta or Manitoba up in Canada, but I am not certain.
I will post further information later about fly fishing for Pike, since it seems like the trip of a lifetime.
Enjoy.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Northern Pike - Fishing In General
This post is more of a general speech about fishing and what makes the Northern Pike so interesting.
Each person enjoys going to fish for their very own reasons. Some like to relax, some like to compete, and some just like to eat fish. While the reasons we go fishing are not that important, the fact that we continue to go and teach children about fishing are very important.
Learning to fish can not only help a person survive, only a few hundred years ago man lived off the land, it can also help a person understand the balance of man and nature. Often times we go Pike fishing in the wild wilderness with nothing around but animals and trees and water. There are no cars or phones ringing, just like the old days.
I am not saying this is better or worse, just different. Fishing can help bring back the sense of belonging to nature that is often gone from our every days lives in the office or at home.
This is why we often value the time and want to catch the biggest fish possible. Northern Pike fishing provides a great chance for a large aggressive fish to be caught. Often, large fish are tough to catch and hard to get to bite. Northerns are better for this than most due to their nature of wanting to hammer any lure.
Once a trophy is caught, many of us must decide to let it go or mount it on the wall. These days fiberglass replicas can provide an identical match if a quality picture is given. Releasing the fish will give you another chance to catch it when it gets bigger.
If you choose to mount the fish, then properly preserve the fish in a wet towel and contact a taxidermist immediately. They can give you instructions on what to do next. Do not wrap it in newspaper as this can cause decolorizing.
I think each choice is about the same amount of money, so its up to you. I prefer the fiberglass replica method do to it being less hassle and their is no time rush to get it done quickly.
Each person enjoys going to fish for their very own reasons. Some like to relax, some like to compete, and some just like to eat fish. While the reasons we go fishing are not that important, the fact that we continue to go and teach children about fishing are very important.
Learning to fish can not only help a person survive, only a few hundred years ago man lived off the land, it can also help a person understand the balance of man and nature. Often times we go Pike fishing in the wild wilderness with nothing around but animals and trees and water. There are no cars or phones ringing, just like the old days.
I am not saying this is better or worse, just different. Fishing can help bring back the sense of belonging to nature that is often gone from our every days lives in the office or at home.
This is why we often value the time and want to catch the biggest fish possible. Northern Pike fishing provides a great chance for a large aggressive fish to be caught. Often, large fish are tough to catch and hard to get to bite. Northerns are better for this than most due to their nature of wanting to hammer any lure.
Once a trophy is caught, many of us must decide to let it go or mount it on the wall. These days fiberglass replicas can provide an identical match if a quality picture is given. Releasing the fish will give you another chance to catch it when it gets bigger.
If you choose to mount the fish, then properly preserve the fish in a wet towel and contact a taxidermist immediately. They can give you instructions on what to do next. Do not wrap it in newspaper as this can cause decolorizing.
I think each choice is about the same amount of money, so its up to you. I prefer the fiberglass replica method do to it being less hassle and their is no time rush to get it done quickly.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Fishing Stories
I would like to share with you all one of my Northern Pike Fishing stories. This happened a while back and I was not even Pike fishing!
I was at a small lake that is regularly stocked with channel catfish and also has some bluegill and carp in there too. It just a couple casts long and wide and is only about 4 feet deep or so.
Since these fish are near a duck feeding area, the best technique to catch the catfish is normally just bread on a treble hook. Nothing fancy here. Grab a stick or rod holder and cast it out there and wait. We normally get a few bites every hour and the catfish are about 3-8 lbs. It is exciting fishing but nothing really too crazy.
That changed one evening has I saw a huge fish break this kids rod in half. Obviously I was a little skeptical because the biggest catfish I have seen outta there was 9 lbs, which shouldn't break a rod. Anyway, it turns out the rod was like 50 yrs old and probably would have broken on the next bluegill too.
I thought no big deal and kept on fishing. Caught a small catfish and was about ready to move when i was reeling in my bait I noticed something ripple the surface and chase it. I thought it was strange and started to reel in my other line. Same thing happened, and this time something slammed my stupid bread doughball like it was a spinnerbait. Drag starts peeling and I had no idea what happened. Was hoping for a huge carp, but I noticed the fish was not shaped like a carp when we got it close to shore.
Yup, it was a Northern Pike. About 40 inches long. We netted him and returned him to the water after a few pictures. Completely shocked. Someone must have stocked the Pike accidentally when they stocked the catfish. There is no reason for a Northern Pike like that to be there.
The point of this story is that you never know when and what you will catch. The next fish could be a fish of a life time. Always be prepared with the proper fishing tackle and equipment.
I was at a small lake that is regularly stocked with channel catfish and also has some bluegill and carp in there too. It just a couple casts long and wide and is only about 4 feet deep or so.
Since these fish are near a duck feeding area, the best technique to catch the catfish is normally just bread on a treble hook. Nothing fancy here. Grab a stick or rod holder and cast it out there and wait. We normally get a few bites every hour and the catfish are about 3-8 lbs. It is exciting fishing but nothing really too crazy.
That changed one evening has I saw a huge fish break this kids rod in half. Obviously I was a little skeptical because the biggest catfish I have seen outta there was 9 lbs, which shouldn't break a rod. Anyway, it turns out the rod was like 50 yrs old and probably would have broken on the next bluegill too.
I thought no big deal and kept on fishing. Caught a small catfish and was about ready to move when i was reeling in my bait I noticed something ripple the surface and chase it. I thought it was strange and started to reel in my other line. Same thing happened, and this time something slammed my stupid bread doughball like it was a spinnerbait. Drag starts peeling and I had no idea what happened. Was hoping for a huge carp, but I noticed the fish was not shaped like a carp when we got it close to shore.
Yup, it was a Northern Pike. About 40 inches long. We netted him and returned him to the water after a few pictures. Completely shocked. Someone must have stocked the Pike accidentally when they stocked the catfish. There is no reason for a Northern Pike like that to be there.
The point of this story is that you never know when and what you will catch. The next fish could be a fish of a life time. Always be prepared with the proper fishing tackle and equipment.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Northern Pike Fishing Tackle
Before you even think about going Pike fishing make sure you have the proper equipment. I have made this mistake too many times by just grabbing a rod and using whatever lure was on there. Again, you must be sure to be prepared when going after Northern Pike.
To start with, a longer and stiffer fishing rod should be used, since these fish are strong and powerful fighters. Always use at least 10lb test, as a big Pike will take it to its limits. You can go upwards of 30 lb test, but you will lose castability the larger line you go.
Now that you have your rod and line ready, it is time to pick some lures. Here, it is not as important as the other details, as any larger lure should do. Unless you are fly fishing for Northern Pike, then a different set of rules apply, but that will be discussed in a future post.
The biggest thing with Northern fishing that I would like to go over is the use of a steel leader. A fish of any size will cut normal line with their sharp teeth. Do not be lazy and forget this step. I have lost quite a few fish due to not putting on a leader when Pike Fishing .
By now, I hope it is clear that tackle is very important when going after Northern Pike. Future posts will discuss the where and when portion of catching these beasts. They can be one of the greatest species of fish to target for any fisherman of any age.
To start with, a longer and stiffer fishing rod should be used, since these fish are strong and powerful fighters. Always use at least 10lb test, as a big Pike will take it to its limits. You can go upwards of 30 lb test, but you will lose castability the larger line you go.
Now that you have your rod and line ready, it is time to pick some lures. Here, it is not as important as the other details, as any larger lure should do. Unless you are fly fishing for Northern Pike, then a different set of rules apply, but that will be discussed in a future post.
The biggest thing with Northern fishing that I would like to go over is the use of a steel leader. A fish of any size will cut normal line with their sharp teeth. Do not be lazy and forget this step. I have lost quite a few fish due to not putting on a leader when Pike Fishing .
By now, I hope it is clear that tackle is very important when going after Northern Pike. Future posts will discuss the where and when portion of catching these beasts. They can be one of the greatest species of fish to target for any fisherman of any age.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The WaterWolf | AKA Northern Pike
Like the title implies, this fish is often seen as like a wolf. The Northern Pike gets a bad rap in most of the United States. In some states, such as Maine and parts of California, you have to kill the Northern Pike and not release it. When I first read this I thought it was a joke!!! Many people enjoy Pike fishing, why do some many people hate them!!!
Apparently, this "wolf" enjoys eating prized game fish such as trout and other species, and not as glamorous. What crap! The Northern Pike is just awesome. A great predator, it can eat fish over half its length, I guess that scares people. Respect the Pike people. Next time when you are Pike fishing, and battle this monster, give it the respect it deserves.
The Northern Pike is not a monster, even though it got named the WaterWolf for its fierce and aggressive nature. Many treat them worse than the Carp here in the States!! Either way I'm still a big fan!
Over the past few years in California, there has been a major effort to eradicate Northern Pike in some of their rivers and reservoirs. They did lake draw downs, used poison, and tons of man hours to eradicate these Pike. I don't even want to know the cost of this all. I guess if it protects their special native trout it is ok..... hmmm.
Apparently, this "wolf" enjoys eating prized game fish such as trout and other species, and not as glamorous. What crap! The Northern Pike is just awesome. A great predator, it can eat fish over half its length, I guess that scares people. Respect the Pike people. Next time when you are Pike fishing, and battle this monster, give it the respect it deserves.
The Northern Pike is not a monster, even though it got named the WaterWolf for its fierce and aggressive nature. Many treat them worse than the Carp here in the States!! Either way I'm still a big fan!
Over the past few years in California, there has been a major effort to eradicate Northern Pike in some of their rivers and reservoirs. They did lake draw downs, used poison, and tons of man hours to eradicate these Pike. I don't even want to know the cost of this all. I guess if it protects their special native trout it is ok..... hmmm.
Pike Fishing
Why write about Northern Pike ? Well, they are perhaps the greatest freshwater fish to catch in the world. Speed, power, aggression, the Pike have it all. I became hooked on these fish years ago, as they will crush most lures you throw at them.
So how do you catch Northern Pike? Where do you fish for them at?
Well, to answer the second part first, most Northern's can be found in cool to cold climates, which can extend from all of Canada into northern parts of the United States. Deep water reservoirs in the south may also be able to sustain Pike. If you want trophy Northern Pike, the best bet is normally a fly-in lake in Canada, but even small ones can be extremely fun.
Back to the first question. When Northern Pike fishing, you can start fishing right after ice-out. These fish quickly become active in the back bays and can be caught sight fishing for them in the shallows.
Sizable lures with flash such as spinners, spoons, larger spinner baits, will all work when Pike fishing. They key is to have some movement with your lure. You can never crank your lure faster than them. They can swim over 20MPH! If you see one following, DO NOT stop your lure, keep moving it. It is unnatural for a bait fish to stop when being chased, so neither should you!! Northern Pike fishing can be great, stay tuned for more!
So how do you catch Northern Pike? Where do you fish for them at?
Well, to answer the second part first, most Northern's can be found in cool to cold climates, which can extend from all of Canada into northern parts of the United States. Deep water reservoirs in the south may also be able to sustain Pike. If you want trophy Northern Pike, the best bet is normally a fly-in lake in Canada, but even small ones can be extremely fun.
Back to the first question. When Northern Pike fishing, you can start fishing right after ice-out. These fish quickly become active in the back bays and can be caught sight fishing for them in the shallows.
Sizable lures with flash such as spinners, spoons, larger spinner baits, will all work when Pike fishing. They key is to have some movement with your lure. You can never crank your lure faster than them. They can swim over 20MPH! If you see one following, DO NOT stop your lure, keep moving it. It is unnatural for a bait fish to stop when being chased, so neither should you!! Northern Pike fishing can be great, stay tuned for more!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Northern Pike Fishing
Welcome to Northern Pike Fishing. This site will provide insight, tips, and useful information regarding the Northern Pike. This aggressive and amazing fish gives any fisherman an amazing battle. Anybody, and I really do mean anybody, should be able to have success fishing. I will try to post frequently as possible with tips and tricks for catching these fish, as well as information, about the great Northern Pike.
The more information you have about fishing, the better you will be. I hope this webpage will be able to provide you with many useful tools.
I started enjoying fishing when I was younger, catching mostly sunfish and the occasional bass. At a young age, it did not take a huge fish to excite me. As I got older, I wanted to catch bigger fish like catfish and carp. While those were great, they were nothing like the excitement of catching a Northern Pike .
I was on a family trip somewhere in Canada and I was not very old, but I do remember going northern pike fishing. I remember a large movement in the water as a fish swam toward my lure super fast. I was so excited. It slammed the lure and eventually I got this Northern Pike near the boat. I snapped the line off right there and went on his way. That is when it became my favorite fish.
I will continue to post other informational articles about Northern Pike fishing.
Enjoy the waters.
The more information you have about fishing, the better you will be. I hope this webpage will be able to provide you with many useful tools.
I started enjoying fishing when I was younger, catching mostly sunfish and the occasional bass. At a young age, it did not take a huge fish to excite me. As I got older, I wanted to catch bigger fish like catfish and carp. While those were great, they were nothing like the excitement of catching a Northern Pike .
I was on a family trip somewhere in Canada and I was not very old, but I do remember going northern pike fishing. I remember a large movement in the water as a fish swam toward my lure super fast. I was so excited. It slammed the lure and eventually I got this Northern Pike near the boat. I snapped the line off right there and went on his way. That is when it became my favorite fish.
I will continue to post other informational articles about Northern Pike fishing.
Enjoy the waters.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
