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.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
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!
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