Lure/bait selection: The most widely used artificial lure used to catch a Northern Pike is a red & white Daredevle spoon. Using a red colored lure in clear water is the most effective way to catch a Pike. In murky water conditions, a yellow colored lure is effective for getting a Pike's attention. Many of the same lures, such as crankbaits and spinnerbaits used to catch Bass are just as effective in catching Northern Pike. The Pike is an opportunist creature and live bait such as live minnows are also an effective means to snaring a large Pike. But most anglers agree that the thrill of catching Pike falls on working artificial to hook them.
Pike are notorious for striking top water baits and attack aggressively which is one of the reasons they are so appealing. In addition to top water lures other lures like spooks and jitterbugs work well for catching pike.
Find the Pike: Northern Pike may reside just about anywhere. Pike may hideout in thick weeds or take to submerged structure. They can also be found streams that flow into lakes. Generally, Northern Pike prefer shallow, cool waters and can often be seen swimming about. Because of their need for cool waters, they thrive in Northern American where cooler waters are normal. Look to find large Pike in opportune areas where they can easily ambush other fish such as Bass and Walleyes.
Know the Pike's pattern: In most northern locations Pike can be found in shallower waters during the spring and summer and will seek deeper waters from mid August through winter. During the spring and early summer anticipate that most pike will inhabit shallow waters and they can be best caught using fast moving top water baits and shallow diving crank baits. As the season progresses, many Pike will follow the food chain into deeper waters and can be found suspended near drop off areas that species like the Largemouth Bass take to. In late summer and fall look for pike where you would find bass. Some larger Pike may go really deep in the late summer and fall and techniques such as trolling may be the best option to get to their depths and land them successfully.
-
Generally expect to find Pike in shallow waters in the spring and early summer.
-
Anticipate that Pike will follow Bass into deeper waters in the late summer and fall.
-
To catch larger Pike use larger lures. Don't be afraid to cast a the largest spoon you can find at the bait store. Smaller Pike will hesitate to attack prey that they perceive to be bigger than them whereas bigger Pike will strike the bigger lure if they are bigger than it.
|
