BACK TO BASICS WITH “THE BANDIT” PEAK PERIOD PIKE

 

Northern pike, like all fish, have three major requirements to survive—food, cover and comfort.  Even if a savvy angler finds a spot that offers all of the aforementioned, there is still another variable to consider when chasing trophy pike, their MOOD!  Yep, pike have mood swings, BIG mood swings and once they are recognized, catching them is as easy as MATCHING THE MOOD.  In mid-spring, post spawn pike (especially the big gals) can be lethargic.  Often spoon tossers will complain that they had many follow-ups by big fish but few takers.  The reasons are simple, either the water is below 50 degrees, or the fish have just seen too many spoons. 

If the water is cold, use a slow presentation with live bait such as a shiner/sucker and bobber combo or a jig/craw, jig pork rind combo.  Jig combos in black, white, chartreuse or orange can really turn on turned-off pike. If, as the water warms, you notice the pike are starting to hit more aggressively, switch to a spoon such as a Dare Devil 5 of Diamonds or a Blue Fox Aqua spoon.  A Rapala Minnow spoon in chartreuse/fire tiger will also work.  If the fish are really on the bite, it’s hard to beat the old standby the in-line spinner.  My favorites are a Mepps or Blue Fox #5 in fire tiger, white or black.  In clear water use a sliver blade, in stained water a brass, copper or painted blade is a better choice.  When fish in-lines, DON’T FISH THEM SLOW!!   The most common mistake with in-lines and buzz baits is trying to feed them to the fish.  Ever see a dog chase a car?  It’s the same idea.  Drive your car slowly past the dog and he won’t even move.  He’s interested in the CHASE!  Buzz your in-lines just under the surface and make the water bulge.  BE READY ‘cause when pike attack in-lines, they hit HARD!  Okay, now you have an idea how to match the mood, but what about tackle? 

Aside from the lure types mentioned, various other lures, such as Rapala Husky Jerks, Cleo Spoons and Zara Spooks should also be part of your arsenal.  Make sure you have a large deep net or cradle, a pair of jaw spreaders and some long-handled hook removers.  A medium/heavy casting rod in 6? to 7? feet will work with almost any bait/lure combo.  A casting reel spooled with 12 to 20 lb. test mono or super braid will also work quite well.  Make sure you use a steel leader (black) to help prevent bite offs, 12 inches is minimal and 18 inches ideal.  Use the thinnest diameter wire that matches your line test for more bites.  Match the mood of the pike with the right presentation and you’ll be ready for PEAK PERIOD PIKE.

Have fun and fish safely.

“The Bandit”