Pike fishing represents a supreme challenge for anglers of all abilities, from the novice to the experienced fisherman. You need to be well equipped - a good selection of pike fishing tackle is an absolute must because these fish are capable of growing up to 25 kilograms. Make sure that your pike fishing tackle is up to the job.
Whereas most fish typically run down their prey in open water, relying on their size and speed to gain an advantage, the northern pike lies in wait for an ambush, usually in heavy cover like weeds or deadwood.
Pike are voracious fighters when hooked and can easily break your line, your rod, and possibly even your reel. Here are some things to look for when you're shopping for pike fishing tackle.
Rod: You'll want a rod that's at least 6 feet long with a medium-heavy or heavy action. This will give you the leverage to get a pike out of the water without bending your rod to the breaking point. A flexible (or "fast") tip is also recommended if you plan on doing any jigging.
Reel: Likewise, you'll want a reel that's capable of pulling one of these monsters in. Make sure the flange which connects the reel to the rod is made of metal, and not plastic or resin, as this piece can break under strain. A baitcasting reel is preferable to a spinning reel.
Line: Whether fishing from boat or shore, you're going to be fishing in heavy cover. Underwater vegetation and deadwood is a pike's favorite place to hide, and you're going to need a line capable of pulling it out of that hiding place without suffering too much damage. A "superbraid" line works well, these lines are tough with a minimal amount of stretch. It is also recommended that you utilize a 25-30cm steel leader. This will not only help with fishing in deep cover, but will ensure that the pike does not bite through the line itself with it's teeth.
Miscellaneous: Pike are big fish, so you'll need a large net in order to help land them. You'll want to invest in a good pair of fishing gloves as well, some that will provide you a good amount of grip while keeping your hands warm even while wet. Hook removers are also recommended, as pike have teeth and can bite fairly hard.
There are a few more things to remember if you are a beginner at pike fishing.
- Always buy the best pike fishing tackle that you can afford. Skimping on a good rod or reel could be the difference between a landed fish and a broken rod.
- Start with live bait. The first thing you're going to want to learn as a pike angler is where to find them. Live bait will help take the guesswork out of this, letting you focus on your technique later.
- Join a pike angling club, or at the very least find an experienced angling partner. A little wisdom from someone who shares your interest will go a long way.
- Be patient. Pike are very picky about what they will and will not hit. If at first you don't succeed, try again. If you still don't succeed, try something else.
- Stick with it! While you are bound to experience some frustration as a beginner, once you hook your first pike, you'll want to come back again and again. These fish strike harder and fight tougher than most coarse fish you'll land, making the experience especially rewarding and addicting.
Andrew Norton likes to write about the great outdoors.
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