Lure Fishing for Pike

By Barbara Stec

Lure fishing for pike can be a thrilling experience, especially if you are fishing in clear water. If you wear a pair of polarized sunglasses you will be able to see the lure as it weaves its way back to the rod tip. A pike can often be seen following the lure and will strike it at the last possible moment, usually as the lure is being lifted to the surface of the water at the end of the retrieve. As the pike follows the lure, the excitement mounts and the angler's heartbeat races; when the pike strikes and is hooked, the speed and strength of the fight is frightening. In this sequence the angler is fishing fairly shallow water by a sluice, with a floating plug. This type of water is a well-known haunt for pike and every part of the water is covered systematically: the photographs tell the tale.

1. A angler is fishing with a floating plug. Although the plug is buoyant and floats, it is fitted with a vane under its chin, which will make it dive under the surface as it is being retrieved. The faster the angler retrieves the plug, the deeper it dives. The skilled angler can make the plug go up and down in the water to attract the interest of the pike.

2. Having picked a target area to cast towards, the cast is made. When fishing with any form of lure, it is common practice to search out all of the water you have in front of you. Start fishing to your left and then slowly fish around in an arc, covering every part of the water.

3. Once the plug hits the water in the centre of the swim, the bale arm on the reel is closed. The retrieve can now begin, and you should vary the speed. Slow, jerky movements will catch the eye of a roaming pike and it will quickly move in to investigate.

4. Keep watching the water for signs of a following pike, and keep a tight hold on the rod as a pike could strike the lure at any point of the retrieve. By wearing polarized glasses you will be able to see right down into the depths of the water and watch for the lure as it approaches.

5. As the lure approaches the rod tip, slow the retrieve down. If a pike has followed the lure this is usually the time it will strike as they like a slow-moving target. Very often the take will occur just as you are lifting the lure from the water.

6. A pike has taken the lure and the fight between the angler and pike is in full swing. The angler kneels on the bank to bring the pike under better control. This pike took the lure just as it was being lifted from the water at the end of the retrieve.

7. The pike is tiring and has been brought under control by the angler. This fish has not been deeply hooked and the treble of the floating plug can clearly be seen in the side of the pike's mouth.

8. The pike is landed safely and the angler shows the correct way to hold the fish with his fingers in the "V" shape under the pike's jaw. The thumb is then clamped against the outer jaw to hold the pike firmly. Pike can be landed in this way even if you have no net. But take great care not to get your fingers in the pike's mouth.

9. Use a mat while removing the hooks. Turn the pike on its back and use a pair of long-nosed forceps. Hold the jaws open by inserting two fingers under the gill cover on the underside of the jaw. The thumb is pressed on the lower jaw to force the jaws open. No damage can come to the fish and it can be returned to the water safely.

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