If you're already familiar with fishing and now that the colder weather is here, you’re fancying the idea of catching a pike, then you're in for an exciting challenge. These freshwater predators are a unique catch compared to other species, and they come with their own set of rules—from the right gear to proper handling. Let’s dive into the thrilling world of pike fishing and explore what makes these toothy hunters such a fascinating target.
Why Pike are Different
Pike are not like any other fish you might have caught. Their long, torpedo-like bodies and ferocious hunting style make them stand out. They are built for ambush, often lying still in weedy or shady areas, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Pike are sprinters, not marathon runners, using sudden bursts of speed to attack their prey rather than sustained chases. The most notable difference, though, is their mouth full of sharp teeth. These teeth, designed to grip and tear their prey, are one reason pike need to be handled confidentiality and with care. Mishandling can lead to injury for both the fish and you.
Pike Habitats and Numbers
In most UK waters, pike are much less numerous than other species like roach, perch, or bream. They're typically found in lakes, rivers, canals, and still waters, but not every waterway has a large pike population. In many lakes there will be as little as 5 or 6 fish per acre of water. This means that catching one can feel even more rewarding because it’s not as common as catching as species like roach, perch or carp.
Pike will often be found near weed beds, drop-offs, and structures like submerged trees or rocks. These areas provide cover for them to ambush their prey. It’s important to know this when targeting pike because their location can be very different from where you might find your usual species.
The Right Gear for Pike Fishing
To successfully fish for pike, you’ll need to adjust your tackle. Pike are strong, aggressive fish and demand strong tackle. If you are using treble hooks for pike fishing, strength is even more vital, as these multi-point hooks can cause more harm if lost in the environment compared to a single hook. Here’s what you should have in your gear:
Rod and Reel: A medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting rod, around 6-9 feet, is ideal for casting lures. For bait fishing, a 10-12ft through-actioned carp/pike rod with a test curve of between 2¾lb and 3¼lb is ideal. Stiff rods that don’t bend retain a longer “lever,” so the pull on the line is not as great as it is with a rod that bends. If you're using carp distance rods, you may need to pull a lot harder than you would when fishing for carp.
Your reel should be sturdy with a good drag system, as pike put up a short, explosive fight that will usually involve the fish taking some line. Many anglers choose multiplier reels over fixed spools for pike fishing, as they tend to offer more winching power and smoother drags—ideal when fishing with heavy braid. Backwinding for pike, especially with braided mainline, is not as easy as it is with carp, so rely on your drag to do the work.
Line: Where venue rules allow, a strong braided line of at least 40lb breaking strain is recommended. This isn’t because of the power of the pike—no pike will break 40lb line—but rather to ensure snagged hooks can be safely retrieved from the water. Where mono is required, again for safety, use at least 15lb, but 20lb is safer. Pike are not line shy, so you don’t need to worry about thicker lines scaring them off. Always remember to tie strong, reliable knots and test them—a strong line is useless with a weak knot.
Wire Trace: This is essential—please, please, please ignore those who claim fluorocarbon traces are safe for pike fishing with treble hooks; they aren’t. A lost treble hook can be a death sentence for a pike—it’s not worth the risk. A wire trace (30lb) of at least 18 inches (450mm) attached to your lure or bait will prevent the pike’s teeth from cutting through your line. As with knots, always test the strength of the trace before you cast out—even new ones have been known to fail. If you’re choosing to fish with circle hooks for pike, then fluorocarbon of at least 100lb breaking strain can be used. Circle hooks are designed to only hook in the edge of the mouth, meaning the fluorocarbon will be safe from the teeth during the fight.
Bite Indication: Pike are known for grabbing and swallowing bait, so it’s essential to know immediately when a fish has taken the bait and to tighten the line for a quick strike. The line must always be tight to the float or indicator to register a bite straight away—there’s no place for slack lines in pike fishing. Always remain near your rods and stay alert. Pike fishing and being zipped in a sleeping bag do not go together; you must be able to strike the rod very soon after a bite.
Lures and Bait: Pike are carnivores, so you'll rarely catch them on anything other than fish or imitation fish baits. Imitation baits like large lures that imitate their prey—such as crankbaits, jerkbaits, or soft plastic lures resembling small fish—work well. Dead freshwater fish are great baits for pike, but make sure you adhere to the rules around taking and using fish for bait. Sea fish such as herring, sardines, or mackerel are also very effective. A good cool box helps keep your bait frozen, so any unused bait can go back in the freezer at the end of the session.
Essential Accessories for Pike Fishing
When it comes to pike fishing, having the right accessories can make the difference between a good fishing trip and a great one. Not only do these accessories ensure the angler’s success, but they are also crucial for the safe handling and release of pike. Let's explore the essentials: landing nets, unhooking mats, forceps, and weighing and measuring equipment.
Landing Nets: A quality landing net is a must-have when pike fishing. It needs to be large and sturdy enough to support the weight and size of a pike, which can be substantial. Look for nets with a deep, soft mesh to protect the fish from injury. The handle should be long enough to comfortably reach the fish in the water, and a telescopic handle can be useful for storage and transport. Rubberized net material is preferable as it’s less likely to remove the protective slime coat of the fish and prevents hooks from getting tangled.
Unhooking Mats: An unhooking mat provides a safe surface to lay the pike on while removing hooks. Pike have delicate bodies and lying them on hard or rough surfaces can cause injury. Mats should be large enough to handle the biggest pike you might catch and padded to protect the fish. Some mats come with a measuring tape printed on the side, which is handy for recording the size of your catch.
Forceps: Long-nosed forceps or pliers are an essential tool for safely unhooking pike. Pike have a mouth full of sharp teeth that can make removing hooks hazardous without the proper tool. Forceps allow you to remove hooks deeply embedded in the fish's mouth without putting your fingers at risk. A good pair of forceps should be made of durable, rust-resistant material and should have a good grip to handle wet conditions.
Weighing Scales: Accurate weighing scales are important for those who want to record the weight of their catch. Digital scales are popular for their accuracy and ease of use, and many are compact and lightweight for easy transport. It is advisable to use a weigh sling in conjunction with the scales to support the fish and avoid injury.
Measuring Tapes and Mats: Measuring tapes or a ruler is used to determine the length of the pike. Some unhooking mats have a built-in measure for convenience. When measuring a pike, it should always be done on a flat, wet, and soft surface to protect the fish.
Unhooking Pike
Preparation: Lay the pike on a wet unhooking mat and cover its eyes with a wet cloth to reduce stress and prevent it from thrashing.
Using the Gill Flap: To safely open the pike’s mouth, carefully insert your fingers into the lower part of the gill flap. This allows you to control the pike’s head without risking damage to its gills .Avoid placing your fingers directly into the gill filaments, as this can cause harm to the fish.
Unhooking Process: Once the mouth is open, use your tools to gently remove the hook. If the hook is deep-set and removal is too risky, cut the line as close to the hook as possible to avoid further injury.
Releasing Pike
After unhooking, check for any signs of distress or injury. A pike that is bleeding heavily or appears lethargic may need more time to recuperate before release. Hold the pike upright in the water, gently grasping it around the tail and under the belly. Ensure it's in a natural swimming position. When the pike shows strong movements and appears ready, slowly release your hold and allow it to swim away on its own.
Conclusion:
By following these guidelines you’re not only equipped for a successful day of pike fishing but also prepared to handle and release your catch with the utmost care. While the right tools are important, there’s no substitute for learning from an experienced pike angler, who can guide you in proper techniques and ensure the fish's well-being. Pike fishing is not just about the thrill of the catch—it’s also about handling them carefully.
Comments