Pike Fishing

The key feature of Pike fishing seems to be the Wire Trace, or the ‘Line-and-Trace’ rig, which is so successful that it can arguably be considered standard in the sport of Pike fishing. As one of the many insightful tips on Pike fishing, this particular technique requires a long but simple rigging, each piece significant in the process of fishing Pike. The primary purpose of this lure-bait rigging is essentially to stop the Pike, with its powerful teeth, from snapping the 15-to-30lb line. The Wire Trace serves to easily remove swallowed double or treble hooks that need to be retrieved when bait is swallowed too far in, and Pike quite frequently do swallow the bait, especially live and dead bait. This is one reason why hooks should be barbless or crushed barb, so they can be removed easier than barbed hooks. The typical Wire Trace lure appears as such: two or three double or treble barbless or crush-barbed hooks, preceded by a 15-inch wire trace to allow for space (but not too much space), above of which is situated a spoon lure for casting a shine, with a colorful bead just for and aft, then, finally, the float, working as an identifier—if the float shifts or disappears, the line was struck and the angler, if he or she is aware, should react. Many forms of Pike fishing, such as spring Pike fishing, fly fishing for northern Pike, fishing in Manitoba, Pike fishing on a Canal and Michigan Pike fishing deem this as useful and ideal, so the Wire Trace lure is likely very common.

When a Pike is caught, anglers use a large landing net to secure the fish so it can’t get away. This net ideally should measure 36 inches per side for triangular-shaped nets or, if circular, have a 30-inch circumference. A wide weigh sling and unhooking mat provide stability while needle-nosed pliers and a HookOut tool removal the deeply embedded hooks. This process is indigenous to Pike fishing because of the aggressive nature of the Pike.

Pike fishing trips are widespread throughout the north, both in the United States and in parts of Canada, especially Manitoba. Northern Pike fishing is practiced all year long, so ice fishing for northern Pike fish, as in Michigan, is not known. Northern Pike fishing is prevalent through northwest states, too, just as is Walleye and Crappie, so there are many places to go. The pike fishing trip can even involve multiple locations, if the timing is right. Northern Pike fishing trips can sometimes be quite extensive, such as in the case for anglers who are after, say, both northern Pike and Walleye. Fishing guides can expedite the northern Pike fishing trip, though, as they known exactly where to go and have the horsepower to move consistently.

Pike fishing can be dangerous, but if anglers know how to handle Pike fish, it can also be glorious. Such knowledge and determination can only make the trip that much more exciting.