Pike-Useful information about this amazing predator and what you need to catch one! (Angling Tips and Advice)

Member Name: matttt44

Product:	Angling Tips and Advice
Date:	31/01/02 (143 review reads)
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Advantages: Informative, Fun

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The Pike,

This species of fresh water fish is at the top of the food chain in its surrounding habitat. Pike is the common name of several species of carnivorous, freshwater game fishes characterized by elongated bodies and bill-like snouts. These two characteristics play an enormous part in the way that the pike catches its prey. The long powerful body, gives the pike incredible speed, agility, and above all enables it the element of surprise upon its prey. They large tail fins allow the pike to sprint at short distances and the their slim bodies keep down the water resistance. So they have adopted a very stealthy method of catching the surrounding water life. Their silver undersides and dark green or bronze backs help to conceal them in the weeds in which they lurk in wait for fish, frogs, and small mammals. The huge snout like jaws clamp down on the prey until it dies and then the pike swallows it whole.


The razor sharp teeth cut through flesh easily and prevent the unfortunate prey from escaping. This includes hands by the way!!
Pike are solitary hunters that neither make nests nor tend eggs; instead, they scatter their eggs about in weeds, where the newly hatched fry find protection. This antisocial solidarity of the fish in question causes many problems for younger pike. Pike, as well as having an extreme carnivorous appetite also have cannibalistic tendencies as well. This is proven many times when small jack pike are caught; more often than not, they have scars on their bodies from previous attacks from lager pike. To me this shows the true aggression of the fish.
T

he best-known member is the northern pike, which grows to about 1.4 m and ranges through northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. The mukellunge also known as muskie by sport fishermen is a larger sport fish, which can be found in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The largest pike caught on record in the world
, happened to be a staggering 81lbs. In Europe however, the record is just over 50lbs.

So what will I need to catch fish like these then?

Rod

So i you want to catch fish like these then you had better use a rod with at least a 2lb test curve. This is so that the pike when hooked wont snap your rod into tiny pieces if he runs! And believe me he will!!!

Line

Line of about 12-15lb breaking strain is all that is required even for a large fish. Remember the heavier the line the harder it is to cast and the fish get spooked by it much more. So you have to get the right balance. Also you dont need heavy line for big fish as they weigh less in the water. The strength of it is only to real it in not pick it up!

Real

This doesnt have to be great, any real of average quality will do. Preferably a fixed spool real though. Just make sure that it wont fall to bits. If you plan to ledger a dead bait on the bottom then use a real with a bait runner setting on it. These are more expensive than average but really essential to ensure you hook a pike without it pulling your rods into the water.

Bait

In the winter months your best bet is dead bait. This can be any small fish of fresh or salt water origin. Spratts are good as they are very oily as can attract pike from quite a way away. To make a dead bait more tempting you can inject the fish with natural fish oils available at most tackle shops. This is then released into the water and then the pike come a"huntin"! In summer using an artificial lure can be good fun as the pike especially the jacks will be prepared to chase it and snap at it as it glissens in the sunlight.

Wire Trace

You'll need a wire trace at the bait end of your rig as the pike with its sharp teeth will chomp through line! Ive even had pike go through wire traces!! So this is very important. Make sure the trace is at least 10 inches
long. There better bought ready made authough you can make them yourself.

Well thats the basics. These are the fundemental to ensure that you wont get snapped off, well i hope not anyway. But give it a go, there great sport to catch!

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