Late ice is a great time to target monster northern pike, and one of the best ways to do that is with set lines. It is mid-march and we are up here on Lake of the Woods targeting monster pike.
Monster Northern Pike on Setlines
This time of the year Lake of the Woods is one of the only spots in Minnesota that you can target northern pike into march.
When targeting these monster northern pike set lines is often your best way to do it. In order to cover water, we have a decent-sized group of guys together allowing us to get a nice spread of tip-ups out.
There are two tips of tip-ups we like to use for these big fish. The first is the Arctic tip-up because you are able to fight these fish with a rod and reel and the second is your classic style traditional tip-up which you fight the fish with your hands.
For our setups, we are using long rods between 36-42 inches in that medium-heavy to heavy power. We have them rigged with a 30-pound Suffix 832 braid.
When it comes to the business end most of our setups are rigged with Clam Zero Rigs or Northland Quick Strike rigs.
The nice thing about these rigs is you do have to give the fish any time. It has a treble hook on both ends of the bait so by the time you get over to the flag you can set the hook. It helps the catch percentage go up, but it is also easier on the fish.
For the rest of our set-ups that don’t have quick strikes or zero rigs we have them rigged up with circle hooks. We like using circle hooks because fish rarely sallow it and the fish is almost always hooked in the corner of the mouth.
For bait, we are using live suckers that are roughly 6-9 inches, frozen smelt, and frozen ciscos.
We are fishing in about 8 to 12 feet of water and are positioning these baits close to the bottom waiting for the fish to come to us.
Ice fishing for pike can be an exhilarating experience. The anticipation of a big strike, the thrill of the fight, and the satisfaction of landing a monster pike make it a favorite winter activity for many anglers. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at a thrilling ice fishing adventure where the anglers targeted giant pike using set lines.
The Importance of a Good Drag System For Monster Northern Pike
One of the key factors in successfully landing big pike is having a reliable drag system on your reel. The anglers in this video were using Daiwa reels with exceptional drag systems. The cold weather conditions make it even more crucial to have a smooth drag that won’t freeze up. When a pike takes off, you don’t want any resistance that could cause the fish to come unbuttoned. The anglers praised the Daiwa reels for their buttery smooth drag, which helped them land some impressive fish.
The Thrill of the Fight
Ice fishing for pike is all about the thrill of the fight. The anglers in this video experienced the excitement of battling giant pike through the ice. As they hooked into these massive fish, they could feel the power and strength of the pike as they made powerful runs and head shakes. The anglers used tuned up rods with long fiberglass blanks that absorbed the head shakes and runs of the pike, allowing them to maintain control and keep the fish buttoned. The fight was intense, but the anglers were up to the challenge, using their skill and equipment to successfully land these impressive fish.
The Magic of Ice Fishing for Pike
Ice fishing for pike is a magical experience, especially during mid-March when the giant pike are active. The anglers in this video expressed their excitement and anticipation as they approached the hole, knowing that they were about to encounter some incredible fishing. They described it as a magical time, almost like clockwork, when the big pike would strike. The thrill of seeing the pike take the bait and the adrenaline rush of the fight made it a truly unforgettable experience.
The Importance of Circle Hooks
One of the key factors in successfully landing pike is using circle hooks. The anglers in this video emphasized the importance of using circle hooks, as they automatically hook the fish in the side of the mouth. This not only makes it easier to release the fish, but it also reduces the chances of the fish swallowing the hook. Circle hooks are a safer and more effective option when targeting pike, ensuring that the fish can be quickly released unharmed.
The Joy of Catching Big Pike
Catching big pike is a joyous moment for any angler. The anglers in this video were ecstatic as they landed some massive pike through the ice. The size and weight of these fish were truly impressive, with some measuring over 40 inches.
The anglers marveled at the size of the fish and the girth they had. They couldn’t help but express their excitement and admiration for these magnificent creatures. The anglers took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the fish before quickly releasing them back into the water. Catching big pike is not only a thrilling experience, but it also requires skill and knowledge of the fish’s behavior. The anglers in this video demonstrated their expertise and passion for ice fishing as they successfully landed these impressive pike.
Learning from Experience
Ice fishing is a constant learning process, and the anglers in this video were no exception. They discussed their observations from the previous day and how it influenced their strategy for the current day. They noticed that the bigger fish seemed to be trending in a certain direction, so they decided to drill holes in that area to increase their chances of success. This adaptability and willingness to learn from experience are key to consistently catching fish on the ice.
The Importance of Staking Tip-Ups
When ice fishing, it’s crucial to stake your tip-ups, especially on windy days. The anglers in this video shared their tip for staking tip-ups to prevent them from blowing away. They explained that staking the tip-ups not only helps them stay in place but also makes them more visible to other anglers and snowmobilers. This simple yet effective technique ensures that the tip-ups are secure and easily identifiable, preventing accidents and lost equipment.
The Versatility of Fiberglass Rods
When targeting monster northern pike, having the right equipment is essential. The anglers in this video discussed their preference for using heavy, stout fiberglass rods. They explained that fiberglass rods provide the necessary strength and durability to handle the powerful head shakes and runs of big pike. Unlike graphite rods, which prioritize sensitivity, fiberglass rods are designed to absorb the shock and stress of fighting large fish. The anglers praised the performance of their fiberglass rods and highlighted their versatility for various fishing techniques.
The Thrill of Live Bait Fishing Ice fishing for pike with live bait adds an extra level of excitement to the experience. In this video, the anglers decided to switch to live bait on quick strike rigs to entice the pike. They used live suckers as bait and set up their tip-ups with the hope of attracting some big fish. The anticipation grew as they waited for a strike, knowing that the live bait would be irresistible to the pike. When the first flag went up, the anglers quickly made their way to the hole, ready to reel in their catch. The fight was intense, but they managed to land a beautiful pike, showcasing the effectiveness of live bait fishing.
The Joy of Reconnecting with Fishing Buddies
Ice fishing is not just about catching fish; it’s also about spending time with friends and reconnecting with fishing buddies. In this video, the anglers reminisced about their previous ice fishing adventures and the camaraderie they shared. They expressed their excitement about being back on the ice together after a long hiatus. The joy and laughter were evident as they cheered each other on and celebrated their catches. Ice fishing provides the perfect opportunity to bond with friends and create lasting memories.
The Beauty of Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is a renowned fishing destination, known for its abundance of pike and walleye. The anglers in this video marveled at the beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
They appreciated the vastness of the lake and the opportunity it provided for incredible fishing experiences. Lake of the Woods offers a unique combination of stunning scenery and exceptional fishing, making it a favorite destination for anglers from around the world.
Looking Ahead: Walleye Fishing
While the anglers had a successful day targeting pike, they were also excited about the prospect of fishing for walleye. Lake of the Woods is known for its trophy walleye, and the anglers planned to switch gears and target these prized fish the following day.
They expressed their anticipation for the challenge of catching big walleye and the opportunity to experience a different type of fishing. The anglers were confident that their skills and knowledge would translate well to targeting walleye, and they looked forward to the possibility of catching both size and numbers. Lake of the Woods offers a diverse fishery, and the anglers were eager to explore all it had to offer.
Conclusion
Ice fishing for pike is an exhilarating experience that combines the thrill of the fight with the joy of reconnecting with friends and nature. The anglers in this video showcased their passion and expertise as they successfully landed some impressive pike through the ice. They emphasized the importance of using circle hooks for a safer and more effective catch-and-release process.
The anglers also highlighted the versatility of fiberglass rods and the thrill of live bait fishing. Lake of the Woods provided a stunning backdrop for their fishing adventure, and they looked forward to the challenge of targeting walleye in the days to come. Ice fishing is not just about catching fish; it’s about creating memories and forging lifelong friendships.
