James Lindner gives us some tips for summer pike fishing and his ideal setup for landing these toothy predators.
Summer Pike Fishing Setup
Northern pike are a predatory gamefish that is widely distributed across North America. These aggressive toothy fish can grow to large sizes often exceeding ten pounds with the potential size exceeding thirty pounds. Northern pike inhabit a variety of different lakes, reservoirs and rivers. Due to their large range they can be found on all different types of structure, however they prefer large weed beds. Weed beds offer northern pike cover to ambush their prey.
Locating northern pike is relatively easy. On most lakes northern pike can be found in weed beds or on weed lines that have standing, green weeds that are located near deep water. These areas hold lots of forage species like bluegills, suckers, and perch that northern pike commonly feed on. If you plan on targeting northern pike this summer it’s critical to have the right pike fishing setup. The following is a quick break down of a rod, reel, and line that works great for pike fishing.
St. Croix Legend X
The St. Croix Legend X in a 7-foot 6-inch, medium heavy power and moderate fast action is a great pike fishing rod. The length and moderate-fast action has enough backbone to handle big fish, but also has enough give to absorb big head shakes while keeping the fish hooked. The medium-heavy power is nice because it allows the angler to handle large baits and large sized pike. It features a premium split grip cork handle that is comfortable and allows the angler to make casts all day long without fatigue.
Daiwa Tatula Size 300
The Daiwa Tatula in a 300 size with a 7.1 gear ratio is the ideal reel to pair with the St. Croix Legend X for pike fishing. The 300 sized Daiwa Tatula allows the angler use a heavier braid without sacrificing the line capacity or cast-ability. The 7.1 gear ratio has really fast line pickup which allows the angler to burn inline spinners and spoons along the tops of weed beds triggering strikes. It also features an incredible tough, but smooth drag system that can handle any big northern pike you run into. The Daiwa Tatula in a 300 size is a great reel option for big northern pike.
Sufix Performance Braid
When pike fishing you need to use a line that is heavy enough to handle big baits and big fish, but is still able to cast a long distance. Sufix Performance Braid in thirty-pound test is really the perfect line for both. The thirty-pound test is strong enough to handle the shock from big fish strikes, but still can be casted a great distance. Sufix Performance Braid is tough, abrasion resistant and super-sensitive allowing the angler to handle big northern pike.
Northern Pike Baits
Northern pike like flashy, fast moving baits. Spinnerbaits, spoons, crankbaits, and swimbaits are all great options when targeting northerns. When choosing baits for northern pike it’s important to select baits with stout hooks that can handle the hard fighting fish. Two baits you need to have if you plan on chasing pike is the Eppinger Original Dardevle Spoon and the Rapala Super Shad Rap. Both are classic baits that have large profiles, cover a lot of water quickly, and work great for northern pike all over North America.
FAQ’s
1. Are northern pike easy to clean?
Yes. Northern pike are an easy fish to fillet once you get the hang of removing the y-bones.
2. Can you catch northern pike on livebait?
Yes. Live sucker minnows, shiners, and other baitfish are great livebait for northern pike.
3. Are northern pike good to eat?
Yes. Northern pike have a nice, firm meat that is good deep fried, baked, and pickled.
4. Should I use a wire leader when fishing for northern pike?
A wire leader is recommended when fishing northern pike to avoid bite-offs.
5. Where can I catch big northern pike?
Many lakes in Northern Canadian have populations of large sized northern pike that often exceed the forty-inch mark.
Conclusion
Northern pike are a great species to chase throughout the summer months. These hard fighting fish provide some great action and can be relatively easy to catch. With a proper northern pike fishing setup and a few baits you can have a great day on the water chasing big summertime pike.
