The northern pike is a lone hunter, feeding on almost any small fish, including younger pike. Because it is not a picky eater, different lures and baits work well. Though must pike caught are between 2 and 3 lbs., they can reach trophy weights of over 20 lbs. Add to this its flavor and texture, and the northern pike is an attractive target for anglers.
Leaders
A northern pike will bite through monofilament fishing line, so you need to add a heavy leader. Good leaders for pike are 20- to 30-lb. foot-long wire leaders. If you are fishing with a floating plug lure, use the shortest wire leader you can find to avoid impeding the lure's action.
Lures
Chartreuse, white and yellow lures work best in attracting pike. In early spring, try an in-line spinner, spoon or a plug that resembles a minnow. Later in the spring, switch to crankbaits that run about 10 feet deep and fish along sprouting weed lines. A twist-tail or rubber worm added to these lures can add color and movement to attract more pike. Once the water temperature in shallow areas reaches 60 degrees, try fishing with a jig baited with a worm, fished along drop-offs at 6 to 10 feet depths.
Where to Look
Northerns like to ambush, so a good place to start looking for them is near some form of cover. Large flats with plenty of weeds attract pike. In early spring, flat areas close to shore in which the depth is between 3 and 10 feet should be one of your first targets. These flats tend to attract baitfish and panfish during their spawning periods; these fish will attract hungry pike looking for a meal after their own spawn. Look for beaver dams, fallen trees and other structures near the shoreline where pike can hide and ambush prey. When the water starts to warm up, pike will move to new weed growth close to drop-offs. Look for weedy shoreline points and weed lines in bays.
Handle with Care
Fishing line is not the only thing a pike will sink its teeth into. Protect your fingers when you're handling this feisty catch. If your pike is smaller than 10 lbs. grab it across the back of the head behind its eyes. Land a bigger pike with a net and get a firm grip on it while it's still netted. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to take out hooks without putting your fingers in jeopardy.
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