Pike Fishing PDF Print E-mail

Pike - Esox lucius

  • Description: Camouflage markings, elongated shape, flattened head, lower jaw slightly protrudes
  • Specimen Weight: 20lbs (9kg)
  • Lifespan: Up to 25 yrs
  • UK Record: 46lbs 13oz (21.23kg)
  • Habitat:Lowland rivers, canals, drains and lakes
  • Methods: Livebaiting, deadbaiting, spinning
  • Baits: Mackerel, lamprey, roach, smelt, small pike.


Pike

Pike Fishing


Pike are the top line predator in most European freshwater fisheries making it and awe inspiring fish. Streamlined, powerful but graceful too the pike is a solitary fish in our water ways. It lies in wait ready to ambush other smaller shoal fish such as roach, rudd and bream. The pike uses its speed to catch its food so in its old age turns into a scavenger seeking out ailing or dead fish.

The pike is widely distrubuted throughout the British Isles. It is found in both fast flowing and still waters, a lake filled with shoals of small fish will be where you find the largest pike.

Tactics
Learning to read the water is something all anglers should do. Study the area where they are likely to be found, understanding the pike's habits and needs is invaluable. Pike often lie in holes in the undercut bank of rivers or streams,where a tree has fallen into the water causing an eddy, a slow down in currrent. On stillwaters pike will pounce from the edge of beds and reed masses. Pike can be made to come to the angler like any other coarse fish, lured by groundbait, but not the cereal kind. Mashed offal with pilchard oil and mixed to a stiff paste. The pike's acute sense of smell allows it to smell food at a distance. Pike will attack both live and deadbaits, if using livebaits then use a lively swimmer to attract the pike's attention. Artificial lures also play an important part in pike fishing. Spinning is both an effective and enjoyable way to catch pike.
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