Pike Are On The Move (U2)

Pike season will be wrapping up on some inland waters soon, but the season remains open on border waters in many areas. However where do all these fish go? Smaller ones are relating to shallower locations and green weeds. Bigger pike swim in deeper water and deep outside weed edges. Other good locations may not have vegetation, such as rock areas, and sunken islands. Pike are usually deeper than 30 feet so do not be afraid to go into the water at deeper depths. If you’re fishing deeper pike, go 4 to 5 feet off the bottom, even in 20 to 40 feet of water. Approach them with a tip-up in these deeper waters. Set that tip-up with live bait, preferably shiners in the 5- to 6-inch range, or suckers that run even a little bigger. If you encounter active fish, consider using a larger jig with live bait, or a vertical jigging spoon with lots of flash and action. Again, keep it roughly 5 feet off the bottom. If fishing with several friends, consider using tip-ups along a break line. Spread them out and at different depths. When you set one tip-up, go 5 feet off the bottom, but alter the others. If you can, work jigs and live baits in between those depths. Definitely use some sort of thin strand wire leader when fishing. You may get fewer bites, but you won’t lose as many fish. Pike are starting to move around and thinking of spawning. Release those big fish, and don’t use a gaff hook. When grabbing that fish, hold under the gill plate, do not touch the gills then gently release the fish back into the water if they are too small. Therefor others can have fun catching them and also so they can grow into a more mature fish. Go get those pike this season!