Pike is the most aggressive, predatory and carnivorous fish of freshwater, so it is called the shark of freshwater. It can attack large fish even when it is a month old. It also attacks a wide variety of living things such as frogs, fish, birds placed on water and crabs. The pike, which first sets eyes on its prey, neutralizes it with sudden and fast movements. Its mouth is like a duckbill and it has very sharp teeth. It prefers relatively warm and clean water as a place of living. Pike fish is both delicious and strong fishing and fishing because of being a hunting fish is a pleasure.
There are certain rules for pike fishing. It is forbidden to catch pike fish between 15 December and 31 March. In this period, when the pike enters the breeding period, hunting may cause a significant decrease in the population in the coming years. Compliance with these rules and prohibitions is very important for the balance of natural life and the future of the pike population. In case of failure to comply with these rules protected by law, various criminal procedures are applied. Compliance with hunting prohibitions is of great importance for sustainable aquaculture fishing.
We can divide the pike hunting into two parts, from the shore and the boat. If the boat is to be made with a drop and back method, an average rod length of 180 cm can be preferred. Since the challenging structure of the pike fish provides enjoyable moments for fish hunters, spin fishing is generally preferred in pike fishing. Fake fish and spoons are generally used in pike hunting. Pike hunting can also be done with live bait under certain rules.
- To give an example of the models that you may prefer to hunt pike by the shore:
PENN SQUADRON (2.70 cm): Penn Squadron which is a 100% carbon fishing pole has 2.70 cm length, 20-50 gr action, and 260 gr weight. Each part of the fishing pole consisting of 2 pieces is 135 cm. The porcelain structure is epoxy supported and the fishing pole is stainless. It is a very suitable rod for hunting pikes with the spin casting method.
PENN FIERCE II 4000: Penn Fierce angling machine with a metal body and a metal-head has 4 + 1 stainless steel balls. With 5,800 kilograms of drag power and a weight of 348 grams, Penn Fierce has 6.2 rounds. The front-line fishing machine is designed for large fishing. It can wind 212 meters in 0.31 mm fishing line and 168 meters in 0.35 mm fishing line. It is suitable for both fishing line and rope, but the rope is more preferred in pike hunting.
ALBASTAR DYNAMIC SPIN REED: Made of Mix Carbon material. Available in 10-30 grams and 15-40 grams of action with two models and 210cm, 240cm, 270cm lengths. 170 Grams product weight, 2 Piece rod model, DPS Type Machine Cradle, KL Type Rings used, Eva Grip Handle, Aluminum Rings, Fast Action properties.
ERMA EAST 40 MACHINE: Graphite Body, Aluminum Head, Steel throw wire, Metal handle with wooden handle, Arm direction can be changed according to the user, right or left. Avs (anti-Vibro system) minimizes vibration and ensures smooth winding, Anti-reverse switch, Sudden posture ball. It is a model that is comfortable to use for spin casting.
- The equipment you can use for pike hunting from the boat:
ALBASTAR BOAT STAR 2.40 cm: Boat Star which is one of the most popular reeds of Albastar has 2.40 cm length, 40-120 grams of action and 345 grams of weight. 100% carbon fishing pole. Extremely flexible and powerful rod.
ALBASTAR DISCOVER FISHING MACHINE: It is a powerful machine with 30 and 50 lengths. Very stylish Aluminum design, Reinforced gears for uninterrupted struggles, Strong shaft, Graphite body, and Aluminum side cover as well as Smooth rotating Aluminum rotor, Forgings Aluminum head, Thick Aluminum Throw wire, Machined Aluminum sleeve, and Eva knob.
- Fishing Line Brands For Pike Hunting
SUFIX ADVANCE FISHING LINE: It attracts attention with its 96% knot strength. 150 m and 300 m options are available. It is an award-winning product that has been tested and approved by EFTA. It draws attention with its 15 kg traction force and 0.40 mm thickness. It is one of the most preferred fishing lines.
SUFIX ADV.832 ROPE: Manufactured with R8 Precision Weave and fiber technology, has superior strength, roundness, and smoothness, has 8 ply weave (7 HMPE fiber plus 1 GORE Performance Fiber) and has 32 weaves per 2.5cm. GORE Performance Fibers improves wear resistance and extends firing range, Suitable for bait hunting and boat use With 0.38mm 36Kg pulling force
BERKLEY FIRE FISHING LINE: It is a rope that takes the color of the water that we can call camouflage. 210 and 270 m options are available. With 0.30 mm thickness and 36 kg weight, it is among the most successful products in terms of pulling power.
- Spoons for Pike Fishing
ALBASTAR 504 and 510 Spoon: It is manufactured from ground galvanized DKP sheet and has three layers of a coating as copper, nickel, and chrome against corrosion. With its flake patterned structure, it has an attractive feature for the pike following from behind in clear waters. As pointed out by the red piece in the hook ring, it became a hunter with sonic vibrations in the water.
Mepps and Bluefox Spoons: It has models that can be used according to all kinds of weather and water conditions. Paints suitable for pike hunting for Mepps spoons are No: 4 and No: 5 and for Bluefox spoons No: 5 and No: 6 lengths.
- Fake Fish That Can Be Used in Pike Fishing
Silicone and hard fish are used for pike fishing. The best food for pike, which has an aggressive structure and an instinct to protect its region, has always been fake fish.
- Storm Wildeye Live Pike
- Storm Wildeye Live Pike
- Storm 360 GT Silicone fish
- Storm 360 GT Silicone Fish
- Mister Twister Sasy Silicone Fish
- Mister Twister Sasy Silicone Fish
- Rapala: DT (Dives-To), Deep Tail Dancer
- Rapala Deep Tail Dancer
Properties of Fluorocarbon Fishing Line Used for Pike Hunting
The first fluorocarbon line was found in 1970 by the Japanese company Kureha, the manufacturer of the Seguar brand, and entered the market. Vinyl is an organic component bonded by a hydrogen atom (ethylene derivative). The structure of vinylidene used in fluorocarbon is formed by joining with carbon atoms. The fluoride carbon line is vinylidene fluoride, ie a fluoropolymer of carbon and fluorine (gas) atoms. Simply by burning the fluoride carbon lines can be tested according to the blackening rate and the melting rate. It is a substance that can be fused by its structure.
Fluorocarbon coated fishing lines are produced by many companies. One of its most important features is its memory, which can be flat at any time. Fluorocarbon filaments are 10 times more UV resistant than nylon filaments. In the market, there are such discourses as a good fluorocarbon fishing line 100% resistant to the UV light. However, some large companies produce closed fluorocarbon coating line packages and write on the back of the packages that fluoros may lose 20% value in 1.5 years. Perhaps this may be due to the fact that UV light first degrades the carbon structure of the material and the excess carbon in the fluoro. Or the UV light that passes more comfortably may break down the nylon core under the coating more quickly.
- Refractive index: This figure indicates that light travels 1.33 times faster in space than in water.
- Refractive index of water = 1.33
- Fluorocarbon gives the closest value = 1.39 to 1.42
- Nylon monofilament = 1.54 – 1.62.
Being less visible is the advantage, but this is for the human eye, which has not yet been proven in the fisheye. As a result of academic researches where more fish strokes are expected with fluorocarbon, nylon has given equal values. Besides, because the nylon line is stronger when knotting, and the fluoro line is required to be used thicker than the nylon line, the visibility index values become the same values when the fluoro thickens.
If the background is dark, the fluorocarbon can be much more visible, the color appropriate to the background can provide more advantages with a nylon fishing line in such a situation.
- Specific gravity of water = 1 g / cm3.
- Dyneema = 0.97-0.98 g / cm3 tends to swim.
- Fluorocarbon = 1.78 g / cm3 with fast sinking structure.
- Nylon mono = 1.14gr / cm3 gives fishermen a good submergence and excellent weight.
Fluorocarbon fishing lines are fast sinking. Thus, for example, a fluoro fishing line, which should be heavy in spin fishing, can provide a distance advantage with the whip effect. Fluorocarbon mono sinks faster than nylon mono. Therefore, it is preferred in some fishing styles requiring waiting.
Flexibility Values:
- Dynema = 4-10%
- Fluorocarbon = 20-26%
- Nylon = 20-45%
Fluorocarbon allows you to feel the effect more easily in your hand thanks to its low stretch structure. The resistance of the fluorocarbon lines against friction varies according to the quality. In fact, Fluorocarbon coatings are made to increase the abrasion and UV resistance of external factors. However, it is possible to observe in the experience that most fluorocarbons are damaged even when using. Therefore, good firms produce 100% fluoro by separating them into various layers. Each company’s fluorocarbon line may not be resistant to abrasion.
Fluorocarbon Fishing lines are divided into 100% pure fluorocarbon and hybrid lines. The use of 100% pure fluorocarbon lines is more advantageous. However, since the prices of real fluorocarbon fishing lines are high, some companies have introduced more affordable fishing lines called hybrid lines. In recent years, more hunter equipment is needed due to numerous factors such as decreasing fish population and environmental pollution. In the fishing line category, the most effective way to increase fishing is to use fluorocarbon fishing line.
Advantages of Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
- The light transmittance of the fluorocarbon line and the water is almost the same and therefore it disappears in the water.
- Fluorocarbon fishing lines are much more resistant to degradation caused by rain, moisture and UV rays than monofilament fishing lines in the long term.
- The structure of fluorocarbon fishing lines is very hard so you can get the reaction very quickly. Flexibility is much less than the monofilament line.
- Fluorocarbon fishing lines are highly resistant to abrasion.
- Fluorocarbon fishing lines sink more quickly in water.
- Fluorocarbon does not absorb water, so it is less damaged than monofilament in the long run.
- You can eliminate the problems that arise during the line is wound on the reel faster in fluorocarbon fishing lines.
Disadvantages of Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
- Fluorocarbon fishing lines do not have high traction.
- The price is quite expensive compared to monofilament fishing line.
- The fluorocarbon fishing line is hard to tie knots.
Fluorocarbon filaments and monofilament filaments are almost identical in transparency, lubricity, and gloss. There are numerous fake fishing lines sold under the name of fluorocarbon fishing line because the differences cannot be distinguished by eye. There is a fairly easy method to distinguish 100% true fluorocarbon lines from counterfeits. 100% Pure fluorocarbon does not catch fire when you burn the line. The fishing line darkens and a black tiny ball forms at the tip. When a monofilament fishing line is burned, it catches fire and continues to burn.
Further Information About Pike and Pike Hunting Equipment
Pike is a very tough freshwater fish. It has a beautiful appearance covered with fine and stylish scales. The body extends and takes the shape of a torpedo. The head is small and covered with flat scales. The nose is quite long and flattened. The mouth is large and toothed and the lower jaw is extended to the front with a duckbill shape. The upper part of the gill covers and cheeks are completely covered with thin scales.
They can swim very fast. There are perforated sensory organs on the head that can be seen with the naked eye. Although the overall color of the body looks yellowish-green, the back part presents olive green reflections. While young fish have green colored transverse bands on the sides of the body, these bands turn into rounded brown spots in individuals who have reached maturity. The abdominal area is always light yellow or off-white.
Reproduction of Pike
Immediately after the ice melts. According to the climate conditions, the mating period can last from a few days to 1 month. In the USA and Canada, this period is from March to May. In a study conducted in 1958, it was observed that the pikes with radio transmitters traveled 25 miles to mate. Mating usually takes place in the afternoon. They tend to lay their eggs in the mouths of streams where fresh snow water comes from, in the reed beds and in grassy areas. In this period, some unconscious people who realize this situation may hunt them. They start laying their eggs at a temperature of 2-6 degrees and the ideal spawning temperature is between 8-18 degrees.
The egg-laying ratio of the pike is calculated as Y = 4401 x 4L – 66,245, which is a formula developed by the researchers named Franklin and Smith. In this equation, Y is equal to the number of eggs where L is the length of the fish. The fry hatch from the fertilized egg in 2 weeks. Pikes usually reach sexual maturity at the age of two. However, in cold places like Alaska, this number is reported to be 4-5 years. The period of spawning in these areas is also beginning in late May. Therefore, waiting for mid-April in order to continue the generation of pikes during the harsh weather conditions will be more appropriate behavior for hunting ethics.
Nutrition and Lifestyle of Pike
Newly hatched offspring feed on very small creatures called plankton. After about 1 month, the teeth start to develop and they gain predatory features. According to the opinion accepted in the world, pikes are fed with other fish and water organisms that are 2/3 of their body length and smaller. The best food sources are small shrimps. Pikes are also seen as scavengers. They like relatively warm and slow-flowing waters. They are often released into dams for population control. It is one of the predators in freshwater. Sometimes it is unfairly touted as monster fish. There are even rumors that they are attacking birds and all kinds of small creatures that move in the water. This can only happen if a pike is 3 times larger than that bird.
In fact, like all predators in nature, it only hunts when it is hungry. It does not kill for pleasure. Like other predators in the natural life chain, it attacks weaker, wounded or otherwise immobilized prey. Thus, both the population is controlled and the natural feed flora is grown from the surviving healthy elite samples.
Size of Pike
After the spring it was born, it reaches a height of 10 cm at the end of summer. It reaches 23 cm in one year and 36 cm in two years. Females grow faster and feed more after reaching sexual maturity than males. Especially during winter, they need to be fed very well in order to maintain the intensive egg rate. Therefore, more female fish are caught in autumn than males. This also gives the female a larger height than a male of the same age, men usually do not grow more than 80 cm. The female adults of the pike exceed 1 meter in the normal life chain and many pikes weighing more than 20 kg have been reported.
With age, there is a significant increase in the size of the pike. The ideal egg-laying age for a female pike is between 7-12 years. For this reason, the principle of releasing female pikes between 80-110 cm has become widespread. Again, according to foreign sources, the most delicious ones are those between 40-60 cm. Pikes most commonly caught are between 750 gr and 4-5 kg.
Important Factors in Pike Hunting
- Effect of the Season
In the autumn period, pike swims from shallow waters to the deep, so the fish should be sought in deep waters with heavy fake baits. Artificial baits in our bags should be selected by paying attention to the environment we are in and the vegetation status of the water. If there is a density of grass in the water at the point where we hunt, it is most reasonable to hunt with above-water baits. Watercolor and daylight are also important factors. If we are hunting outdoors, it is useful to prefer dark artificial baits, and for indoors, and vice versa.
- Effect of Water Conditions
Pike is not found at the same depth in all seasons, which is directly related to the heat of the water and the habitat of the fish. As the temperature increases, fish activity increases. It comes to the surface following its prey, but in extremely hot weather, it looks for shade places in the water to protect from heat. Clusters of moss and grass that have reached the surface of the water are good hunting beds during this period. The water temperature between 22-27 degrees is the efficient hunting temperature for the pike. Like all living things in nature, it likes stable temperatures. In winter it goes deep because the deep parts of the water are warmer than the cold water surface and the temperature is constant at about 5 degrees. As the water warms up, it comes to the surface.
- Effect of the Weather
The most effective factor in pike hunting is the weather. The temperature of the water surface is very important. As a result of sudden temperature changes during the day, the fish suddenly disappears. Cloudy weather is the ideal condition for pike hunting when the water is calm. In this weather, the fish cannot see the predator. It loves especially light silver artificial spoons and white silicone baits. However, the presence of wind with clouds (except for the light wind) disrupts the hunt. Very light wind is another ideal requirement. Sunrise and sunset, which evoke a slightly cloudy environment, are ideal times to fish as in all other fishing.
- Effect of the Rain
Rain affects the pike hunt negatively. Because the water gets cloudy and the pike doesn’t like sudden changes. However, in light rainy weather in spring, they can be hunted with light and bright bait. Another good time to hunt pikes is after short summer rains.
- Hunting Time
The most important point to note here is the state of the moon. Crane is a highly smart fish in terms of visual capabilities. The ideal time concept varies according to the seasons. The concept of the early morning should come to mind when the sun is about to rise. The situation is slightly different in the evening. When it is said to be towards the evening, it should be understood 3-4 pm and if hunting is not done at night, it should be finished at 6-7 pm.
Best Fishing Lines You Can Buy Online For Pike Fishing
- SAPLIZE Fluorocarbon Coated Fishing Line, 6lb-22lb Super Abrasion Resistance Low Stretch Easy Casting Fishing Line 300 Yards FL01 Series (Price: $8.29)
- KastKing Kovert Fluorocarbon Fishing Line and Fluorocarbon Leader, Made in Germany, Virtually Invisible Under Water, Shock Resistant, Increased Sensitivity, Sinks Faster Than Mono, 100% Fluorocarbon (Price: $12.98)
- XFISHMAN Northern-Pike-Lures-Multi-Jointed-Swimbaits-Fishing-Lure 5″ 8″ 12″ inch for Musky Lake Trout Fishing Tackle (Price: $18.99)
- RIO Products Leaders Pike/Musky II 7.5′ 30Lb Class 30Lb Stainless Wire with Snap, Clear (Price: $10.50)
- Goture 8 Strands Braided Fly Backing Fishing Line for Trout Bass Pike in The Saltwater Freshwater 20lb 30lb 109yd Orange White Yellow White/Black Yellow/Black (Price: $8.99 – $9.99)
