Pike Anyone?

[John Miller]

I am jonesing for some pike action.  The hard water scene is non existant and now my fishing creative juices are flowing!  I have not fished in our water since October of last year!  This winter weather is laughable or should I say cryable.  Every weekend the steelhead streams are flooded and the ice on inland lakes deteriorates.  Freeze, thaw, freeze, thaw freeze thaw.  Anyhow I am thinking about fishing Erie Basin for pike once the water clears up.  Does anyone have experience with fishing the marina for pike?  Thanks

[Scott McKee]

I've always limited myself to the hard water for pike this time of year, but I'd bet on a nice day the "Rats" would be feeding activly.  Don't forget the chubs and dinky quick strike rigs.  A small treble in the nose and one behind the dorsal fin jacks your hook-up ratio through the roof.  How about a winter pike article John?  Good luck.

[Scott McKee]

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[33sjfo56qd2lf]

I'm also craving some pike action John.  I've heard that this time of year if you are looking for big pike, there are several marinas where using dead bait fish on the bottom will pick you up a nice size fish.   I've personally noticed however lures do not work as well for pike in very cold water because they're just too sluggish.  I've heard that Silver lake is good spot for pike this time of year as well.  When does pike season close again? End of March? I know it opens up the first Saturday in May and closes for about a month or so right?

[Josh Ketry]

I grew up fishing harbor pike early season, but ever since they changed the regs in bass I have been more drawn to the 7# potential Smallies in the early season. Truthfully, I don't even know the pike regs and I am pretty sure it is closed for a few months until May. Husky Jerks and Yozuri slash Baits have been my best two Baits. Early season I have done well with a slow steady retrieve, and some occasional pauses, but Feb 10th is really early. I know a few fellas were getting into nice 35"+ pike in the lower last week while walleye fishing. Good luck.....btw, you didn't fish in all of Nov?

[33sjfo56qd2lf]

I made a link to the DEC regs on my page.  Looks like pike closes March 15th.  I personally like husky jerks and large x-raps, much like Josh, but in really cold water, I haven't done too well with jerk baits.  I would be willing to get out pike fishing here in the next couple weeks, probably on a weekend if you guys wanna go.  Let me know. 

[John Miller]

Adam, With the onset of recent seasonal weather I am thinking I just may be able to make the hard water seen without fearing for my life.  Are you interested in chasing the elusive 40 inch pike?  Me and Andy Wypior were chasing them last winter and we got into a few nice ones, but still havent found the 40 we are searching for.   If water clears and winds die then I wouldn't mind giving local harbours a try.  I tried dead bait last year and had good results.  I dont think I'll fish winter again without having it as an option.  Maybe spring too.  I started to buy live suckers and shiners just to kill and freeze a few then thaw prior to the trip.  Works well!   

[33sjfo56qd2lf]

I'm ready to leave work right now and go monster pike fishing.   Just say when John.