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12/05/2001
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Article/Press
Release
First Ice Pike
By Steve Scepaniak · Predator Guide Service
The hard
water-fishing season is upon us and so is some of the best fishing
for pike throughout the winter. First, safe ice: Fishing for
trophy pike throughout the mid west during first ice can produce
some fantastic fishing action.
When fishing for
early ice pike, concentrate your fishing efforts to the bays of
the lake. The pike will still be concentrated in the shallows from
their fall feeding pattern and will stay there until the pressure
from A.T.V’s, snowmobiles, and vehicles drive them to the
sanctuary of the deeper water.
A knowledge of
the bay and surrounding structure is essential when fishing for
trophy pike. Concentrate your fishing efforts along the edge of
the weed bed that is closest to the main body of water. Keep in
mind that this weed bed “will” hold the majority of game fish and
bait fish do to the simple fact that it is closest to the main
body of water and is an easy access for escape in case of danger.
Being a top line
predator, the northern pike will take advantage of the natural
structure of the weed bed to ambush its prey from. These places
being, any and all points, pockets and inside turns of the weed
bed.
Before your first
line goes in the water there is one item that is essential to keep
in mind. It is of the utmost importance to keep the noise to a
minimum when ice fishing, and yet, still be able to move quickly
from one spot to another in search of fish. This can easily be
done by having a series of pre-drilled holes along the edge of the
weed bed. It only takes a few extra minutes in the early morning
to ensure a day of quality fishing.
The point of the
weed bed closest to the main body of water will get my first
tip-up. The closest inside turn next to the point will get my
second tip-up. If after forty minutes of waiting produces nothing,
simply pick up your tip-ups and move to another hole you have
pre-drilled.
When rigging my
tip-ups for pike I like to use 17 lb. test monofilament fishing
line. My personal favorite comes in a low visibility green color
and is almost impossible to see in the water.
Without a doubt,
a quick strike system is the only way to go for catching pike. A
quick strike rig is nothing more than a series of hooks that are
attached to the minnow. There is no more second-guessing on how
long to let the northern take the bait like with the conventional
one hook system. With the quick strike system, set the hook after
the bait is taken. The northern will have hooks in its mouth not
in its gullet and it can easily be released. You can make your own
quick strike rig or buy one. Either way it is the most efficient
way of catching pike.
My favorite quick
strike rigs are home made. They consist of 7 strand 17 lb. test
leader material with number # 4 or # 6 treble hooks attached. I
have found over the years that the smaller size hooks have greatly
increased our catching percentage both in numbers and size of
pike.
My first choice
for bait when northern fishing is a sucker minnow of eight to
twelve inches long. I feel that larger minnows will deter the
smaller northern pike, yet will still be an appetizing meal for
the larger pike. It is important to have enough minnows on hand to
ensure a lively set in the water. Set your minnow no more than
eighteen inches off the bottom since northerns are noted for
cruising the bottom in search of an easy meal. Use just enough
weight to keep your minnow down in the strike zone.
When fishing for
first ice pike it is important to keep the safety factor in mind.
Three to four inches of ice will support a person. I’ll go with
two of my buddies. For safety sake on first ice it is important to
take extra precaution and equipment in case of an emergency such
as a rope, ice picks, and a life jacket. “Remember” do not walk
together.
Good luck,
release that trophy, and preserve the memory for life with a
replica.
PREDATOR GUIDE SERVICE
www.predatorguideservice.com
320-253-7535 |
