Less than 3 weeks into the open water season here on Rainy Lake, and customers have landed 39 pike tipping the scales over 10lbs!! Most all of our pike are released except for a few grill sized fish. Trophy Pike hunting trips have become very popular here on Rainy Lake, and when pinning down the biggest and the baddest we have to offer takes PIKE FISHING to a whole new level. I’m not a big guy for cranking in hammer handles or snakes as many people refer to them, but when 20lb freaks are hurling out of the water and barrel rolling like gators that really gets customers hearts going!! Best time to plan a Pike Smackdown it late April to the first 3-4 weeks in May. After that these beastly fish migrate into deeper waters and become much more scattered. Fishing concentrations of big fish can make for great action!!
There are many ways to catch pike, but select methods in which seem to produce the numbers of big pike. I personally feel Big pike feed on bullheads, crappies and perch predominatley while were fishing the early season patterns. Knowing this allows the angler to fish colors that will best match the baitfish being sought after. Perch colors have long been a favorite of mine, but this year I have found bullhead……SHHHHHHHH!! Or small walleye imitations have turned the biggest fish!! There will always be big fish caught on an assortment of tackle, but a true running stickbait matching the other baitfish is often what it takes to fool the biggest and the baddest!!
Pike of course are open for business continuously here on Rainy Lake. It is imperative that when fishing these big fish that conservation of the fishery is at the top of anglers priorities. Efficient CPR is crucial to the future of trophy fisheries. These fish are very big, and need to be handled very carefully. Be sure to have all proper hook removing tools ready to roll, and keep the fish in the water as long as possible. Take the fish out of the net for a quick photo and measurement. Replica mounts are unbelievable and last a lifetime!! Releasing your personal trophy will allow another angler to experience the thrill!! When releasing the fish hold the fish upright in the water by the tail until that big girl pulls away from you. Sometimes it takes 3 seconds and sometimes it takes 5 minutes. Take the time to assure the fish DOES NOT go nose down it the mud.
Lastly lets talk photos of your trophy!! Often times anglers have difficulties taking good quality photos of the fish. Here are a couple things to consider; The fish is on display along with the background of the photo. Position the angler with the fish towards the most attractive background. Then be sure to get both the head and the tail fit into the shot. Having the sun shining on the fish when possible really highlights the fish as well as the angler. Try taking the photo immediately after pulling the fish from the water so the fish remains wet for the sun to glisten off your trophy. Remember take good quality but quick shots!! Hold your breath as you photo the fish as that is what the fish is doing!!
Tight lines team!!
