Big Pike HELP!!

I was fishing today in a new spot that is only about 3 feet deep and all weedy. The water is about 64 degrees right off the main river channel. Anyway, I seen several LARGE pike. One had to have been at least 40″ and they were just laying there in the water. I tried a crawler, crankbaits, spoons and large spinners but they didn’t even give them a second look. So whats up with these fish? Isn’t it too late for them to be spawning. Anyone have any tips on how to make one of these pikes to look twice at my bait? It was one of the most frustrating days i’ve had fishing in a while. Can see them but can’t get em.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

I would try some dead bait.I have used smelt and they seem to work to get those sleepers arosed enough to bite.The smelt are oily and give off alot of scent.

Did someone call for my help???? dead bait or a jig and plastic, Manns jelly hoo or the new thumper jigs in pike size would be a good start. If those fish are not pressured they’ll hang in that area for a few days and get more agressive on warm afternoon. Good luck and please cpr those fish are probably twenty years old…

Leeches!!!! you just cannot spook the fish. Usually if you can see them the pike also can see you or will know you are there. But a big leech will catch his attention quick.

Warmer water helps speed up motabolism, which helps with digestion. When big pike and muskie “sun” in the shallows, they’re not actively seeking a meal. What you need is good timing! When they’re ready to move off of this resting spell, something small and tasty (and EASY!) is a good way to go. Usually though, they leave the shallows and hang deep for their next meal, suspending and traveling around when hunting.

There are exceptions to every rule but my experience (as with many others), is that these piggies will frustrate you more than they’ll ever satisfy your craving for accomplishment!

Oh yeah…… another thing! When you find these bad boys, leave the area and them alone for about 30 minutes or so. Like the others have said before me, if you see them, they see you too. Come back later and quietly anchor within a cast’s distance or use a drift pattern that puts them within your range, but not your sight. The more natural things look, the better!

Good luck and take pictures!!!

Thanks guys for the help and tips. I tried last night with the same old baits with no luck. And tonight I used some smelt like mentioned but that also got me no where. I’ll keep trying to connect with them but it is just nice to see these hogs.

Thanks for all the great ifo and tips everyone!

Jigs – Bass jigs with tails fished s-l-o-w-l-y. Good Luck — Pax