As the summer heat bears down and the mercury climbs into the 90s, many anglers find themselves seeking refuge in the cool waters dotted with lily pads and bulrushes that are home to one of the hardest fighting and wiliest freshwater predators – the muskellunge, or “musky” for short. While catching these elusive fish is no easy task, the thrill of battling a ‘hog’ on light line more than makes up for the challenges involved.
In this post on how to catch summer pike, I’ll share some of the most effective tactics, lures, and strategies for finding and catching summer pike across a variety of different water types -from weedy bays to open-water structures. By following the tips outlined here, your chances of getting bit by the “fish of 10,000 casts” will significantly increase. So read on to learn how to outsmart these cunning predators and have the fight of your life on your next summer excursion out on the water.
What is a Pike?
First things first, let’s define what we mean by pike. The term “pike” can be used to refer to a few different species of freshwater fish, including muskellunge, northern pike, and pickerel. In this post, we’ll be focusing specifically on catching summer muskellunge.
Muskies are long, slender fish with silver, green, or brown coloring and dark vertical stripes. They have a distinctive elongated snout full of sharp teeth, which they use to ambush their prey. Muskies are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, often jumping out of the water in an attempt to throw the hook.
Why Summer Pike Are So Fun to Catch?
There are several reasons why summer pike makes for an exhilarating catch. Firstly, they are known for their strong and aggressive fighting capabilities, making them a popular target among anglers looking for a challenge. Secondly, pike are notorious for their elusive behavior and can be difficult to find and hook, making it all the more satisfying when you do manage to land one. Finally, pike are often found in beautiful and picturesque locations, making the whole experience of catching them even more enjoyable.
11 Step-by-Step Guidelines on How to Catch Summer Pike
Step 1: Know the Habits of Summer Pike
Before you head out to chase pike, it’s important to understand their behavior and patterns during the summer months. In general, pike tend to seek cooler water temperatures, so they can often be found lurking in deeper water or near cover such as rocks, logs, and weed beds. They are also most active during low light periods, such as early morning and late evening.
Step 2: Pick the Right Gear
When it comes to gear for pike fishing, you’ll want to use medium-heavy to heavier rods and reels, as well as thick monofilament or fluorocarbon line in the 14-20-pound range. You’ll also want to have a variety of lures on hand, including topwater baits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and jerkbaits. You’ll also need a quality landing net and long-nose pliers to safely handle the pike’s sharp teeth.
Step 3: Target Weedy Areas
Pike love structure and cover, and weeds provide both. Look for areas with submerged vegetation and weed beds that offer pike a place to hide and ambush their prey. These areas can also be hotspots for smaller baitfish and insects, attracting pike in search of an easy meal. It’s important to note that pike will often strike at a lure multiple times before actually taking it, so be patient and persistent.
Step 4: Try Topwater Lures
Topwater lures are a popular choice for targeting pike, especially during the summer months. These lures imitate injured or struggling prey on the surface, making them irresistible to hungry pike. Experiment with different types of topwater lures, such as prop baits, walking baits, and buzz baits, to see what works best in your local waters.
Step 5: Utilize Spinners and Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are another effective lure for catching summer pike. Their flashy blades and pulsating skirts mimic baitfish, attracting the attention of nearby pike. You can also try adding a soft plastic trailer to increase your chances of getting bites. Vary your retrieval speed and depth to find what the pike is most interested in on any given day.
Step 6: Fish Deep Drop-offs
During the summer, pike can often be found in deeper water, as it offers them cooler temperatures and access to prey. Look for drop-offs or steep slopes in the lake or river that lead to deeper water. These areas are prime spots for pike to hang out and wait for an easy meal to come by. But remember, you’ll need to adjust your lure and retrieval speed accordingly to account for the deeper water.
Step 7: Use Live Bait
If all else fails, live bait can be a reliable option for catching summer pike. Popular choices include large minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers. Try using a slip-bobber setup to keep your bait suspended at the desired depth and be patient as it can take some time for pike to commit to a live bait offering. This method can be especially effective in heavily pressured waters.
Step 8: Consider Using Scent
Pike has a keen sense of smell, so incorporating scent into your lures or live bait can increase your chances of getting bites. Opt for scents that imitate the prey fish in your local waters, and be sure to reapply frequently to keep the scent fresh. You can also try using attractant sprays on your lures to make them stand out in the water.
Step 9: Change Up Your Retrieval Technique
Pike can be picky and sometimes require a bit of finesse to entice them to bite. Don’t be afraid to mix up your retrieval technique, such as pausing or twitching your lure, to make it look more natural and enticing. This can often trigger a reaction strike from a curious or finicky pike. It’s also important to pay attention to the direction and speed of the current or wind, as this can affect how your lure moves in the water.
Step 10: Be Patient
Catching summer pike requires patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get any bites right away, as it may take some time to locate the pike and figure out what they are interested in that day. Stay focused and continue trying different techniques and lures until you find success. However, keep in mind that sometimes the best course of action is to simply move on and try a different spot if you aren’t having any luck.
Step 11: Practice Catch-and-Release
As with all types of fishing, it’s important to practice responsible catch-and-release practices when targeting summer pike. These fish are vital to maintaining a healthy ecosystem and should be handled with care to ensure their survival. Use a landing net and long-nose pliers to safely unhook the pike, and release them quickly back into the water after taking a quick photo. This will increase their chances of survival and allow others to enjoy catching these exciting fish in the future.
Following these steps on how to catch summer pike can help you improve your chances of catching summer pike. Remember, fishing is not just about the end result, but also about enjoying the process and being in nature. So take your time, savor the experience, and appreciate the beauty of these magnificent fish and their surroundings. Happy fishing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Best Time of Day to Catch a Summer Pike?
A: Pike is most active during low light periods, such as early morning and late evening. They may also be more active on a cloudy or overcast day.
Q: What is the Best Gear to Use for Catching Summer Pike?
A: For pike fishing, you’ll want to use medium-heavy to heavier rods and reels, as well as thick monofilament or fluorocarbon line in the 14-20-pound range. You’ll also need a variety of lures such as topwater baits, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits. Additionally, a landing net and long-nose pliers are essential for safely handling pike.
Q: Do I Need a Fishing License to Catch Summer Pike?
A: Yes, you will need a valid fishing license to legally fish for pike during the summer months. Make sure to check your local regulations for any restrictions or special requirements. So, make sure to always have a valid fishing license and follow all applicable laws and regulations while enjoying the great outdoors.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the necessary information on how to catch summer pike, it’s time for you to put it into action! This elusive and powerful fish may seem intimidating at first, but with the right techniques and equipment, you’ll be reeling in trophy-worthy catches in no time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lures and baits, explore new fishing spots, and ask for advice from fellow anglers. Remember to always practice responsible fishing practices and respect the environment while out on the water.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking for an exciting challenge, summer pike fishing is an experience like no other. So grab your gear, head out to your favorite fishing spot, and start casting those lines! Who knows, maybe your next catch will be a new personal record or even a legendary monster pike. Happy fishing!