Trophy pike fishing is a fantactic opportinity in North America, but especially in Canada. Like sea monsters of the deep—only real—they push anglers to extreme destinations and tactics in search of the once-in-a-lifetime catch.
Once pike reaches the 40- to 50-inch pike class, their habitat, diet, and overall attitude are completely different than smaller pike. Big toothy critters patrol grounds or hold court on a structure — like kings of the hill, rulers of the roost —where the best food is most easily attained.
On the presentation side, each season and situation calls for a different play. Deadbait, live bait, giant plastics, deep-diving crankbaits, and weedless lure options all get used by serious pike-heads. 
Although the pursuit of trophy pike can at times be a grind, the payoff is worth every minute.
Watch the above video, where Jeremy Smith and Mike Hehner experiment with a host of high-probability pike presentations, each angler searching for a new personal best. To find them, the duo merges old and new school tactics, and they use their eyes and electronics to cover water and catch monster fish on a trip of a lifetime.
Gangler’s Lodge offers access to countless monster-filled glasses of water – where fish pushing 50 inches are possible—on both conventional tackle and on the fly.
In this article, we will be discussing trophy pike fishing and the gear needed for a successful trip. Trophy pike fishing can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience, and it requires the right equipment to maximize your chances of success. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, this article will provide you with valuable information on the gear needed for trophy pike fishing.
The Excitement of Trophy Pike Fishing
Trophy pike fishing is an exhilarating experience that offers anglers the opportunity to catch large, aggressive fish. Pike are known for their aggressive nature and their willingness to strike at a variety of baits. In this video, the anglers are using a variety of baits, including hard baits, spoons, spinners, and plastics, to target trophy pike.
The anglers in the video are using a combination of hard baits, spoons, spinners, and plastics to target trophy pike. The versatility of these baits allows them to cover a lot of water quickly and effectively. The spoons, in particular, are a mainstay for pike fishing in Canada due to their flash and vibration. They have likely caught more pike and trout than any other lure.
The Importance of Soft Plastics and Jerk Baits
When it comes to trophy pike fishing, soft plastics and jerk baits are two of the most effective presentations. These baits allow anglers to pause and give direction changes, which can be highly enticing to pike. The big bite baits five and six-inch shad is a cheap and awesome option for soft plastics. It provides a profile and hang time that can trigger strikes from pike. Another great option is the big bite salt tube, which is a six-inch bait that has proven to be successful.
The Right Hooks and Leaders
Having the right hooks and leaders is crucial for trophy pike fishing. The VMC heavy-duty weighted swim bait hooks are recommended, as they come in various sizes and provide the necessary weight for the baits. It is also suggested to have a quarter-ounce size for optimal results. If you prefer not to use the weight, you can simply clip it off. Additionally, using titanium or wire leaders is essential to prevent pike from biting through the line.
The Importance of Hang Time
One key aspect of trophy pike fishing is the hang time of the bait. Baits that move too fast often don’t trigger as many strikes as baits that can hang in front of the fish’s face. This allows the angler to trick the fish into biting and gives them a second chance if they miss the first time. It is incredibly fun to see the pike come back and bite the bait again.
Essential Tools and Accessories
In addition to the fishing gear, there are several tools and accessories that are essential for trophy pike fishing. These include snaps, swivels, titanium or wire leaders, pliers, and a landing net. Snaps and swivels are important for quickly changing out baits and preventing line twist. Titanium or wire leaders are necessary to prevent pike from biting through the line. Pliers are essential for removing hooks from the pike’s mouth, and a landing net is helpful for safely landing and releasing the fish.
Choosing the Right Rod and Reel
When it comes to choosing the right rod and reel for trophy pike fishing, it is recommended to use bass tackle. A seven-foot, heavy fast-action rod, such as the St. Croix Legend Extreme, is ideal for this type of fishing. Pairing it with a high-quality reel, like the Daiwa Tatula Type HD, and spooling it with 250-pound braid will provide the strength and sensitivity needed to handle trophy pike. It is also important to use a titanium wire leader to prevent pike from biting through the line.
Understanding Pike Behavior and Water Temperature
Pike are considered a cool water species and do not tolerate warm water well. They prefer water temperatures between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and will not be found in water over 70 degrees. In the early summer months, pike can be found in shallow water, but as the water temperature rises, they will move to deeper, cooler areas. It is important to target these areas to increase your chances of catching trophy pike.
The Importance of Catch and Release
Trophy pike are a valuable resource, and it is important to practice catch and release to ensure their sustainability. When handling pike, it is crucial to wet your hands before touching them to prevent removing their protective slime. Using a landing net can also help minimize stress on the fish. Additionally, using barbless hooks can make it easier to release the fish unharmed.
Conclusion
Trophy pike fishing is an exciting and rewarding experience that requires the right gear and techniques to maximize your chances of success. In this article, we discussed the gear needed for trophy pike fishing, including the importance of using soft plastics and jerk baits, the right hooks and leaders, the importance of hang time, essential tools and accessories, choosing the right rod and reel, understanding pike behavior and water temperature, and the importance of catch and release.
Trophy pike fishing offers anglers the opportunity to catch large, aggressive fish. Pike are known for their aggressive nature and their willingness to strike at a variety of baits. The anglers in the video used a combination of hard baits, spoons, spinners, and plastics to target trophy pike. The versatility of these baits allows them to cover a lot of water quickly and effectively.
Soft plastics and jerk baits are two of the most effective presentations for trophy pike fishing. These baits allow anglers to pause and give direction changes, which can be highly enticing to pike. The big bite baits five and six-inch shad and the big bite salt tube are recommended options for soft plastics.
Having the right hooks and leaders is crucial for trophy pike fishing. The VMC heavy-duty weighted swim bait hooks are recommended, as they come in various sizes and provide the necessary weight for the baits. Using titanium or wire leaders is essential to prevent pike from biting through the line.
Hang time is an important aspect of trophy pike fishing. Baits that move too fast often don’t trigger as many strikes as baits that can hang in front of the fish’s face. This allows the angler to trick the fish into biting and gives them a second chance if they miss the first time.
In addition to the fishing gear, there are several tools and accessories that are essential for trophy pike fishing. These include snaps, swivels, titanium or wire leaders, pliers, and a landing net. Snaps and swivels are important for quickly changing out baits and preventing line twist. Titanium or wire leaders are necessary to prevent pike from biting through the line. Pliers are essential for removing hooks from the pike’s mouth, and a landing net is helpful for safely landing and releasing the fish.
When choosing the right rod and reel for trophy pike fishing, it is recommended to use bass tackle. A seven-foot, heavy fast-action rod, such as the St. Croix Legend Extreme, is ideal for this type of fishing. Pairing it with a high-quality reel, like the Daiwa Tatula Type HD, and spooling it with 250-pound braid will provide the strength and sensitivity needed to handle trophy pike. Using a titanium wire leader is also important to prevent pike from biting through the line.
Understanding pike behavior and water temperature is crucial for successful trophy pike fishing. Pike are considered a cool water species and prefer water temperatures between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They will not be found in water over 70 degrees. In the early summer months, pike can be found in shallow water, but as the water temperature rises, they will move to deeper, cooler areas. Targeting these areas will increase your chances of catching trophy pike.
It is important to practice catch and release when fishing for trophy pike to ensure their sustainability. When handling pike, it is crucial to wet your hands before touching them to prevent removing their protective slime. Using a landing net can also help minimize stress on the fish. Additionally, using barbless hooks can make it easier to release the fish unharmed.
In conclusion, trophy pike fishing is an exciting and rewarding experience that requires the right gear and techniques. Using a combination of hard baits, spoons, spinners, and plastics can increase your chances of catching trophy pike.
Soft plastics and jerk baits are particularly effective presentations. Having the right hooks and leaders, understanding pike behavior and water temperature, and practicing catch and release are all important factors in successful trophy pike fishing. By following these tips and techniques, anglers can increase their chances of landing big, aggressive pike and contribute to the sustainability of this valuable resource.
Remember, trophy pike fishing is not just about the size of the fish, but also about the experience and the memories made on the water. So, grab your gear, head out to your favorite pike fishing spot, and enjoy the thrill of hooking into a trophy pike. Happy fishing!
