First Pike!

[Hookmanski]

Had a good feeling about catching my first pike when I pulled up to the spot at 2pm today. I didn’t have much time but I knew which holes I wanted to hit from a previous trip with some of the NJF guys. Made a b line for my favorite with a keitech fat impact tied on. 1st cast, pb pickerel that escapes my grip before I could get a picture. 2nd cast, another bite and a hard fighter, knew he had to be the fish and he was. A gorgeous colored up pike, my first ever. Add it to the species list!

Took a 3rd cast and Hooked another smaller pickerel. After that, the wind changed direction and the bite seemed to completely die off. I fished many other holes on the way back to the car with no further action, but I’m so happy I was able to catch the window just right!

Getting out tomorrow with Nick and Luke so be on the lookout for that report. Hope everyone is ready for spring!! Tight lines!! :D

[Sako1]

Nice Fish and good job in the cold weather!

Dave

[bulletbob]

Is that a wire leader?... I know some guys use them, but I never have, and seldom get cut off by Pike,,, there's always that chance I suppose, but in my opinion, you'll get more follows, hits and hookups from Pike and Pickerel with a mono or flouro leader,,, All members of the Esox are sight feeders, and that wire is much more visible and i personally feel they also cut down lure action.. Just a thought... bob

[thmyorke1]

Ya see the excessive perch and fake-out-pickerel last trip were just a means of entry to the pike. Glad you got one today, really wasnt too far into the season that you picked one up :D gives ample time for MORE :eek:

Is that a wire leader?... I know some guys use them, but I never have, and seldom get cut off by Pike,,, there's always that chance I suppose, but in my opinion, you'll get more follows, hits and hookups from Pike and Pickerel with a mono or flouro leader,,, All members of the Esox are sight feeders, and that wire is much more visible and i personally feel they also cut down lure action.. Just a thought... bob

In the stained/unclear river water it seems to not matter. So far lots of fish and a variety of species using wire leaders. Alongside with NickM he would fish flouro leaders and there was no noticeable difference.

[Esox Luciano]

Sweet bag dude! Congrats on that pike too bro!! Definitely cool to make it happen when that "feeling" is upon us!:D Nice catches man, hope to see more soon!

[NickM221]

Congrats man! I'm glad you got one. Many more to come :D

[Mikey topaz]

Congrats, Good job Brandon, whack em up man!!

[FASTEDDIE29]

There ya go dude! Congrats on your first! I wish you many more in the very near future!:D

[NJSquatch]

nice job on getting it done Hook

[Hookmanski]

Thanks everyone! Can't wait to get on a bigger one :D

[JDTuna]

Congratulations on your first! First of many!

[Chrisper4694]

Ya see the excessive perch and fake-out-pickerel last trip were just a means of entry to the pike. Glad you got one today, really wasnt too far into the season that you picked one up :D gives ample time for MORE :eek:



In the stained/unclear river water it seems to not matter. So far lots of fish and a variety of species using wire leaders. Alongside with NickM he would fish flouro leaders and there was no noticeable difference.

if you haven't had a day where it mattered yet, you will! it def effects certain lures...I had a day where even the bluefish in the bay wouldn't touch any steel leadered bait! and those fish are just eating machines! next time you're fishing a spot with a steel leader and know it's a good spot but get no bites, try it with a 30-40# fluoro before you leave...one time you'll find it makes a difference! (obviously you might get cut off but certain lures like big plugs with the front hook off and spinner baits will help keep the teeth away from the line better)