Pike tactics this time of year...

[Jigman13]

I'm looking to target some toothy critters this upcoming wknd and was hoping a few of you pike aficionados could offer up some tactics for this time of year. I'll likely be hitting the Passaic.

Earlier in the year I was getting them on buzzbaits, large spinners, and spinnerbaits. With water temps dropping I'm assuming my approach will require some variation. Any insight will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[catfishonthelake]

Husky Jerks are always a good cold-water choice since they suspend. You can work them slower and they'll hang in the strike zone when paused as opposed to an original Rapala or Bomber. Bomber makes suspending Long-A's as well and I tend to like them a little more than the Husky Jerks. There will be days when fish are more active, but a general rule of thumb is that you can never work a bait to slow.

[FASTEDDIE29]

I myself have had definite success with the big Husky Jerks, Bombers and other Stick type baits. The Spinnerbaits always seem to work as well, just a slower retrieve. Also I always seem to get a few Pike jigging the weird bass stuff- creatures, jig-n-pigs, big tube baits and all that other stuff. You can always try the bait thing, large Shiners. Im not a bait kind of guy. Give em HELL!!!

[Jigman13]

Thanks catfish and FE. I appreciate the pointers. I was thinking husky jerks in fire tiger and perch colors as it seems as if the Passaic has a pretty solid perch population--caught some real nice ones as bycatch the last few months in there. I've contemplated floating large baits under bobbers, but like you, I'm not a very big bait guy. There's an awful lot of rip-rap all over the section I'll be fishing and I'd like to avoid making endless donations to the fish gods if possible lol...

Getting the fish on bass jigging tactics leads me to believe these fish are slowly cruising or laying on the bottom... I'll keep that in mind too.

Wish I was out today after the last few warm days--water temps are prob up a few degrees.

[SkillfulAngler908]

I was just at the river yesterday with a couple buddies, no love on spinnerbaits. We got 2 pike up to 25in and 2 pickerel on Husky Jerk 14's black/silver and firetiger. One of my buddies was there over the weekend as well and he had luck on a perch colored 8in grandma lure retrieved slowly. Most of the fish were hitting the baits on the pause. Good luck and post some pics!