Big Gator Pike 9/6/15

[JDTuna]

I wasn't planning on fishing the river this weekend, but the offshore tuna trip was cancelled and I had little bit of time so I gave it a shot. I had fish almost immediately, but the hooks pulled on the first two fish. I continued down the river and caught and released a 20-22" pickerel. After I released the fish, I had a look at my leader and it had a little nick in it, but I was being lazy and just kept fishing.

I continued to fish slightly downstream from where I usually stop, and had a quick blowup but the fish quickly lost interest. I took one more cast, and my lure got slammed by the one I was looking for.

I saw the fish hit the lure, and then it powered toward the nearest snag. All I could think about was the fact that I hadn't changed my nicked leader (won't do that again). Thankfully, everything held and after a short, tough fight I had the fish at my feet. The pike taped out between 36 and 37". After the release, I fished a little while longer and released another 30" fish before I called it a day.

[Chrisper4694]

How'd that pike get so big?? Eating chocolate pie? Haha. Nice beast bro

[NorthJerzyG]

Nice Gator! She looks long and healthy.

Reminds me why I HATE walking the river though. Can't wait to get the boat back out there!! Ahhhhh, fall is right around the corner though.....

[antgogz]

Great fish!

[JDTuna]

Originally Posted by Chrisper4694

How'd that pike get so big?? Eating chocolate pie? Haha. Nice beast bro

Thanks man!

Well, since the secret is out...

Entenmann's chocolate donuts. Fresh, not stale, rigged with a 5/0 circle hook and 50lb fluoro. No weight. Lol.

[FASTEDDIE29]

That's a long fish right there. Should be fattening up very soon. Great fish buddy! It only gets better from here once the toothy critters start feeding!