Fishing for pike

[bunka bologna]

Hello All. I'm new to this site and new to fresh water. I've only fished salt and with all the sand dredging and lack of fish, I know it's time for me to learn fresh water too and expand my options when I'm itching to put a bend in my rod! I fish from shore or kayak, but prefer shore.
One species I'm particularly interested in is pike. I bought a couple spinner and buzz baits, also have spoons and a pikie. I tried in the Passaic river by the ep hs but couldn't find anything. my questions to you is do they prefer a certain water temperature? should I be trying in the actual Passaic river or in the creeks that spill into the Passaic? what should I be looking for? is it a quick or slow retrieve? where should I be fishing instead of the Passaic or where in the Passaic? my list goes on and on lol.
if anyone has any info to help me out and can get me into some pike I'd really appreciate it...A LOT! this winter has drove me nuts! if you want to PM me that works! thanks again!