PR Pike 5/31/15

[JDTuna]

Got a call from two friends who wanted to hit the river for some pike action on Sunday morning. Hit the river in the morning, fully expecting a downpour at any moment but the weather held for a few hours. Caught a bunch of pike, nothing huge, with the largest in the upper 20's.

[BottomBouncer13]

Nice job on the PR pike...keep it up, they make them bigger!

[buzzbaiter]

Just once like to see a photo of pike not covered in mud! Got to use a little more TLC fellas!

[justin1982]

Originally Posted by buzzbaiter

Just once like to see a photo of pike not covered in mud! Got to use a little more TLC fellas!

In all fairness, I really can't wade the stretch of the river I fish because of the mud, I've tried everything possible to keep the fish clean of mud. I think most guys who respect the sport and fishery do a pretty good job but at certain parts of the river it's hard.

[JDTuna]

Originally Posted by buzzbaiter

Just once like to see a photo of pike not covered in mud! Got to use a little more TLC fellas!

I would respectfully argue that this fish is not "covered" in mud, though there is a tiny bit. Given how muddy the substrate is in the river, it can be very difficult to land the fish without getting any mud on it. This fish was handled and released quickly, and did not "flop" on the ground. I care deeply about this fishery and do everything possible to reduce fight time and properly handle the fish to maximize survival.

In addition, my goal once the fish is landed is to get it released as quickly as possible, so Im not going to examine the fish to make sure there is 0% mud on it. I snap a picture and send them on their way quickly, which is probably one of the most important aspects of post-release survival anyway.

Lastly, given the fact that fish constantly shed and produce slime throughout their lives, I doubt a little mud would be an issue. Whatever is stuck in the slime (i.e. mud, pathogens, etc) gets shed with the slime and more is produced.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Keep up the good catching dude. Your on the Pike path. Good looking fish!!!

[Jigman13]

Nice pike but, please tell me where you landed that giant bluefin in your avatar?!?!

Lost my first giant last year... It hurts my soul every single day lol...

[JDTuna]

Originally Posted by FASTEDDIE29

Keep up the good catching dude. Your on the Pike path. Good looking fish!!!

Thanks, Eddie! The goal is 40" by the end of the summer.

[JDTuna]

Originally Posted by Jigman13

Nice pike but, please tell me where you landed that giant bluefin in your avatar?!?!

Lost my first giant last year... It hurts my soul every single day lol...

The giant in my avatar was caught off Prince Edward Island. The fish was estimated at 1,200+lbs. I've taken three trips there and released three fish over 1,000 and a bunch between 400-900lbs. The place is surreal, it's like Jurassic Park for tuna lol. PM me if you want more info on the place, it's definitely a great trip!

[buzzbaiter]

My comment was more in reference to this photo. That's a lot of "substrate" on that fish