Fall Piking Tips??

[Mikew36]

Hey Guys,

I have had a rough first year in the angling world but i'm not giving up just yet. Is there any kind of tips you guys can offer for catching big pike this time of year? I basically know what baits I should be using, I am more curious about the types of areas they like during colder weather.

Thanks !

[Skunk City]

I usually do well with suspending jerkbaits when the water temps start dropping. The Bass will hit them too.

[Mikew36]

Awesome Skunk, you fish the PR right?

As I live in Totowa, I usually hit that area of the river any luck here?

Thanks,

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by Mikew36

Awesome Skunk, you fish the PR right?

As I live in Totowa, I usually hit that area of the river any luck here?

Thanks,

PR is my home river, Ive fished it from Berkeley Heights to Newark. Totowa is a very good area. Lots of Pike and lots of Smallies in the rocky areas. Big Carp too if that's your thing.

[basspilot]

I've fished that area a bunch. Fish the slack water that have deep pockets if you can find a few. Fish will be holding there almost all year. Yeah and just what skunk said throw jerkbaits it honestly doesn't matter what size but the F9s are a good start and try mixing up retrieve speed and patterns. When in doubt live line some shiners on a seperate setup.

[Mikew36]

Originally Posted by basspilot

I've fished that area a bunch. Fish the slack water that have deep pockets if you can find a few. Fish will be holding there almost all year. Yeah and just what skunk said throw jerkbaits it honestly doesn't matter what size but the F9s are a good start and try mixing up retrieve speed and patterns. When in doubt live line some shiners on a seperate setup.

Thanks for the tip Bass, now to find a "deep pocket" with how low the river is right now

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by Mikew36

Thanks for the tip Bass, now to find a "deep pocket" with how low the river is right now

I fished in the Great Piece Meadows and couldn't believe how low it is. I watch the USGS water gauges, but seeing it is a different story. 1 small Pike in the 15 casts I took before it got dark and cold!

[Mikew36]

Originally Posted by Skunk City

I fished in the Great Piece Meadows and couldn't believe how low it is. I watch the USGS water gauges, but seeing it is a different story. 1 small Pike in the 15 casts I took before it got dark and cold!

Yea it's crazy low, I been fishing the area at Totowa Rd and Riverview where Paterson and Totowa meet. There's a deeper channel there...maybe I should be trying to hook into some cats instead !