Pike fishing

[aquaticsanonymous]

Okay, a question for some of the pike experts here. I have been fishing Cooke pond, and have taken a few pike here and there, but not doing all that well. The layout is typically sharp drop off right off the bank down to about 25 feet. Some depths of 35 feet. The fish that I have caught have been on silver magnum hot and tots. My question is this, what would be some good tactics for fishing for pike in an impoundment with deep drop offs, and large flats at which range from 25 to 35 feet?

[Sailor]

My three most productive methods for summer pike in an impoundment are:
1) Anchor in the deep water off the dropoff. Rig a wire leader,large single hook and bait with a dead sucker, Perch or smelt hooked through both lips, a sinker isn't neccessary, if the bait dosent sink slit it's belly. Cast far away so when the line starts moving you have time to raise your anchors before fighting the fish. Make sure the pole is in a good pole holder or has a line tied to the butt. Then fish for panfish, smallmouth or walleys while waiting for the pike.
2) If the wind or currend is right drift the base of the dropoff while jigging a large heavy spoon like a Daredevil or Hopkins. Pick the spoon up about 3 feet and let it flutter to the bottom (a spinner bait will work too).
3) Troll large spoons, plugs, bucktails, spinner baits or live suckers,smelt(if available) perch, or shiners zig-zagging along the outside of the drop off.
As the limit is only 2 Pike have tackle and/or bait to fish other species or your day may be over before it starts. There are many good methods to fish pike
as they are very agerssive and easy to catch.

[aquaticsanonymous]

Thanks for the info sailor, I will try those tactics next time out and post results!

[ESOX]

Magnum jigs like these are just the ticket when the pike move deep to get out of the warm mid summer water. http://esoxresearch.com/prodJigABeast.php
They are also excellent for ripping in late fall. A stout flipping rod, some good braid and have at it.:)

[bassdisaster]

Ok a bit off the ordinary is the way to get the big pike! Set up off the inside of the drop, tie on the largest spinnerbait you have, throw it deep far as you can, let it sink to the bottom, then slowly tighten the line till it is straight to the lure and slow roll it back, keeping contact with the bottom is key, fishing it uphill has been some of the best pikie action I ever enjoyed, Good Luck

[waterfoul]

Ok a bit off the ordinary is the way to get the big pike! Set up off the inside of the drop, tie on the largest spinnerbait you have, throw it deep far as you can, let it sink to the bottom, then slowly tighten the line till it is straight to the lure and slow roll it back, keeping contact with the bottom is key, fishing it uphill has been some of the best pikie action I ever enjoyed, Good Luck

I would second this. Large spoons can produce with the same method.

[aquaticsanonymous]

thanks esox and waterfoul, I appreciate the info!