Pike 5/1/04

[Flyfisher]

Had so much fun last weekend with the pike that I went back yesterday. Fishing was not as hot, as far as numbers, but the size was decent. I picked up my largest to date, a 33" fish, while my buddy caught a 30" fish. We also lost another keeper near the boat and released a short. We had 2 or 3 other solid hits that came unpinned before we had a chance to grab the rods. Caught my first drum of the year and a chunky 6lb++ channel cat, which was actually a double header with the last pike of the afternoon. Had to cut the day short at 1:00pm, just as things just started to get interesting. Stuck with what is my usually walleye trolling program and the pike seem to be responding well to it. Autopsy on the larger fish showed what looked to be a couple of immature bluegills or rockbass. Have to wonder if this action continues all spring/summer in the deeper water or if the pike will move into the weeds/shallows? Certainly is nice having some predictable day-time trolling action.

[ESOX]

As the water warms the bigger fish will move deeper, but there will always be some immature fish hanging around the weeds.

[mallardtone-man]

Well, the 6lb++ channel must have made the whole trip worth it! Better eating than the pike and less bones too!

[Todd Frank]

Esox is right as the water gets warmer the big pike move out to deeper water, But you can also repeat the pattern in the fall when the water cools and the weeds start to die off..
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/527/7199pike.jpg

[wild bill]

i dont know about you guys but i will take a cold water pike to eat over a walleye anyday.

[Flyfisher]

MM, cat went back in the water...pike are pretty tasty and at least I know what they eat. :lol:

Glad to hear that I should be able to find these pike throughout the summer. Hitting them right now in 18-35 FOW, off of sharp breaks. Here's the 30" & 33" fish...
http://files.triton.net/flyfishmich/050104pike2.jpg

[The Whale]

I'll eat your walleye for you anytime :corkysm55 !, WildBill.

Nice Pike, might want to lay your tape on them again, FlyFisher, looks like more than a three inch difference between them fish for sure. :)