Talk to the folk who live far south of the border and they will likely mention the great Northern Pike of Canada. Found throughout the world in northern regions of Asia, Europe and Canada, we are home to the worlds greatest pike fishing.
My 1984 IGFA world record gamefish book recognizes a 46 pound Northern as being the largest one ever caught on rod and reel. Pond raised Pike in europe have surpassed 50 pounds. In Ontarios Molson Big Fish Contest, yearly winners often surpass 30 pounds!
Relatively easy to catch and often caught while hunting down other species, the great Northern has earned somewhat of a bad reputation in some anglers notebooks. Not here, people. I grew up chasing, catching and eating Canada's toothy waterwolf.
I've heard this fish referred to as "Snake", "Trash", "Junk", etc. People who fish them know different. Snake isn't too bad as the great Northern is long and sleek and minus the typical dorsal fin that adorns most other gamefish species. Trash and junk are purely out of the running. The great Northern is one of Canadas most accessible gamefish as boat and shore anglers can cash in on his ferocious appetite.
As for tablefare, I find the Pike to be excellent eating. The flesh is white to golden yellow (depending on area and time of year) and cooks up firm lacking any strong tastes. Upon first inspection the Pike is a rather slimy critter as mucus covers its skin. I suggest you remove the skin before cooking. This eliminates any weedy or muddy tastes that you may have encountered in the past.
Our great Pike is loaded with bones though. Improperly cleaned, eating a Pike may be similar to drinking beer out of a broken bottle. There are an oversized set of "Y" bones that run three quarters the length of a Pike. After typical filleting, cut the lower one third (tail section) off. Run your fillet knife approx 2 inches (depending on size of fish) down from the back (top of fillet). Now, run your knife the length of the filet just slightly above the lateral line. Repeat the same below the lateral line. This works best with fish in excess of 5 pounds. After a few attempts and a little modification to suit yourself you will end up with four boneless pieces of fresh fish, ready for the pan.
The Pike is popular amongst cottagers, kids and any angler who loves to do battle with one of the waters most unpredictable fish species. Mr Pike can almost be found anywhere in a lake and at any depth but he loves to take up vantage points along weed lines, weed points, rock points, fallen trees, sand bars and islands. Quite often you can catch glimpse of one sitting in the shadows under a dock.
Pike are not a schooling type fish but you may find many fish generally relating to the same type of cover. I'm thinking now of a large offshore weedflat in about 10 feet of water. It may contain many Pike and by fan casting the entire area you can have an entire morning of fun.
Lure selection is up to you. I've caught Northerns on everything from the smallest of jigs to the largest of spoons. Weedless Demon spoons, spinnerbaits, Mepps Musky Killers and Rattlin Spots have all been excellent producers for me. Yellow, red, white and gold have been some of the best colors. Experiment for best results.
When fishing for Northerns it is a common practice to use wire leaders. If you don't chances are Mr Big Teeth is going to readily snip your line and you can kiss that $10 lure goodby. Wire leaders tend to inhibit the action of some lures. On todays market you can find fine wire leaders in the 10 pound test category that have rounded snaps attached. These are my favourites as they allow the lure to wobble, spin and shake attracting the fish. You attract attention from a big Pike and you've half won the battle.
If I'm heading out for Pike and Pike only I'll use stout equipment. I prefer a Baitcasting reel loaded with 17 pound test and a 7 foot Pitchin' Rod (Med/Heavy action). With this type of equipment you can muscle the fish wherever you want...maybe! These fish, like firefighters, are designed for speed, eating and fighting. You provoke a strike from one of these, you are best to lay into the hookset with two hands, hold on and take advantage if and when you can. Release all small fish.
Handling Pike is a problem with some people. too many teeth and too many hooks flying around. If you plan to release the fish never grab it by the eyes. Grabbing over the gill covers is better but be careful not to damage the fragile red gills. landing nets are the safest choice but remove much of the vital slime coating from the fish making him susceptible to disease. Best bet is to use quality hook disgorgers. Leave the fish in the water, grab the hook with the tool and twist free.
There are plenty of Pike waters in Ontario and Canada. Big Pike waters are common in Ontario including Bay of Quinte, Lake Muskoka, Georgian Bay and waters north of Nipissing. Enjoy!
