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Fishing with Spinnerbaits: a Complete Guide

It comes to a shock to me as I grew up with the lures, but many people don’t understand how to use a spinnerbait. This is a shame as it’s an outstanding lure that is nearly weedless, catches most game fish, and is a wonderful lure to fish with kids. Every single angler (and especially parent anglers) should have a few spinnerbaits in their tackle box. Read on to learn how, when, why, and where to use spinnerbaits in this complete guide.

What Is a Spinnerbait?

A spinnerbait is a type of fishing lure used primarily for largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as northern pike, chain pickerel, and muskie. It is a semi-weedless lure that essentially looks like a jig with a bent wire frame that has one or more blades attached to it (the “spinners”). Most spinnerbaits feature some sort of skirt which can be made from a variety of materials, but usually some form of silicone or rubber. The spinnerbait is considered a big fish lure and a go-to bait during the fall.

Spinnerbait Components

A spinnerbait is essentially a jig that is attached to a bent wire frame that in turn attaches to a blade of some sort. The “jig” is normally dressed with a skirt made of different components that hides the hook. Many of these components can be swapped out for different situations, so it’s useful to know what each one does so you can understand the best time to use it.

Spinnerbait Blades

There are several different types of spinnerbait blades, with the most common being willow leaf, Colorado, and Indiana. Each has their strengths and weaknesses and do better in different situations.

Willow Leaf Spinnerbait Blades

Willow leaf spinnerbait blades are long and narrow and emit a lot of flash. These have the least amount of drag of all the different blade options and allow spinnerbaits to move the quickest through the water. They are shaped similar to a small baitfish, and give predators the idea that they’re chasing a small school. I prefer using this style of spinnerbait when trolling or burning in a retrieve across some submerged weed beds.

Colorado Spinnerbait Blades

Colorado spinnerbait blades are the exact opposite of the willow leaf style. These don’t really on flash to draw in strikes, but rather vibrations. The circular shape creates a noticeable rumble when moving through the water. An advantage of a rounded blade on a spinnerbait is that it makes a vibration that fish can sense with their lateral line and helps them zero in on the lure even in dark or murky water. You’ll note that most spinnerbaits marketed for night time will have a Colorado blade.

Indiana Spinnerbait Blades

Indiana spinnerbait blades are often marketed as somewhat of a middle ground between Colorado and willow leaf styles. They have a teardrop shape that exhibits somewhat subdued benefits of both the other styles. A good middle ground for situations where you aren’t willing to go all in with one or the other, such as in slightly stained water where you still want the flash, but need a little extra vibration.

Blade Size

Spinnerbait blades come in a variety of sizes. Generally speaking, the ones that come with the lure have been tested and are the right balance for the lure. There usually isn’t a need to go tinkering, but if you have the urge and can’t help yourself, be aware of what changing the blade size will do.

A larger spinnerbait blade does two things: it increases the vibration the blade emits in the water, and it increases the lift the blade produces. This means that you will need to slow your retrieve to keep your spinnerbait lower in the water column if you use a larger blade.

Sometimes it makes sense to switch blade sizes rather than trying a completely new style. For example, a slightly larger willow leaf blade may make more sense if you’re trying to keep your lure higher in the water column than going to a Colorado, especially if you still want the flash.

Blade Color

You’re basically going to have three options for spinnerbait blade color. Silver, gold, and painted. Silver and gold are both great options that look realistically like baitfish and reflect the sun well. Given most of the baitfish in the areas I fish are silvery, I go with these normally when I can.

I don’t have as much confidence in painted blades, but some people swear by them. If you’re trying for a very specific look to match the hatch, it makes a lot of sense to double down. For example, some blades look like yellow perch and when paired on a spinnerbait of similar color, it at least looks natural and like the fish is about to slam into a school of them.

Spinnerbait Skirts

Spinnerbaits can be dressed with skirts of various material. The most common these days by far is silicone, though if you look in old tackle boxes, you might find some (often mangled) rubber ones.

Rubber

If you ever score an old tackle box on e-Bay or in an estate sale, chances are you’ll find some old spinnerbaits with rubber skirts that have melted together. When spinnerbaits were first produced, rubber was the go to material for the skirt. Unfortunately, it tends to melt together on hot days, which isn’t that great for a sport that takes place outside in full blast of the sun. When properly stored, they’ll last awhile and produce a lively action, but you’ll probably want to upgrade them to silicone skirts sooner than later.

Silicone

Today, most spinnerbait skirts are made of silicone. They have the good qualities of rubber skirts without melting like them. They come in a variety of colors and shapes, with some having a little bit longer “tail” that extends past the main body. These skirts pulse in the water when you give them a little “pop.” They’re probably the first thing on your spinnerbait that will fail, as they tend to be mauled a bit by fish strikes. Luckily, many manufacturers sell replacement skirts that are easy enough to swap out.

Hair & Other Objects

While silicone skirts are the mainstay for most spinnerbaits these days, you can find ones made with other material, like hair, fabric, and even tinsel. All have different properties and who knows? Perhaps that’s what the fish will want on any given day. You might have fun attaching anything relatively waterproof to your spinnerbait skirt and seeing if it gives you an edge.

Spinnerbait Hooks

Each spinnerbait comes with a permanently affixed hook that you are not changing, however you can add a “stinger hook” or “trailer hook.” There are advantages and disadvantages to doing so.

Generally, you should use a trailer hook on your spinnerbait when you feel that the fish are striking short, or you want a little more insurance that you’ll hook them. These provide two chances to snag the fish after all, which is better than one.

The disadvantage of using trailer hooks on spinnerbaits is that they make the lures less weedless. It is, after all, one more hook that can catch a weed and ruin your cast. A trailer hook also makes it more difficult to release a fish safely as they sometimes get these pretty deep. Make sure that you have good plyers if you do decide to use them.

Should I let my trailer hook dangle free on my spinnerbait?

Many packs of spinnerbait trailer hooks come with a little rubber inset. There’s some debate if you should use this to keep the stinger hook in one place, or if you should just use it to prevent it from sliding off the main hook, but let it dangle free. I prefer to let it dangle. Given the spinnerbait is moving so fast, it normally drags at the right angle, anyway, and having it dangle gives it a little better chance of hooking a fish, in my opinion.

How to Rig Up a Spinnerbait

There isn’t much of a trick to rigging up a spinnerbait. You basically just toss it out as it was designed! However, there are a few questions that come up from time to time that I’ll answer.

Do You Use a Leader with a Spinnerbait?

I don’t generally use a leader with spinnerbaits. While I suppose it couldn’t hurt as it’s pretty unlikely to impact the action for this type of lure, I find it unnecessary. The bent wire frame arm itself provides a measure of protection to the line making a leader generally unnecessary. I base this question off of dozens of hours of fishing with a my friend who is a fishing guide and who also doesn’t use a leader, even though he specifically targets northern pike.

Do You Need a Swivel for a Spinnerbait?

I highly recommend tying directly to your spinnerbait rather than using a swivel. There is no need for a snap swivel when using a spinnerbait. This is not the sort of lure that is going to give you much line twist. Further, the design of most spinnerbaits makes using a snap swivel difficult. Back in the 1980s, when snap swivels were more popular, spinnerbaits had a closed off “eye” where you could attach one. Now, they are mostly left open. Putting on a snap swivel requires you to figure out how to close this off, or generally turns into a hassle as your swivel will slide down the bent wire arm and occasionally get stuck.

Do You Use Weights with Spinnerbaits?

I don’t personally add weight to my spinnerbaits though it would be possible to add a bit to the hook via a clamp or such if you needed to get to deeper water. Weights aren’t really necessary to do this, however, as you can simply count down and let the spinnerbait sink before reeling in. You’re probably better off just tying on a heavier spinnerbait if you really feel you need to. Weight is one more thing that can catch weeds and go wrong somehow. I like to keep things simple.

Spinnerbait Trailers

I normally don’t put a trailer on my spinnerbait, but there are advantages. You should put a trailer on a spinnerbait if you want a bigger profile, a bit more bulk, or a bit more action. I usually find it difficult to put a trailer and a stinker hook on, however, and I usually opt for more points.

How do you put a trailer on a spinnerbait?

To put a trailer on the spinnerbait, thread it through the main hook as you would if you were fishing a plastic worm or fluke. Pierce the trailer through the hose and thread it down through the plastic about as long as the shaft of the hook it will eventually sit on. Then poke through and slide it up. In most cases you’ll want it to sit relatively level with the hook.

What are the best trailers for spinnerbaits?

You can basically put any soft plastic lure onto a spinnerbait as a trailer. I’ve used grubs a lot with some success (curly tailed grubs work really well and have an awesome action going through the water. Zoom makes a dedicated spinnerbait trailer that I’ve also used and enjoyed. It’s twin tails dart around as you’re pulling in the bait and provide good action too.

Do You Put a Worm on a Spinnerbait?

Sometimes my son will put a worm on a spinnerbait as sort of a trailer. There’s no harm doing this but I don’t know that it really helps too much, if we’re being honest. Perhaps if you were slow rolling your spinnerbait, fish would get a chance to catch a whiff of the worm. However, with most quick-paced retrieves, it’s going to look like any other trailer, so I’d use something more durable.

What Color Spinnerbait is Best?

There’s a joke on Lake Champlain that you can use any color spinnerbait so long as it’s white. I don’t know that I completely agree with that. Some of the first fish I caught were on chartreuse spinnerbaits, after all. Even so, white is an outstanding color that does well in a variety of situations. It looks very similar to baitfish, so you match the hatch. It stands out well in the water, which helps predators zero in on it. It’s also a color that is available in pretty much any spinnerbait you choose. Hey, those guys on Champlain might be on to something after all.

What Color Spinnerbait to Use in Muddy Water?

Muddy water calls for a spinnerbait that is easier to see. Chartreuse works very well on Lake Champlain south of the Crown Point bridge, where the water is extremely stained. This bright yellow does the trick more days than not. You can also look for colors that are going to contrast more such as red or black in murky water. I’d stay away from hyper-realistic colors, like those that mimic baitfish, as nothing is going to be able to see it.

Are Black Spinnerbaits Good?

There are days when a black spinnerbait is going to be best. It contrasts very well in muddy or dark water, so even though it is counter-intuitive, a black spinnerbait is your best chance at night, or just when its really overcast. I’ve had days out fishing for pike when black spinnerbaits were all they wanted. The challenge is finding one that comes with the willow leaf blades that pike usually go for!

My Personal Favorite Spinnerbait Brand

Everyone has their own opinion on what makes the best spinnerbait, but lately I’ve been fishing War Eagle products. I had a kick where I was using Terminator spinnerbaits for the longest time, and they have their benefits, but I’ve noticed they can become brittle and break at inopportune times. The War Eagles are more durable, in my opinion, and I like the way they feel going through the water. Check the price at Amazon and pick yourself up a few. You won’t regret it.

Terminator spinnerbait
I wish I could keep recommending Terminator spinnerbaits, but I’ve just had too many darn pike snap their frame in half.

What Kind of Rod Do You Use for Spinnerbaits?

Most people would agree that the best rod action and taper for spinnerbaits is a medium-heavy power, fast action rod. This is basically the gold standard in bass fishing, and most manufacturers offer several lines in this variety. The medium-heavy power allows you to easily thrown 3/8oz and 1/2oz spinnerbaits near cover that hold fish, and they can stand up to a jarring strike. While you could get away with a medium or even heavy rod in a pinch, a medium-heavy rod with fast action is definitely the best type of rod for spinnerbaits.

Best Spinnerbait Rods

Spinnerbaits are such a widely used lure that most manufacturers have rods specifically designed for them. If you’re new to the hobby, I’d definitely suggest picking up a rod in the St. Croix lineup. My favorite spinnerbait rod is a St. Croix Mojo Bass rod. It is lightweight, sensitive, and just makes casting these all day a breeze.

There are two other great options in the St. Croix lineup, and as luck would have it, I’ve written two articles about them. The first is an article detailing the St. Croix Triumph lineup, which is their entry level rod. The second is an article detailing the St. Croix Premier series, which is a step up in every way. Check them out. All of these have good options for a spinnerbait rod in both casting and spinning setups.

Should You Use a Spinning Rod or Casting Rod for Spinnerbaits?

Most anglers use baitcasting rods and reels for spinnerbaits, but spinning rods work just fine. All that matters is that the rod is strong enough to toss the size spinnerbait you are using (so generally a medium-heavy, fast action rod). I personally prefer using a baitcaster because I find I can get more casts in. I also think it is easier to troll with spinnerbaits (which I do often) with a baitcaster, because it is easier to set things up and let out the line you need. However, I used spinning gear for decades and my children use it currently. I’ve never had an issue pulling in a fish on a spinnerbait with a spinning rod.

What Kind of Reel Do You Use for Spinnerbaits?

Choosing the best reel for spinnerbaits depends on how you intend to fish them. If you’re going to burn the spinnerbait in, you’ll want a higher gear ration. If you intend to slow roll them in the dog days of summer, a slower ratio will help. I personally prefer using something with a 6.4:1 ratio, which is pretty standard. I find this is the best gear ratio for spinnerbaits because it allows me to use any technique I want, relatively easily.

Can you use a spinning reel with a spinnerbait?

You can absolutely use a spinning rod and reel with a spinnerbait. While most professional tournament anglers prefer baitcasters for this technique, you’ll find no shortage of fishing guides sending their clients out with spinning gear. Further, several manufacturers now make spinning reels with higher gear ratios that can handle spinnerbait techniques like burning them in.

What is the Best Line for Spinnerbaits?

You can use whatever line you have lying around for spinnerbaits as long as it is reasonably strong. You’re going to be making repeated casts and, ideally, catching many fish and big ones at that. Most anglers prefer monofilament or fluorocarbon in about the 17lb test range. If you’re fishing spinnerbaits with braided line, I’d suggest 20 – 30lb test just for ease of casting.

Can You Throw a Spinnerbait on Braided Line?

You can throw spinnerbaits on braided line without any issue, even in clear water. A spinnerbait is such a fast-moving target that fish hardly have a chance to notice the line. If you’re really worried about visibility, you can always put on a fluorocarbon leader. Braid also has an advantage when fishing spinnerbaits around vegetation. It is sharp and can slice through some of the minor weeds, which is helpful.

Is Fluorocarbon Line Good for Spinnerbaits?

It seems that most professional bass tournament anglers these days throw spinnerbaits with fluorocarbon line. All the advantages of fluorocarbon are going to pay off with spinnerbaits, and most of the disadvantages aren’t as bad with this lure. For example, the abrasion resistance will be very useful if throwing a spinnerbait near wood or rocks. Further, the “memory” that fluorocarbon has isn’t going to be as big of a deal with spinnerbaits since they’re almost always under resistance moving through the water. Your line won’t have much of an opportunity to coil up.

Can you Use Monofilament Line with Spinnerbaits?

Plenty of anglers have used monofilament line with spinnerbaits throughout the years, including me. It is inexpensive, reliable, and battle-tested. My son uses it on his spinnerbait rod, just because he gets so many tangles that I don’t want to spend the money on braid. The only issue with monofilament is that it can get a little unwieldly as the size increases. If you’re going to fish very heavy monofilament on your spinnerbait rod, it had better be a baitcaster setup.

What Kind of Fish are Attracted to Spinnerbaits?

Ever wonder what kind of fish will bite a spinnerbait? The answer is pretty much everything. While it’s definitely a lure primarily used for bass, muskie, pike, and pickerel, you can catch pretty much anything in the lake on a spinnerbait if you’re lucky. I’ve had very large catfish attack them before, as well as tiny perch that can barely fit the hook in their mouth. With that said, spinnerbaits do work best for attracting the sort of fish you’d expect – anything that normally hunts by darting out with a burst of speed. In fact, they work so well for catching pickerel and pike that many tournament bass fishermen don’t prefer them as they spend too much time catching these fish that won’t count for their weigh in.

What Spinnerbait is Best for Bass?

The best spinnerbait for bass depends on your situation. Generally, you’ll want something between 3/8oz and 1/2oz in size, but if the bass you’re fishing for our deep, you’re going to want something even heavier, like a 3/4oz. If you’re fishing clear water, willow blades work well. In muddy, go for a Colorado. Colors like white and chartreuse are old standards but bass will also hit some of the more natural looking colors as well. Consider visiting a local bait shop or a fishing forum and asking local anglers what they’re using. Often, local bait shops can really only afford to stock stuff people will actually buy, so what they have in stock probably works in your area.

What Spinnerbait is Best for Northern Pike and Chain Pickerel?

Northern pike and chain pickerel are sight hunters and so will be attracted to spinnerbaits that have a bright flash that catches their eye. They also enjoy chasing down their food and usually are more likely to strike a bait that is moving fast rather than slow. This makes spinnerbaits with a tandem willow blade ideal for catching northern pike and pickerel. These blades are meant to be fished fast, and they emit a good deal of flash. Both combine to make them irresistible to pike and chain pickerel.

Chain pickerel caught by a spinnerbait
This chain pickerel still has the spinnerbait hanging from its mouth.

How and When to Fish a Spinnerbait

Spinnerbaits are great lures to use with kids and fishing novices because they are so easy. Literally all you need to do to catch fish with them is cast out your lure near cover and reel it back in. Chuck and wind, chuck and wind. Do this enough and cover enough water, and you will catch fish.

With that said, there are a few things that will increase your odds of success. First is reel speed. Whenever people ask, “how fast should I reel in a spinnerbait” I tend to tell them, “pretty darned fast.” These lures imitate something fleeing. Just like running away from dogs is a bad idea, a fish running full speed away from a pike triggers their killer instinct. Many times, a faster retrieve will draw strikes that slower ones won’t.

You also should pay attention to the time of day. Most spinnerbaits are great when the sun is out, because they have a lot of flash and tend to be a very visual lure. I’ve found that the spinnerbait bite does tend to die off a bit as the light levels start to drop before dark. Once low light conditions come around, you’ll need a different spinnerbait made specifically for night time (for example, the War Eagle Custom Night Time spinnerbait) to continue being successful.

Do Spinnerbaits Work Year Round?

While you always have a chance of catching fish on a spinnerbait year round, they do tend to work better at certain times of years than others. For example, spinnerbaits work fantastic in the late spring, summer, and fall. They lose their luster in winter and early spring when the water temperatures are too cold.

I normally wait for water temps to hit around 60°F before I’ll start tossing spinnerbaits regularly. Lower than that and I find I have much better luck with a lipless crankbait or jerkbait.

While you can find some professionals who have managed to have good success fishing spinnerbaits in the winter, I will simply say this: if I wanted to catch a fish within winter water temps, it would not be my first or tenth choice.

Advanced Spinnerbait Tips & Tricks

While you can simply chunk and wind a spinnerbait, there are a few variations you can add to your retrieve to catch more fish in certain situations.

How to Buzz a Spinnerbait

“Buzzing” a spinner bait means reeling it in very quickly so its wake creates a bulge just below the surface. Think of it as a subsurface buzzbait. When fish are very active and feeding high in the water column, this can be explosive. Also, it is useful if you need to keep the spinnerbait above cover like submerged weeds. Spinnerbaits with willow leaf blades are generally best for this technique.

Slow Rolling a Spinnerbait

Slow rolling a spinnerbait is the opposite of burning it in. Instead, you’re trying to reel it in as slow as possible where it will stay upright and functional. This is a great technique in the height of summer when bass go deep. A Colorado blade can help here because it has more lift which is useful at the slow speeds. I’ve caught some huge bass doing this when nothing else worked in the summer.

Trolling with Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits are fantastic lures for shallow water trolling. I like to get my boat moving the speed I want (usually between 2.5 and 3.5mph) and then toss a spinnerbait out as far as I can cast it. If I need to, I’ll let out a little more line at a time until I’m set up the way I want. I wrote an entire article about trolling for chain pickerel that uses this technique. You might find it helpful.

How Do I Get More Bass on My Spinnerbait

The best tip I can give you for catching more bass (or any fish, really) on your spinnerbait came from Kevin Van Dam. He’s one of the greatest fishermen of all time and is specifically a “power fisherman” which means he likes to cover a lot of water. One thing I learned from a very early book of his was to give your retrieve a little “pop” here and there, just to throw some variation in. Basically, reel in your spinnerbait, but every now and then give your rod tip a little pop or twitch. Very often, this will trigger a following fish to strike.

Case in point, I used this technique on one trip with Captain Maynard, my former wife, Crystal, and my dad. Crystal and Dad were just reeling in their spinnerbaits. I was adding the pop. I out fished them significantly that day (not an easy task to do with Crystal, at all).

northern pike caught with a spinnerbait on lake champlain
Someone was a little jealous of my success that day.

Conclusion: The Spinnerbait is an Extremely Versatile Lure

There’s a reason spinnerbaits made the cut for the four lures you should fish with children. They’re extremely versatile, relatively safe, easy to use, and catch big fish! You can burn them in or slow roll them. You can work them in open water or around cover. They’re relatively weedless and unlikely to snag. There is nothing about them that isn’t amazing and the biggest problem most anglers have with them is they catch too many pike and pickerel!

If you haven’t used spinnerbaits, you owe yourself to try them. Please leave a comment or send me an email and let me know how it worked out!

Thanks,

John Paxton

50 Interesting Questions (and Answers) About Northern Pike

So I’m in a crazy kind of mood and thought I’d try something a little different for this article. I just went into Google, typed “northern pike” and then went down a giant rabbit hole of “People also ask.” I wanted to check out all the looking to see all the questions I could find about the water wolf and answer as many as possible. So, without further ado, here are a mess of interesting questions (and answers) about northern pike!

1. Are Northern Pike dangerous?

While there are certainly more than a few tales of Northern Pike attacking humans, confirmed incidents are extremely rare, and usually a case of a foot misidentified as a tasty minnow. Indeed, many of the attacks on humans may actually happen from the larger muskellunge.

Regardless, northern pike are a dangerous fish to land and handle for a few reasons. First, they have extremely sharp teeth and large specimens tend to deeply take your lure. You’ll want to ensure you’re removing your hooks with the help of long needle nose fishing pliers, and possibly a good fishing jaw spreader.

You’re better off using a net with these fish, but if you don’t have one available, make sure you check out my tips on how to safely land fish without a net.

2. Are Northern Pike Good to Eat?

Many people quite enjoy northern pike and find it a tasty. However, if you are not careful while dressing it, they do have tiny little “Y” bones that are easy to miss. This video from Thundermist Lures has a good demonstration of how to properly filet a northern so you don’t have this issue.

3. How Does Northern Pike Taste?

Many people quite enjoy the taste of pike, finding it a white-fleshed fish with a fairly mild flavor. You might be surprised by this if you ever smelled one that was being cleaned as it is quite pungent. Still, some folks feel northerns taste even better than walleye. It’s likely they aren’t more popular table fare given the issues with the y-bones described earlier as well as their scent and slimy texture prior to cleaning.

4. Are Northern Pike Invasive?

While northern pike have an extensive range across the entire northern hemisphere, there are certainly some lakes and other water bodies where they are considered invasive. For example, northern pike are an invasive species in the Columbia River in British Columbia. They are doing so much damage to local trout populations that in 2019, a $10 bounty was offered for each pike caught.

5. Can a Pike Bite Your Finger Off?

Northern pike are very unlikely to bite your finger off, but their teeth are super sharp and they could do significant nerve and tendon damage if they bit you. Under no circumstances should you place anything you don’t want destroyed into a pike’s mouth.

6. Are Pike Aggressive?

Northern pike are extremely aggressive fish that will often hit lures repeatedly even close to the boat. They, like muskie, are often caught by using a figure 8 sweeping motion of the rod near the boat to get them to come and attack a lure they missed the first time. In clear water it is incredible watching a large northern dart out from the depths to hit your lure. They will routinely chase down spinnerbaits and other fast-moving lures and strike viciously.

Northern pike caught on Lake Champlain near Crown Point.
Northern pike are extremely aggressive fish. This is sure to put a smile on your face when they hit your spinnerbait!

7. How Long Do Pike Live For?

The typical life span of northern pike is anywhere from 7 to 15 years, though there are reports of some living to 25 years or longer (source). There was, of course, also the celebrated myth of the “Mannheim Pike” which allegedly lived to the age of 267, though this was later proven to be a fabrication.

8. How Old is a 40 Inch Pike?

The age of a 40 inch pike is going to change depending on the body of water it is caught. For example, in Northern Ontario, it is estimated that a 40 inch pike is approximately 20 years old. However, there has been some discussion that the same-sized pike would only be a few years past 10 in Lake Champlain. In general, northern pike grow a bit slower the further north you go than in the south.

9. Do Pike Eat Pike?

Yes, northern pike are known to eat other pike basically from as soon as they fit one of their siblings into their mouth. If you fish long enough in pike-infested waters, you might even see the phenomena yourself as a giant comes and smacks a smaller pike near the boat. Northern pike are voracious feeders that prefer cylindrical soft-finned prey. This, coincidentally, is exactly what a northern pike itself is, so they’ll have no qualms about cannibalism.

10. Do Northern Pike Eat Muskie?

While muskellunge or “muskie” typically grow much larger than northern pike, and thus are usually the predator throughout much of their lives, the tables change when they are young. Because the pike spawn happens so much earlier than the muskie spawn, baby pike prey on baby muskie. The predation is so bad that fishery managers are careful not to stock muskie near well-known pike lairs.

11. Do Pike Eat Baby Ducks?

Northern pike are a main predator of a variety of ducks across their range. There are plenty of YouTube videos out there showing pike prey on ducklings. I will not share these given they are graphic and this is a family site, but it certainly occurs.

Because of that, many anglers use topwater lures that are shaped like ducks. You’ll want to use a leader with these as they are expensive. They also require heavy gear to throw as they are heavy. You can check out one of those lures at Amazon to see if looks like something that would work for you.

12. Why Are Pike So Slimy?

The coat of a northern pike is extremely slimy. Like most fish, one reason for the slime is to protect pike from bacteria, disease, and fungal infections. However, the a pike’s slimy coat offers the additional benefit of reducing friction in the water which allows it to reach explosive speeds when striking prey (source). This slimy coat is quite important to northerns, which is why many pro guides use a landing net, or better yet, a fish landing cradle.

If oyu want to know more, check out this blog post about why northern pike are so slimy.

13. Do Pike Eat Snakes?

Given that they’re the top of most food chains, northern pike will eat nearly anything, and snakes are no exception. In fact, several manufacturers make snake fishing lures that can produce some explosive action for pike! Here’s an interesting YouTube video by The Ginger Fisherman showing them in action:

14. Do Pike Eat Trout?

Pike are very capable of eating trout, and in fact prefer them. When given the opportunity, a northern pike will attack soft rayed fish such as trout long before they’ll go after something spiny like a sunfish (source). In fact, they’re so good at it that in certain areas where they are invasive (such as the Columbia River in British Columbia), bounties have to be offered for northern pike to protect the local rainbow trout.

15. Do Pike Eat Sunfish?

Pike will certainly eat sunfish if that is the forage available, but they much prefer soft-scaled fish as these are easier to swallow. If given the chance, pike can be quite selective of their meals, but when faced with the prospect of starving, they’ll have no issues chocking down a spiny sunfish.

16. How Quickly Do Pike Grow?

While it depends on location, northern pike generally grow quickest in the first three years of their life, reaching about 25 inches in that time. They then grow more gradually (about 2 – 4″ per year) after that. There is some evidence that the further north you go, the slower pike grow, though they often reach a larger size overall. A good average however, comes from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources which provides the following chart for northern pike growth rates:

Age (years)Length (inches)
110
218
325
428
532
635
737
Source: Wisconsin DNR

17. What Colors Do Pike See Best?

Pike are visual hunters and in clear water they will look for a flash of silver or such that reminds them of their prey. This is why white spinnerbaits with tandem willow leaf blades are such phenomenal lures for northern pike. Chartreuse also works well in more stained water. Because pike’s eyes don’t adjust well to seeing in low-light conditions, you really want a lure that presents a better silhouette. This is why colors like red and black perform very well on overcast days or in very stained water.

18. Are You Supposed to Kill Pike?

No! While some anglers (particularly bass fishermen) think that they should kill northern pike, this could wreck havoc on an ecosystem. Northern pike are a valuable predator that keeps pesky panfish from becoming too prevalent. Without pike in the lake, these panfish can devastate bass beds. Thus, do your best to return northern pike safely to the water.

19. Do Northern Pike Have Predators?

Northern pike have many predators when they are young, as pretty much anything in the lake that can fit pike fry into their mouths will do so early and often. This is a good way to prevent these fish from growing into a troublesome apex predator. Some common animals that prey on young pike include perch and aquatic birds. As pike grow, they are typically the top predator in their lake with the only fish that could reasonably continue to prey on them being muskellunge.

20. Do Northern Pike Bite at Night?

Northern pike are site hunters who rely on catching a glimpse of their prey and then ambushing it with a burst of incredible speed. Thus, they are much less active at night. While you can often catch them early in the evening, they are not renowned for producing a fantastic night bite, like largemouth bass. You will note that many of the best pike lures are designed to produce a great flash and this requires sunlight. Once it starts getting darker you’ll have far less pike (and chain pickerel for that matter) start to bite.

21. How Can You Tell the Difference Between a Northern Pike and Pickerel?

Many people commonly misidentify chain pickerel as northern pike. The chain pickerel is a smaller member of the Esox family. It has a much brighter green coloration and a chain like “bar” pattern whereas northern pike are spotted. Additionally, you can look at their submandular pores (basically, little holes on their chin). Northern pike tend to have 10 submandular pores while chain pickerel have 7-8.

Northern Pike caught on Lake Champlain
Northern Pike
Chain Pickerel caught on Lake Champlain
Chain Pickerel

If you still need help, check out my more detailed blog post on how to tell northern pike and pickerel apart.

22. Where Do Pike Hang Out?

Northern pike hang out in different parts of a lake depending on the time of year. Right after ice out, you can find them in extremely shallow water at the backs of bays. They are difficult if not impossible to catch at this time as they are spawning. They then move out to deeper areas in the 8-15′ range, usually over some sort of cover like weed beds. During the height of summer, they will seek out cooler water which is often in the 30 – 50′ range. During the fall, they return to those same marginally deep weed beds to hunt food and prepare for winter.

23. What’s the Best Bait for Pike?

The best bait for pike is something they’d want to eat naturally. Pike prefer soft-rayed fish such as smelt over pointy fish like perch or bluegill. Use a cylindrical-shaped soft rayed bait fish that has oils that will permeate into the water attracting pike to them for the best results. Smelt, alewives, small whitefish, chubs, and chubs all make great baits. Many people specifically fish for suckers too as they believe these to be amazing pike baits.

24. What is the Best Time of Day to Fish for Pike?

As with most fish, you’ll have your best luck catching pike during the early morning or evening, when they are most active. However, pike can be caught throughout the day and many people claim mid-morning is the best time. There may be some merit to that as pike are sight hunters and the mid-morning sun will give your lure’s flash the best chance to catch their eye. Most agree that pike aren’t particularly active at night and the bite will drop off.

25. What Time of Year are Pike Most Active?

The two best times of year to catch a quality northern pike are going to be the spring and fall. At these times, the waters near the shore are cool enough that even big pike will come up relatively shallow where it is easier to catch them. Pike will also be in the mood to eat, either trying to replenish themselves after spawning in the spring, or trying to beef up for the long winter ahead.

26. What Water Temperature do Pike Like?

Large northern pike are considered a cool water fish and will often seek out cold waters, especially during the height of summer. While many people consider the pike’s preferred temperature range to be about 60-65°F, Dick Sternberg was quoted in In Fisherman – Pike: A Handbook of Strategies as having found pike stacked closely together in water much colder (closer to 50°F!) during the summer. The bigger the pike are, the cooler the temperature they prefer.

27. What is Considered a Trophy Northern Pike?

What is considered a trophy northern pike is going to be different in different places, but most North American anglers would consider any pike over 20lbs to be a true trophy. Another indicators is how long it is. Not everyone has a scale on them but many anglers have a ruler. A pike over 40″ would be considered a trophy by most, but this is again dependent on where you’re fishing. For example, to qualify for the Vermont Master Angler Program, a northern pike must be at least 36″.

28. Are Pike Active in Winter?

Pike feed very actively compared to most gamefish in winter. They are more active early and late in winter, but can be caught in midwinter too, assuming you can find them. They are easier to locate early and late in the winter as they’ll be in the same weedy bays you’ll eventually find them in the spring.

29. What Depth do Pike Like in Winter?

During early winter, you’ll find pike in shallow weedy bays, but by midwinter most have moved out into deeper water and concentrate on rock piles, humps, and deep points. They then return to the shallows in late winter and start feeding heavily to prepare for their spawn which happens shortly after ice out.

30. How Deep do Northern Pike Go?

Northern pike can be found at all depths of the lake throughout the year. During their spawn, they will be extremely shallow in the backends of bays. In the spring and fall, you will often find them in 8 – 12′ of water at the edge of weedlines. During the height of summer, they will seek out cool water zones and can be found as deep as 30 – 50′ in search of it.

31. Do I Need a Leader for Pike?

Most dedicated pike anglers would recommend that you use a wire leader when fishing for these toothy predators. Certainly, this will help save you money on lures, and disappointment at seeing a once doubled-over rod suddenly straighten. Pike lures can be very pricy, especially larger jerkbaits, so the peace of mind a leader provides can be well worth it.

With that said, I don’t generally put leaders on spinnerbaits, even if I’m fishing for pike. These lures move so rapidly through the water that they generally are fine without a leader. The only time I’ve had a pike break me off with a spinnerbait was when they hit right as the lure landed and before it could get to speed.

32. Are Spinners Good for Pike?

Inline spinners are, along with spoons, some of the more traditional “pike lures.” Spinners are great at attracting pike as they have a lot of flash and also are generally retrieved quickly through the water. This provokes the predator’s instinct to hunt, chase, and kill. The only problem with inline spinners is that they are much more likely to be bit off than a spinnerbait because they don’t have a wire arm protecting the line. Accordingly, consider using a wire leader when fishing for northern pike with a spinner.

33. Do Pike Hit Topwaters in the Fall?

Fall is a great time to catch northern pike as they are extremely aggressive at this time of year. While they will hit all lures, topwater lures can provide some amazing action in the fall. One of my favorite fishing YouTubers, NDYakAngler, posted this video in early fall. As you can see, northern pike had no issues attacking his offerings that time of year.

34. What is the Best Lure for Northern Pike?

My favorite lure for catching northern pike is the simple spinnerbait. While it isn’t as glamorous as a giant musky lure, nor as traditional as a spoon, the spinnerbait has some key advantages. For one, it rarely requires the use of a leader as the bent wire frame offers some protection from the pike’s teeth. Secondly, it is a lure that allows you to catch many other species at the same time. Whereas a largemouth bass might have doubts about hitting a huge pike jerkbait, they’ll surely hit a spinnerbait. Finally, these are durable lures that can stand up to repeated punishment from pike. Certain jerkbaits, in contrast, have such thin hooks that they’re constantly breaking each time a pike hits, which can get annoying quick.

35. How Do You Dead Bait for Pike?

Some ice fishermen feel that dead bait works better for nothern pike than live bait, especially when the pike are inactive and don’t want to chase their food. However, there is a trick to hooking them you should be aware of. Many times, the initial strike of a pike will hit a baitfish from the side. To ensure a proper hookup, you will want to pause and allow the fish to take some line until they have a chance to move the bait in their mouth and successfully eat it before setting the hook.

36. How Do You Catch Northern Pike From Shore?

The trick to consistently catching northern pike from shore is finding a section of shoreline that has access to deep water. Larger northern pike are rarely in the shallows, so you’ll want to fish somewhere that you can cast into 6-20′ of water easily. If you can find a shoreline that has a weed edge abutting the deeper water, all the better.

While a good pair of waders will help in extending your reach, look on topographic maps for points and such that drop into deeper water quickly to enhance your chances.

37. Are There Pike in Canals?

There are northern pike in canals, especially in Europe. These are essentially man-made rivers and so long as there is enough structure, cover, and food, pike will be present. Further, canals often connect other waterbodies to each other. There is no reason pike wouldn’t follow along if their habitat requirements are met.

38. Where Do Big Pike Go in the Summer?

During the summer, big pike go deep. They are often caught by folks trolling for salmon by accident and can be found at depths of 30 to 50′ with some even lower. They are usually cruising around deep underwater islands searching for cisco or other prey. The water temperatures are much cooler down there, which larger pike certainly prefer. If you want to catch a true monster in the summer peak you should consider searching for these underwater islands and points and seeing what you can jig up.

39. What is a Good Pike Rod?

There are a few qualities to look for in a fishing rod for northern pike. First, it should be long enough that you can cast your lure out far to cover a lot of water. It should also be strong enough to throw the big lures that you’ll often use when casting for pike, and to handle them when they attack. While you could use a dedicated muskie rod, that might be a bit overkill for the situation. I tend to use medium-heavy rods by St. Croix when I’m fishing for northerns. The St. Croix Premier model is a reliable rod you can trust and that will stand the test of time.

While many folks would consider baitcasting reels the better option for fishing for pike, it really doesn’t matter. Most guides out there who are in the business of taking novices out are going to be using spinning rods, and they land plenty of fish worthy of a photo. Use whatever makes you comfortable.

Northern pike caught on Bulwagga Bay in Lake Champlain
I had no issues catching this northern pike on a regular old bass rod.

40. What Do I Need For Pike Fishing?

There is no reason northern pike fishing can’t be accessible to everyone. All you need to get started are the following five items:

  1. Fishing license or permit;
  2. A good rod and reel combo (a medium-heavy rod works great).
  3. Some braided line (20lb test on a spinning rod, 30lb test on a baitcaster).
  4. A spinnerbait with tandem willow blades (1/2oz works well for starters).
  5. A good pair of long needle nose plyers.

Additionally, some sort of net would come in handy. I prefer nets with a rubber coating as they are easier on the fish.

Note that I didn’t mention a leader. While these are useful for some lures, I don’t find them as necessary when tossing spinnerbaits.

41. Are Pike Active in the Fall?

Fall is one of the best times of year to catch northern pike. The water cools down and the toothy critters start chomping at everything they can to prepare for the long winter ahead. Try throwing a white tandem willow spinnerbait over submerged weeds near a drop off and hold on.

42. What is a Good Hook Size for Pike?

You will want to use larger hooks when fishing for northern pike. Hooks in the 1/0 to 3/0 range work well when ice fishing for them. When you are casting, use hooks that are about the same size as those on a spinnerbait. You’ll want something strong enough to handle this fish as they are known to bend and destroy lesser offerings. Also, ensure you’re using a leader if there is any chance the pike’s razer sharp teeth can get near your line.

43. Do Pike Swim in Schools?

Northern pike do not generally swim in schools, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be several hanging around the same area. It’s not uncommon to catch several in the same bay or along the same drift, and occasionally they’ll be quite close to each other. With that being said, they don’t normally follow each other around throughout a lake as true schooling fish do. They simply are willing to tolerate each other in the same general area.

44. When Do Pike Spawn?

Pike spawn very early in the year (typically March – May) when the water temperature is between 40 to 45 degrees. In some parts of the country, this means shortly after ice-out, or even while there is still some ice on the surface. They tend to spawn in very shallow bays that are thick with vegetation.

If you’re interested in knowing more, I also wrote a full article about when northern pike spawn.

45. Do Pike Live in Saltwater?

When I went to research this, I thought for sure the answer would be no, but I was wrong. An angler from Europe has written a great article on fishing for northern pike in saltwater, or more specifically, brackish water. It seems that there are plenty northern pike swimming around the brackish waters near Denmark, Northern Germany, and Sweden in the Baltic Sea.

According to that author, many rivers dump freshwater into the generally sheltered Baltic Sea which makes several marshes tolerably brackish for northern pike. Thus, if you’re seeking a saltwater pike it would seem heading across the pond is going to be your best bet.

46. What are Hybrid Pike?

Northern pike can breed with several other species in the Esox family, but their offspring are sterile. This makes such hybrids quite rare. The most common hybrid pike is a cross between a northern pike and a chain pickerel. They basically look like bright green pike but often have some stripes across them along with their bars. Their tails also have a distinct shape from northerns.

If you’re interested in catching a hybrid pike, one of the better places to search is Lake Champlain. Captain Mick Maynard of www.LakeChamplainAngler.com routinely pulls these in throughout the year. Granted, it is a bit of a lottery, but your chances are better there fishing with Captain Mick than going it alone. Book your trip with him today!

Northern pike - chain pickerel hybrid
Photo credit of Captain Mick Maynard of www.LakeChamplainAnger.com

47. Do Pike Have Anticoagulant?

While many fishermen swear northern pike have an anticoagulant that makes you bleed more, there is no scientific evidence to support this fact. Pike do not have saliva to hold an anticoagulant in the first place. The reason pike bites make you bleed so much is because pike have razer sharp teeth. When viewed under an electron microscope, their teeth look like blades. Other fish who are thought to have “sharp” teeth, such as walleye, don’t even come close when viewed under the same microscope. If you want more details, check out my post on if northern pike anticoagulant is true or just a bloody myth.

48. What are Good Books About Northern Pike?

There are several great books about northern pike that have been published over the years. My favorite, hands down, is In-Fisherman’s Pike: A Handbook of Strategies. However, this can be hard to find at times as it goes in and out of printing. Another good one is The Freshwater Anglers’ Northern Pike and Muskie by Dick Sternberg. There are several others for sale, but these are two I keep going back to. I have several copies of the In-Fisherman book and it was one of the first fishing books I loved and adored as a kid!

49. What is the World Record Pike?

The IGFA keeps detailed records of northern pike in various categories.

The IGFA All-Tackle World Record for a northern pike was a 55lb 1oz specimen caught by Lothar Louis on October 16, 1986 on Lake of Grefeern, Germany.

By length, the IFGA All-Tackle World Record northern pike was 124 cm (just under 49 inches) caughy by Michelangelo Schenone on September 23, 2021 on Lake Maggiore, Italy.

To me, one of the more impressive records comes down to line class. On August 10, 1990, Rick Townsend caught a 23lb 15oz northern pike on just 2lb test line! That’s a true example of mastery!

If you’re interested in checking out the rest of the records, the IGFA keeps an extensive list that can be found here.

50. Where Do Northern Pike Grow the Biggest?

Northern pike grow significantly larger in Europe than the United States. If you’re looking for your best shot at catching a true giant, Ireland and Germany are both great places to start. Indeed, in years before IGFA records started being kept, there were reports of pike approaching 100lbs coming out of Ireland. Some of these “records” are from hundreds of years ago at this point, so it is anyone’s guess just how factual they are.

Conclusions

Hopefully you had as much fun reading this as I did typing it. While it might just be a collection of tidbits, at least you didn’t have to scroll through endless pages to read the information! Have any other questions about northern pike that I didn’t answer? Leave a comment or drop me an email and I’ll look into it for you!

Thanks for reading,

John Paxton

The New and Improved Minn Kota Terrova: A Review

My 2022 fishing season was nearly over as soon as it began. My ten-year-old Minn Kota Terrova died on me on the first trip out. This was purely unacceptable and a replacement had to be found. Unfortunately, the chip shortage and shipping issues that plagued us earlier in the year gave me quite the fright as I wasn’t able to source one easily.

Luckily, I was able to find one in my not-even-close-to-nearest Cabela’s, and after several hours in the car, I had a replacement ready to go. I opted for the exact same model, not wanting to mess around with anything different. I was also hoping that this would make installation much easier. While that wasn’t quite the case, I am happy to report that EVERY last little thing that annoyed me about my old Terrova was fixed in the new one I bought. Let’s check out some of the improvements.

Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor.
The Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor in all its glory.

The New Minn Kota Terrova: Boat Control Made Even Better

Alright, so I’ll admit, I use the phrase, “new” with liberty. I honestly have no idea at which point in the past 10 years these features were added. Still, if you were one of the early adopters of the Minn Kota Terrova, and now find yourself needing to replace an early model as I did, you’re going to have a huge smile on your face.

One of my biggest complaints about the spot lock function is that it takes a few moments to get settled in. This isn’t the worst thing in the world the first time you use it, but on my older model, every time I wanted to make an adjustment I’d have to deal with the boat tracking wildly for a few moments before it settled in.

This isn’t an issue with the new models. They come with a “heading sensor” (the little white thing in the photo below).

photo showing a Minn Kota Terrova heading sensor installed on boat at a distance.
No one will ever accuse me of taking useful photos, but that little white puck along the starboard gunnel is the heading sensor.

The heading sensor talks to the trolling motor and tells it which way your bow is facing. This does two things:

  • It calms the trolling motor down.
  • It enables you to make minor adjustments.

Calming the Beast

The heading sensor’s main benefit is that it allows your boat to come to a controlled stop FAR quicker than old models. Because the Minn Kota Terrova can now tell which way you’re headed, it knows if it really needs to make an adjustment or not. I’ve noticed a significant improvement over the older model.

Minor Adjustments

The heading sensor also allows you to make minor adjustments while in spot lock. Before, if you wanted to move you’d have to take yourself out of spot lock, move elsewhere, and then hit spot lock again. This meant going through the whole adjustment period every time. One of the features I love more than anything else about the new Terrovas is that you can make minor adjustments. There are now four buttons that allow you to move your boat five feet forward, backward, left or right. Each time you press the button, your trolling motor will take you this distance in the direction you choose. If you press it multiple times, it will move you further along (10, 15 feet, etc.)

This is an amazingly cool feature for this trolling motor that fixed one of my main complaints with the old model and made it that much easier to use. If you buy a Minn Kota Terrova you MUST install the heading sensor. It is a true game changer.

Integrated Sonar Transducer

Modern Minn Kota Terrova trolling motors come with two options for a transducer mounted within them. The first is Universal Sonar 2, and the second is Mega Down Imaging. I was in a bind and took the first thing I could find as I was terrified of spending the year without a trolling motor. Accordingly, I got the Universal Sonar option. It works well enough when paired with my Humminbird, though if I mounted its specific transducer to it, I’d get more options. I haven’t bothered because I don’t want to mess with the install and Universal Sonar 2 fits my purposes fine.

Thinking back to the install I did on my old trolling motor, the fact that these come prepared with a transducer ready to go is a blessing. Not everyone is that handy, and it took me a few hours and a six pack to get up and operational. If you’re more of a weekend boater and rely on the marina for your installs, the Universal Sonar or Mega Down Imaging may work very well for you too.

The new Minn Kota Terrova trolling motors have a sonar transducer pre-installed.

Improved Foot Pedal for the Minn Kota Terrova

I used to hate how my old Terrova foot pedal didn’t have a button for Spot Lock. As you can see below, they have fixed this. This makes it so much easier than fumbling for the remote. Further, you can use spot lock even if the remote runs out of batteries. This keeps things hands free and enhances fishing. It was a great add by Minn Kota.

Even so, you will want to keep your remote as some features require it. For example, you need the remote to use the function where you can move five feet at a time.

Foot pedal to a Minn Kota Terrova
The “spot lock” button on the new Terrova foot pedals is a welcome addition.

Installation of the New Minn Kota Terrova

I’m not the handiest person, but I try. A major factor in buying another Terrova rather than trying an Ultrex was to make installation simple. I had hoped that it would be as simple as popping off the old one, and installing the new one in the same holes. This works for some holes. Unfortunately, it is not a perfect fit, so make sure you have a drill. I believe I had to drill two new holes to get it to fit.

Battery sensor on Minn Kota Terrova
The base of new Minn Kota Terrovas doesn’t fit precisely where the old model did, so you will need to drill new holes.

You’ll also want to make sure you have some wire strippers and shrink wrap as you’ll need to install a new plug. This is a quick enough job if you realize you’ll need to do it, but make sure you have the parts.

If you’re as clumsy as me, you’ll be relieved to note that if you cut your Universal Sonar 2 sonar cable ony our very first trip, it’s easy to fix. First, pop off the head of the unit with a screwdriver. Then unscrew the old one and screw the new one in.

This ticked me right off.

Conclusion – The Minn Kota Terrova Remains the Best Thing On My Boat

If you haven’t tried one of these trolling motors, you owe yourself to. Yes, there are some other options like the Ultrex which I compared in this post, but the Terrova is reliable and battle tested. Heck, my first one lasted a decade of heavy use before I had to replace it.

As long as we don’t have chip shortages or shipping issues in the future, you can pick up a Minn Kota Terrova wherever trolling motors are sold. While I had to have mine and drove a few hours to get it before they ran out of stock, I would have much preferred to let Amazon do all the heavy lifting. What are you waiting for? Buy one now!

In all seriousness, click on that link and buy it now if you see it in stock… As of writing, Minn Kota is still showing supply chain issues on their website. You do NOT want to go a season without a trolling motor!

Thanks,

John Paxton

How to Catch Fish Near Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain

Every tournament angler who launches their boat from Plattsburgh, NY on Lake Champlain has to make a decision. Do they chase smallmouth up north, or make the 90 minute boat drive down to try and catch a limit of fish near Ticonderoga? When you think about it, this travel time means committing to fishing Ticonderoga essentially means spotting other anglers an extra day over the course of a four day tournament. Yet every year, many tournament anglers do just this, because the fishing around Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain can be amazing.

What Makes Ticonderoga Such a Great Fishery?

While Lake Champlain in general is a tremendous fishery, there are a number of factors that make fishing the Ticonderoga area exceptional. Ticonderoga comes from the Indian word for “junction between two waterways” (source) and this means you have two great river mouths right next to each other. There is the La Chutte river in New York, and East Creek in Vermont. Both of these tend to stack bass up just like any other creek mouth would at certain times of the year.

Additionally, there is a deep channel that runs close by expansive spawning flats that are near both of these creek mouths. This provides fish refuge during the summer, and also allows species that appreciate the presence of nearby deeper water (like northern pike) to have a place to call home.

Further, there is a variety of habitat and cover for fish to hide and hunt in. As mentioned, there are tons of weed beds, spawning flats, and creek mouths, but there are also rocky shorelines and points for pre-spawn fish to stage on, and sunken timbers and other reefs that hold fish year round.

Regardless of what type of fish you’re trying to catch, or how you like to catch them, Ticonderoga has some sort of fishing for you.

The Best Fishing Spots on Lake Champlain Near Ticonderoga, NY

I’ve taken the liberty to use Google Maps to show you several good fishing spots on Lake Champlain near Ticonderoga, NY. These are all spots I’ve personally fished and can attest to, but don’t take my word for it. Just try and go there on a busy Saturday and actually be the only boat near any one of these – it’s not happening!

Let’s break down the fishing near Ticonderoga, NY one by one as it relates to this map.

Map of fishing spots near Ticonderoga, NY on Lake Champlain.
A map of some outstanding fishing spots near Ticonderoga, NY on Lake Champlain.

The Breakwater Near the Ticonderoga Boat Launch (1)

Just south of the Ticonderoga boat launch and ferry is a large breakwater. This can be a god send on a windy day as one side or the other is usually sheltered. It’s a popular place to fish, so you’ll want to get there early if you want the best spots.

Both sides of this breakwater drop off into the channel of about 20′ of water. There is a pronounced weed line before you get there on each side. This makes it a very good location to catch northern pike. Additionally, the point of the breakwater can act as a great ambush point that can stack bass and other species waiting for some unwary prey to move across it. Try poking around with a jig or jerkbait in this area.

The Shoreline Along Ft. Ticonderoga’s Eastern Shore (2)

This is a dangerous area as it has some hazards that are marked on most maps. Unfortunately, the hazards (underwater cribs) are just the perfect distance between an outboard motor and trolling motor (ask me how I know). If you aren’t careful, you can badly damage your boat. I would highly recommend that you get a good navigational chart and take it easy in this location. With that said, these same motor killers can hold some of the larger fish in Ticonderoga. I had a huge northern break me off near one years ago.

Spawning Flat Near East Creek (3)

Just north of East Creek is a large flat that covers up densely with weeds each summer. It makes for a decent spawning bay before this happens. Afterwards, it is a tremendous place to throw frogs all year round for largemouth bass. It is impossible to fish near Ticonderoga without seeing a few bass boats poking around in this region. The ample cover near deep water and a creek mouth combine for some amazing fishing.

East Creek (4)

East Creek itself makes for a great fishing trip. Just make sure that you have a VT license, as you’ll need it to fish this area near Ticonderoga. It can be a little challenging to navigate into the creek as beaver tend to like to make some large structures at the first bend. Once you get in, you have more room to maneuver. My ex-wife and I spent an enjoyable day fishing this area and caught a number of fish in the habitat. Just be careful as some people have a bad habit of driving too fast around the corners when there isn’t a lot of room for error.

Largemouth bass can be found in this creek year round, and folks claim huge northerns prowl it early in the year, though I’ve yet to catch one there at that time.

Catfish Bay (5)

Catfish Bay is the bay directly west from Mt. Independence, Vermont. Despite it’s name, I’ve yet to catch a catfish there. What it does have, and in large numbers, are northern pike. Toss spinnerbaits along the weed edges in this bay and hold on. I’ve also found this bay produces bowfin.

Do note that this bay gets quite shallow close to land. I’ve had better luck fishing the outside weed edge which is near the drop off. Northerns really appreciate a good deep water weed line to cruise, which can add to your success.

The Railroad Tracks (6)

You can’t drive up 22N past Ticonderoga without seeing someone out fishing near the railroad tracks that follow the water. These tracks have the same rip rap cover that are so productive throughout the lake, and there are cribs and fallen woods to add to the allure. Throw in some weed beds and you have prime habitat for largemouth bass and chain pickerel. You’ll be able to pick out the cover easy enough – it’s obvious – but don’t be afraid to throw around into areas that aren’t so obvious as well.

Mouth of the La Chute River (7)

The Mouth of the La Chute River holds fish like any other creek mouth. The water is crisp and clear which is a good transition from the stained water in most of the area. During periods of high water, such as early spring, it is possible to go far up in the mouth and even explore the large bay/marsh on the western/northern side. You’ll find many people stack up trying to catch panfish in this region year round.

Note that as you go into the La Chute River, you’ll eventually come to a railroad bridge. Wherever you can find such structure on the lake, you’ll find fish. My Dad always used to get excited to fish the railroad bridge in Putnam Creek right after a train passed as he said that this knocked bugs into the water and put fish into feeding mode. I don’t know how much truth there is to this, but it is worth a shot.

Just be aware that you will need a NY license to fish the La Chute River. VT won’t cut it.

Spawning Bay South of Ft. Ticonderoga (8)

This is another one of those spots where you’re sure to have company. It is definitely a popular place to fish near Ticonderoga, as there are plenty of bass and chain pickerel mulling around. I like to toss spinnerbaits and other semi-weedless lures in this area seeking a reaction bite. It can also be beneficial to toss out a Senko near little pockets of weeds as you would any other spawning bay.

The closer you get to the La Chute River, the better your chances of finding some clear water. However, this will also mean the water is quite cold early in the year and you may need to slow things down.

The area in front of Ft. Ticonderoga is a great place to fish on Lake Champlain.
The shoreline near Ft. Ticonderoga provides good fishing and a great view.

What Lures Work Well to Fish the Ticonderoga Area?

Pretty much anything that works well in Lake Champlain is going to work well in Ticonderoga. Just be mindful that as part of the southern end of the lake, it is considerably more stained than in the north. White has always been a great color, but I really prefer something with chartreuse in it for southern Lake Champlain. Lately, I’ve been on a real kick using War Eagle Spinnerbaits as they run true and have good durability.

Black is also great in this area given how well it contrasts. This helps fish find it easier, especially on days with overcast clouds.

You’ll find plenty of people using spinnerbaits, jigs, and the usual Senkos in Ticonderoga. It all depends what you’re after. I’ve found that this section of lake has more numerous pike than others south of the Crown Point Bridge. Keep this in mind when you’re tossing lures as you might need to replace a few.

Special Considerations When Fishing the Ticonderoga Area of Lake Champlain

If you’re planning your first fishing trip to the Ticonderoga area, there are a few things to be aware of. In no particular order:

  • This is a very popular and busy ramp. You may want to get there early to secure parking.
  • Additionally, this is a VERY popular and busy tournament ramp. You may want to check local clubs for their schedules.
  • The ramp has employees throughout much of the year who will check your boat for aquatic invasives, so show up dry and clean.
  • There are some submerged hazards as discussed above. In addition to the cribs I’ve mentioned, there’s also a ferry cable you need to be aware of when fishing near it.
  • This is an extremely pressured part of the lake. While you can absolutely kill it when you locate fish, they are going to be more spooky than some less pressured fish.

New to the area? Not sure how to start or to get your bearings on massive Lake Champlain? Try visiting my page on The Definitive List of Lake Champlain Fishing Resources. In it you’ll find guides on a litany of resources to help you get started, be it different forums, vlogs, or charter captains. Check it out!

If you find that Ticonderoga has too much action for you to handle, why not try heading north a bit and fishing near Crown Point instead? It too has excellent fishing, and this past report I wrote may be of service to you!

Finally, you may want to check out this great book by Dale D. Brown, Bass Fishing 101: Lake Champlain. It has plenty of information on Ticonderoga as well as the rest of the lake and I highly recommend picking up a copy.

I hope this article was helpful! Drop me an email and let me know how your latest fishing trip to Ticonderoga went!

Thanks,

John Paxton

Crankbait Storage: How to Organize a Tangling Mess

Crankbaits are a fantastic fishing lure with one major problem: How to store them. Their treble hooks make it difficult to keep crankbaits from tangling, and can even lead to getting pricked while trying to retrieve them. What we should all be able to agree on is not to do what my father does: do not use a plastic bag for crankbait storage, unless you want to practice taking hooks out of your hand.

The problem is that even storing two crankbaits next to each other runs the risk of their hooks tangling. However, they’re such good lures that one is never enough! You have a few different options to organize your crankbaits to keep them from tangling. The first is to do something about the hooks, and the second is to find an organizer that allows them all their own spot.

this full tackle box is the opposite of minimalist!
This storage case isn’t too bad, but the crankbait hooks will definitely tangle. Consider a dedicated crankbait organizer to make your life easier.

While I don’t personally find crankbaits to be a good lure to use around children, if you’re going to, at least organize them in a way no one will get hurt. Read on to find out my recommendations!

Crankbait Hook Covers

Your first option to store your crankbaits is to do something about their hooks. After all, the reason they’re such a pain to store is because the treble hooks tangle with each other. If you prevent this then obviously, you’ll stop your crankbaits from tangling.

Multiple companies sell products that fit onto crankbait hooks. There are some advantages and disadvantages:

AdvantagesDisadvantages
* You can use the tackle storage you already have, such as a tackle box
* They are an inexpensive option
* They allow you to store multiple plugs in one tackle box divider.		* Crankbait hook covers take up space.
* It is easy to lose these small parts.
* They take time to put on and take off.

If this looks like an idea that’s up your alley, you might try the following products, all of which can be found at Amazon:

Hook Bonnets

Hook bonnets, like the treble hook protectors in the imagine below, work by letting you simply slide your treble hooks into them. They are quite inexpensive (click the picture for the price) and they allow you to keep multiple crankbaits in one storage area of your tackle box.

THKFISH Treble Hooks Covers Fishing Hooks Protector

If you want something a little bit more secure, THKFISH makes treble hook covers with a locking mechanism. You can purchase these crankbait hook covers at Amazon, and may find them a better option when fishing with kids. I’ve used some of the non-locking ones before, and while they work alright at first, eventually they wear out a bit and fall off easily. This product by THKFISH solves that problem.

Fishing Lure Wraps

While hook bonnets and covers are fine for using in a tackle box, they aren’t so useful if you’re keeping things light and walking around with some lures in your pocket. Instead, consider these fishing lure wraps. Lightweight, durable, and with a see through sleave, you can carry your crankbaits without fear of them tangling. They’re also handy if you’re walking with a few rods or even keeping them in a rod locker as you’ll prevent your crankbait hooks from tangling on each other in storage.

Ever wonder what the difference is between jerkbaits and crankbaits? Read this article to find out!

Crankbait Storage Tackle Boxes

Nowadays there are several manufacturers who make dedicated crankbait storage tackle boxes. While some of the options are pricy, they offer the solution of being very organized and also safe as they have a cover. Some of the other options for storing crankbaits (like the Styrofoam I’ll discuss in a bit) isn’t very safe. Dedicated crankbait storage tackle boxes are.

If you’re the organized type who wants to keep their crankbaits from tangling with a dedicated storage system, consider these options:

Bass Mafia Bait Coffin

I might as well start with the best. While expensive, Bass Mafia makes what I believe to be the finest tackle boxes on earth. They are built to standard sizes (such as 3700) which enables them to fit in your current tackle bag or boat storage, but they’re built to a significantly higher quality than their competitors. Extremely durable and crush proof, these boxes seal up considerably better than standard boxes and have a quality you can feel in your hands.

Frankly, if you haven’t tried these, you must. Further, if you’re trying to shop for an angler, this is the sort of gift that might be a little too much for them to splurge on for themselves but would be an absolute hit of a gift.

You can purchase a standard bait coffin in 3700 size here, or if you’d prefer to use a larger one for deeper crankbaits with big lips, you can go for the 3700DD instead. I personally have one of these for my terminal tackle storage and it is hands down the favorite tackle box I’ve ever owned.

Plano EDGE Flex Crankbait 3700 Premium Utility Box

Another product that is fantastic is the Plano Edge Flex Crankbait 3700 Premium Utility Box that you can purchase at Amazon. You really should follow the link and watch the video demonstration to see this box in action. It has a totally different storage system than usual. Basically, there are a series of bristles, almost, that secure your crankbaits and keep them from tangling with each other. As an added plus, this keeps them up in the air somewhat, which helps to prevent your crankbait hooks from rusting.

Given that these also come in standard 3700 size, they will likely fit whatever current tackle bag or such you’re using.

Flambeau Outdoors Zerust MAX 5007ZM Tuff Tainer

Your other option for crankbait storage is a traditional tackle tray. While this won’t do much to keep your hooks from getting tangled (at least not if you put numerous crankbaits in one compartment), it will keep them from pricking your hands.

If you go with this option, I’d recommend getting a Flambeau case as they are coated with a special substance that helps prevent rust buildup. It’s one thing to get jabbed by a treble hook. It’s quite another if the treble hook is rusty!

The Low Tech Solution: Styrofoam Crankbait Storage

That extra Styrofoam that showed up in your last Amazon prime delivery makes a great crankbait storage option. It’s your cheapest option given you already have plenty of it, you can cut it to whatever size you want, and if you get too excited and knock it overboard, it will even float. The only downside is that some of your hooks will be exposed, so it can be a little dangerous, especially around kids and dogs.

To use Styrofoam to store crankbaits, just jab one of their hooks into it. If you put one point from each treble hook into the foam, you’re guaranteed to prevent your crankbaits from tangling.

It’s not the fanciest solution and it does have its drawbacks, but it is by far the cheapest, especially if you’re fishing from a boat where you can secure a few of these carboard strips somewhere out of the way.

Spare Styrofoam board makes a good crankbait organizer in a pinch.
It might not win any beauty pageants, but good ol’ Styrofoam does the trick for keeping your crankbaits from tangling.

Other Options… The Plastic Bag.

No, I’m kidding. Under no circumstances do that. Dad does, and every year I have to help him get a hook out of his hands. It wouldn’t be so bad if he didn’t put the plastic bag in his pocket and forget about it, but still.

I hope you found this article helpful. Again, while I don’t usually throw too many crankbaits around kids just because of how dangerous they can be, at the very least, organizing your crankbaits appropriately will prevent accidents and keep them from tangling. This makes investing in a good crankbait tacklebox a wise choice for any parent.

Thanks,

John Paxton

Fisher Meadows Pond (Spring Pond) Fishing Tips

Those of you who have followed my blog know that Spring Lake/Pond at Fisher Meadows in Avon, CT is one of my favorite places to fish in Connecticut. There are multiple greats places to fish it right from shore, and I’ve caught my largest largemouth bass in Connecticut here. In an effort to help others, I’ve decided to break down how I go fishing at Spring Pond at Fisher Meadows in Avon, Connecticut.

What Makes Spring Pond Such a Great Connecticut Fishing Spot?

Spring Pond featured prominently in my post about the best spots in Connecticut to take kids fishing, and for good reason. I have long found it to be one of the best producers of giant largemouth bass in Connecticut. While it has never been a particular “numbers” fishing hole for me, every species of fish I’ve caught or observed there gets BIG. Further, it is a small enough pond that it can be adequately explored on foot, especially if you have a good pair of waders.

I have caught fish at Spring Pond throughout the year and it has an especially great season around April, when most of its largemouth are heavy and in pre-spawn, and in the fall, when you can catch some absolute monsters on buzzbaits.

Further, there is a pretty active “bucket brigade” at Spring Pond that actually seems to have the benefit of culling many of the smaller fish, allowing the larger ones to grow massive.

The Best Fishing Spots at Spring Pond, Avon CT

I’ve taken the liberty of drawing on a Google Earth Pro map below to show you my favorite spots to fish on Spring Pond at Fisher Meadow. I will break down each point in detail, going south to north as that is the most likely way you’ll find yourself fishing. Note that access to points 4, 5, and 6 can be limited by floodwaters at certain times of the year.

A fishing map of Spring Pond in Avon, CT at Fisher Meadows that shows the best fishing spots.
Spring Pond at Fisher Meadow in Avon, CT offers a number of great fishing spots.

Area 1: The South Eastern Corner & Shore

I’ve found the southeastern corner and shoreline of Spring Pond to be the most consistent fishing spot throughout the year. While there are plenty of good spots, many of them are very condition-specific. This isn’t. The western shore is very shallow, but the eastern shoreline is deeper and can be worked with a jerkbait or jig year round. At times, you’ll find fish absolutely stacked here. Other times, you’ll be able to pick a few off as you move north.

The woods are sparse enough that once you’re in them, for the most part, you can move along freely and make multiple casts at different areas. It’s a rocky shoreline that drops off fairly soon (maybe 3-5 yards out) and if you’re quiet, you’ll find fish get close to the shore. Depending on which hand you cast with, either approach it from the north or the south to ensure you’re making strong forearm casts and covering a lot of water.

Largemouth bass caught while fishing the eastern shore of Spring Pond, Avon, CT in November.
The eastern shore of Spring Pond holds large fish year round. I caught this one on a jig in November.

Area 2: The Island Channel

Another popular fishing spot at Spring Pond is the island channel on the western shore. On a windy day this area produces current which can hold fish. While it’s not my favorite spot, I do make a point of stopping there and often catch fish. In fact, Tristan caught his first bass ever there.

Tristan’s first fish was caught in the island channel at Spring Pond on an unseasonably warm February day.

The channel itself drops off a few yards from shore and you’ll often find bass staging within it. If you have some good waders, or a canoe, you should also check out the shoreline both south and north from this area. There’s a lot of fallen timber to the north, and the south has 3 large submerged rocks that are hidden under the trees and hold fish, if you can get to them.

Any time the water is being driven by the wind, I like to try and present lures in this area, imitating prety that’s being driven by the wind.

Area 3: Deepwater Point

As you walk along the eastern edge of Spring Pond, you’ll eventually come to a place with a few picnic tables. Just beyond these are a few paths that allow access to a deep water point. This is a favorite location for carp anglers, who hang out on the bank and watch for a bruiser to swim through.

The southern end of this point is also a good spot for bass. I’ve had good luck fishing along the shoreline here. You’ll note that year to year there are often some large logs or sticks that stick up here. The only challenge is trying to cast to them without snagging a tree, as it can be awkward.

Finally, I’d add that if you have a boat, there is a weed line that forms a bit southwest of this point. Try fishing offshore here with jerkbaits for some giant perch and other fun.

Area 4: The Northeast Corner

The northeast corner can be fished from shore, though you may need to brave a bit of poison ivy to get there. There’s an alluring half-submerged tree right in the corner that can hold fish, but you’ll find them scattered in this area in general. I’ve found this to be a good spot to catch crappie.

this style hat works well when fishing with young kids.
Crappie caught at Spring Pond, Avon, CT.

This area is basically a little bay. When the water is high enough to hold fish, you’ll find them stacked along the southern and eastern edges of it. However, when the water levels are low, much of this is very shallow.

I’ve also observed huge carp cruising the shoreline just south of here. This is extremely shallow water though – a large flat that doesn’t drop off for some time.

Area 5: The Northern Shore

The northern shore of Spring Pond is wide open ground. This makes it ideal for fishing with kids, as there is plenty of space. The only problem is there isn’t always plenty of fish. It can be challenging to catch them here for a few reasons. First, this is a very popular spot that gets fished a lot. Secondly, the best cover for the fish is hard to reach without careful casting. There are almost always fish hanging out along the east (towards the northeast corner), but it takes a precise cast to catch them and not a tree. Likewise, you can usually find some fish along the western shore, but you need good muck boots. Note that there are a few submerged rocks along the west that can hold a good fish.

Another plus for this area are the little frogs. I have no idea what species they are (maybe wood frogs? Perhaps spring peepers?) but my son loves catching them when the fish aren’t biting. Once, we were able to get about two dozen all in this little area. When I write about fishing with kids, I talk about distracting them when the fish aren’t biting. This spot has that going for it.

A largemouth bass caught on the north shore of Spring Pond, Avon, CT.
Largemouth bass caught along the northern shore of Spring Pond, Avon, CT.

Area 6: The Cut and Spawning Bay

It took me years to write about this area before because I was afraid of spoiling the secret. The news seems to have gotten out somehow, given there’s almost always someone there. This can be one of the best spots to fish at Spring Pond at Fisher Meadow, but it is very condition-specific.

The northwest corner of Spring Pond is a spawning bay for largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and carp. Just adjacent to it is a small, rocky cut that is a glorified stream for much of the year. However, at certain points, enough water gets into this area that fish (and BIG ones) absolutely STACK.

Water can either flow in OR out of this culvert, depending on what is going on. When it is LEAVING Spring Pond, the area right before the culvert, which can only be fished from foot, can hold tremendous fish. They stack up on the other side of rocks waiting to ambush anything being swept along.

This entire area, frankly, is fantastic for fishing. If the water is deep enough, the northern side of the culvert (the stream itself) can hold dozens and dozens of panfish. I took a few hours off of work one year and took Tristan there and we just slayed them. It’s definitely a spot worth checking out.

A largemouth bass caught near the culvert at Fisher Meadows, Avon, CT
A largemouth bass caught near the culvert at Fisher Meadows, Avon, CT.

When Can You Go Fishing at Spring Pond?

Spring Pond at Fisher Meadows is open for fishing year round, but there is no ice fishing allowed per town ordinance. If you’re planning a trip, you should be aware of a few things unique to this fishing spot:

  • First, be aware that Spring Pond is next to extremely active athletic fields. While I’ve never had a problem parking, if I were trying to launch a rowboat on a Saturday morning, I’d get there very early so I could park near the few openings that can accommodate this.
  • Around April or so each year, Spring Pond tends to flood heavily. It is connected to the Farmington River by a stream in the north, and there is also a culvert that dumps water into the southern corner of the pond. When it floods, it is impossible to access much of the western and northern shores without waders.
  • During the height of summer, the shallow, western shore of the pond can dry up. This can make launching a small boat difficult unless you’re willing to carry it a bit.

Does Fisher Meadow Have a Boat Launch?

There is no boat launch at Spring Pond, but there are a few places along the shore where you can safely launch a kayak, canoe, or small rowboat. If your boat is particularly heavy, however, you’re definitely going to want another person helping, as it’s hard to get right next to the water for much of the year.

In the map above, I placed two yellow circles where you can launch a small boat easily. The western shore has several places where you can back up quite close to the water, though I wouldn’t risk dunking a trailer in most times of the year.

What Types of Fish Are in Spring Pond at Fisher Meadows?

I have personally caught or observed the following species of fish at Spring Pond in Avon, Connecticut:

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Chain Pickerel
  • Common Carp
  • Crappie / Calico Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • Bluegill
  • Pumpkinseed
  • Fallfish
  • American Eel

There may well be other species of fish at Fisher Meadows, but I have yet to catch them. However, I can attest that all of the species I have caught get HUGE in this pond. In the years when I was able to fully commit to it (read: before fatherhood) I would often pull a few largemouth bass approaching 6lb per year, but I’ve also seen huge pickerel and massive carp. Here are a few of my better catches over the years:

Check out the following links for more information on this great fishing hole.

  • The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has an interesting page with details of aquatic invasive species in Spring Pond.
  • CTFishTalk.com has a number of people who frequently fish Spring Pond and offer fishing reports. Check it out and see if you can find a report from around the same time of year for some good hints on what to expect.

I hope this article was helpful. Spring Pond at Fisher Meadow is one of my favorite places in Connecticut to fish, so if you see me there, be sure to say hello!

Thanks,

John Paxton

Pike Anticoagulant: A Myth, or the Bloody Truth?

I had an idea awhile back to write an article filled with questions and answers about northern pike. I ultimately decided to break it up into several larger blog posts, so I could answer each question in detail. Of all the things people asked, “Do pike have an anticoagulant on their teeth,” was, by far, the most interesting to me.

Apparently, many fishermen are convinced that northern pike have an anticoagulant on their teeth, either in their saliva (which fish don’t have, to spoil things) or from some sort of bacteria. They swear this is true because they claim that when a pike bites you, the wound takes longer to heal than one would think it should. But is there any actual evidence that this is the case?

Well, in short, I certainly wasn’t able to find any evidence, whatsoever, that pike really have an anticoagulant on their teeth. I scoured the internet for an answer to the question, but was unable to find any scientific backing for the claim. Even when I really dressed things up and searched, “Esocid anticoagulant” I found nothing regarding the fish (though, of interest, there is a medicine of a strikingly similar name with these properties). The nearest thing I could find to an “authority” was this article by Outdoor Canada, but it didn’t provide any source or backing for its claim.

Why Do People Think Pike Have Anticoagulant on Their Teeth?

When a northern pike bites you, the wound bleeds badly and for a long time. It’s no wonder pike get romanticized as being dangerous to humans. There are multiple anglers on various fishing forums who attribute this to an anticoagulant, or bacteria. They often remark that they don’t bleed nearly as badly when a walleye bites them. This despite the fact that walleye also have sharp teeth, at least to the naked eye.

However, on page 18 of in The Freshwater Angler’s Northern Pike and Muskie, you’ll clearly find the actual reason. The teeth of Esocids like northern pike and muskie are significantly sharper than a walleye’s. Indeed, this book has images of both side by side. While I’m not at liberty to reproduce the photo, I can describe them. The Esocid teeth are shaped like razor blades with a sharp cutting edge. In contrast, walleye teeth are round.

Think of it like this. Have you ever cut yourself badly while shaving? Just how long did that take to heal? Likely longer than if you nicked yourself on a sharp piece of plastic, right? This is because the razor blade cut so much cleaner. Northern pike have the same thing going for their teeth.

Other Theories

People also think northern pike make you bleed so much because they have some sort of bacteria on their teeth. They very well may. Still, I wasn’t able to find any scientific research stating such bacteria acted as a coagulant.

A more likely theory is very simple. You’re most likely going to be cut by a pike on a wet hand, right? Well, the water on your hand mixes with the blood and makes it appear worse. Further, the water inhibits your blood from drying and clotting.

Conclusions

While there is no lack of people claiming pike have an anticoagulant, there is a complete lack of scientific evidence to support it. First, fish don’t have saliva. Secondly, I was unable to locate any research pinning bloody pike bites on their bacteria. Instead, the reason why pike bites bleed so much is simple. Pike have razor sharp teeth. It’s not rocket science that getting bit by one is going to hurt and bleed like crazy!

I hope this helps assuage your fears.

Thanks for reading,

John Paxton

When Do Northern Pike Spawn? A Complete Guide

While most anglers have heard stories of fishing for bass on the beds, you don’t often hear of people fishing for northern pike during their spawn, and for good reason. Throughout much of their range, pike spawn very early in the season before most casting anglers are seriously thinking of fishing.

What Time of Year Do Pike Spawn?

Northern pike spawn at different times of year depending on the ice breakup as well a latitude and climate. A good rule of thumb is that northern pike spawn shortly after ice out. In parts of Ireland, this can mean February. In New England, it is March to April. Deep in Alaska or Russia, some pike have been observed to spawn into July. It really depends on where you are.

If you aren’t quite certain when pike spawn in your area, a good rule of thumb would be to check if there are any local regulations prohibiting fishing for them at certain times of the year. Some states and local waterbodies prohibit fishing for pike during the spawn. The closed pike season is when pike normally spawn in a given area.

Where Does Pike Spawning Take Place?

Northern pike tend to spawn in weeds in the shallows. They’ll either swim up streams to find backwater marshes, or find shallow water bays off a main lake. They prefer silted and sandy bottoms to rocks, and will look for areas that are about 40 to 45° F, which generally means locations that have recently experienced ice out.

In rivers, pike seek out calmer areas in the shallows to give their eggs, and eventual fry, a better shot at survival

Do Pike Spawn at a Certain Depth?

Pike tend to spawn in very shallow water. Ideally, they deposit eggs in waters from about 6″ to 3 feet in depth. Their eggs sink slowly and are quite sticky, so they tend to attach to the vegetation found at these depths early in the year. This gives the eggs a better chance of survival.

How Do Pike Spawn?

Unlike bass which build nests, northern pike are random spawners, meaning that they deposit their eggs across a wide range. The process by which pike spawn is as follows:

  • Male pike move into the spawning area a few days before the females.
  • Spawning takes place over a period of about 5 to 10 days, during which it’s very difficult to get a pike to bite.
  • As the females release eggs and the males release milt, the males go crazy, thrashing their tales to try and help scatter the eggs to give individuals a better chance of hatching. Sometimes, they over do it and injure themselves (on occasion, mortally)!
  • The females leave the spawning area before the males do. While the male pike stick around for several weeks after the spawn, they don’t actually protect the eggs like bass do.

How Long Do Pike Spawn For?

The actual act of Northern Pike spawning takes about 5 to 10 days, but they’re in the spawning grounds for longer than that. Males show up a few days earlier than females to stage, and stay a few weeks after spawning completes. Thus, you can find pike in spawning areas for approximately a month or so.

How Long Does it Take Pike Eggs to Hatch?

A 1965 study by D.R. Swift (source) found that water temperature was key to determining how fast northern pike eggs would develop and hatch. Swift found that the number of days it took for pike eggs to hatch ranged from 26 days in 43°F water to only 5 days once the water temperature reached 61°F. Granted, in most waters, pike prefer to spawn in water much cooler than 61°F, so the likely egg incubation range is between about 12 to 26 days.

What Spawns First, Pike or Muskie?

Northern pike tend to spawn earlier than muskie. This is because pike prefer to spawn in water temperatures of about 40 to 45°F, whereas muskie prefer 49 to 59°F. While muskie usually spawn a bit deeper than pike, this doesn’t save their young from predation from the older pike fry. As a consequence, fishery managers need to be cognizant of this when selecting areas to stock with muskies. When placed in waters with high populations of pike, it can be challenging for muskie to survive.

Can You Catch Pike During Their Spawn?

By all accounts it is extremely difficult to catch pike during the actual spawn. Indeed, if you are catching a northern pike during their spawn and in their spawning marsh, chances are you’ve caught one that either hasn’t started spawning yet, or has already finished. During the act itself, pike rarely bite. However, they can be caught prior to and after completing their spawn.

northern pike caught during post spawn
Judging from my toasty outfit, this pike was likely caught not too long after spawn.

You should certainly check your local regulations before attempting to fish for pike during their spawn. Some countries, states, or even specific lakes within states forbid fishing for pike during their spawning season. Others don’t bother regulating it. It all comes down to how the locality treats the resource.

For example, in Connecticut, you can fish for northern pike year round in most waters, but not in Bantam Lake. This is because Bantam Lake is designated as a northern pike lake, and fishing for the species is prohibited between March 1 to April 30 in an effort to protect the spawn.

SHOULD You Catch Pike During This Vulnerable Time?

While many places prohibit fishing for pike during their spawn, others don’t. However, just because you can do something doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. Pike are quite vulnerable during their spawn. They are stacked up and relatively easy to find when you know where to look. While you probably won’t have luck catching them while they’re spawning, they will feed before and after the act.

Unfortunately, the act of spawning in and of itself is exhausting for pike. Males thrash so violently during the act that they often injure themselves severely. Catching one could plausibly put one over the edge. If you’re interested in maintaining quality fishing for years to come, I would suggest you avoid fishing for pike during their spawn, even when it’s legal.

By taking this simple step, and giving these important creatures a fighting chance, you can help quality preserve fishing for your children and grandchildren for years to come.

Thanks for reading,

John Paxton

Lake Champlain Fishing: A Look Back at 2022

2022 was a tough year for me personally, so I didn’t have much time or inclination to write about my fishing adventures on Lake Champlain. Even so, that doesn’t mean I didn’t have a blast up there fishing with friends and family.

The First Fishing Trip – May 20, 2022

One of the first real fishing trips I took to Lake Champlain this year was with my buddy Andrew. He was the same friend I nearly killed last year when the weather got a little out of control. Since we had such luck last year at Bulwagga Bay, that was where we concentrated this year as well.

As usual, we focused on the western shore making our way down the rip rap of railroad track fill. We tied into some absolute monsters, mostly while using the same Rat-L-Traps we had such luck with the year before. This lure produced both a giant bass for me as well as a real shocker – an Atlantic Salmon (the first I’ve caught casting!) Both were caught right along the rip rap early in the year.

largemouth bass caught in Bulwagga Bay Lake Champlain
This bass crushed a Rat-L-Trap. It was easily my biggest Champlain bass of the year.
Atlantic Salmon Lake Champlain
I was quite surprised when this Atlantic Salmon hit a Rat-L-Trap tossed close to shore.

While we did spend most of that trip up in Bulwagga Bay, we also messed around a bit hitting rocky points and creek mouths south of the bridge. We didn’t have as much luck with the points (the water was high, cold, and murky at this time of year), but the creek mouths certainly produced, including this nice Northern Pike for Drew.

Northern Pike, Crown Point, NY on Lake Champalin
Drew with a nice Northern Pike caught in a creek mouth.

May 20, 2022 Thoughts:

The following were some of our observations for this fishing trip:

  • The water was much colder than we were expecting. We didn’t find much luck with fish on the beds though a few bass were clearly full of eggs.
  • We attempted to follow the railroad tracks north of Bulwagga Bay but the water temps absolutely plummeted once we left the bay and got past Port Henry’s marina.
  • Fish were stacked along creek mouths holding into the wind, apparently waiting for prey to cross their path. Crankbaits that dug in a bit were really working for another boat we observed.
  • The water levels were higher this year after a crazy low season the year before, but not as high as I’ve seen them.

May 29-30, 2022

Having scouted out the lake with Drew and having a good idea of where to find fish, it was time to take Tristan and my dad up for a Grandfather-Father-Son adventure a week or so later. However, even though Drew and I had our best luck up north about 10 days earlier, the three of us decided to concentrate on the south.

Tristan caught his fair share of largemouth as well as a number of smaller freshwater drum. We were mostly using drop shots with nightcrawlers (fully living ones, mind you) and concentrated primarily on the tried and true Vermont side of Lake Champlain south of the Crown Point bridge. While Tristan is starting to get to the age where he can cast really well, it’s just so hard to fish with anything besides worms when you bring a kid along. They work so darn well.

Child catching Largemouth Bass on Lake Champlain

As always, it was so much fun taking my son and dad out fishing. I’m grateful we got another year worth of memories in the books.

Fire place by Lake Champlain.
After a long day of fishing, it was great to spend the evening by a fire with my son.

June 19 – 20th – Fathers’ Day Weekend

Tristan and my next trip to Lake Champlain was during their annual LCI Derby. I coughed up the money for the entry fee just in case we caught something massive, but we didn’t catch anything worth weighing in. That didn’t stop us from having a great time together. I always enjoy taking him up there with just me. It takes me back to my first fishing trip with Dad on Lake Champlain so many moons ago. I hope my son will remember the memories we made as well.

Largemouth Bass, Father's Day Derby Lake Champlain 2022
Tristan and I combined for a nice pair of bass for a fun photo together.
Kid catching largemouth bass on Father's Day LCI Derby Lake Champlain 2022.
As is becoming customary, Tristan caught the biggest fish of the trip.

July 4th Weekend 2022 Fishing on Lake Champlain

The family and I headed up to Lake Champlain, as usual, for the July 4th holiday. There really isn’t a better place in America to celebrate the Republic’s birthday than the Adirondacks. Ticonderoga has a fun fair and great fireworks, and the fishing (and especially the frog bite) really kick into high gear.

child with largemouth bass caught on frog on Lake Champlain in July
Tristan with a bruiser he caught on a frog at dusk.

Since we were up all week, we fished all over creation. One day, we hit up Bulwagga Bay (mostly trolling) and tied into a few nice largemouth bass that hit white War Eagle spinnerbaits.

The next, we trolled the same way in Giard’s Bay (never a top producer for me) searching for Pike. Tristan managed a nice one in about 8-10′ of water.

Northern Pike caught trolling Giard's Bay, Lake Champlain.
Northern Pike caught trolling Giard’s Bay, Lake Champlain.

All in all, a fun trip as always that didn’t disappoint.

July 16 – 17, 2022

For our next big fishing trip to Lake Champlain, Tristan brought his friend. They were both born days apart from each other so they’ve grown up together, but this is the first time we were able to get the two boys up to Lake Champlain for some fun.

For the most part, we threw drop shots with the boys, which led to Tristan catching a very nice channel catfish all by himself (he did ask me to hold it for the picture though).

Channel catfish caught on Lake Champlain

We also tried our hand at trolling a bit, seeking out Northern Pike. Tristan’s friend caught the big pike of the weekend which made for a great photo with him and his father. This is a great technique to cover a lot of water quickly and is also great for when kids aren’t quite at the age where they can cast far enough to use a spinnerbait well. If you’d like some tips on how to do it, check out my article on trolling for chain pickerel.

Northern pike caught on Lake Champlain
Nothing beats helping a Dad put their kid on a great fish to show their friends!

We finished up the boys’ trip with a lesson in frogging. I warned them that we probably wouldn’t catch much, but it was just too much fun not to try given how much fun it is to see fish jump out of the water and smack your lure. We did end up landing a few doing this, and everyone in the boat was hooked.

Of some annoyance, the water was already too low for me to use my boat launch by this time. I usually can stretch it out until August, but not this year. Even so, it was better than in 2021!

September 24-25, 2022

The last trip I’d take Tristan to Champlain for was on a long weekend in late September. The fishing was harder than usual, so it was a good thing we hadn’t been there for several weeks and a little fish like this was still enough to please him. He hadn’t caught many smallmouth this year, so he was just excited to get a new species!

Tristan and his Grandfather.

The scenery and weather was beautiful, however, and Tristan had a ball playing with all his friends up north. While I naturally spend most of my time documenting our fishing, Tristan has a ball playing with his friends as well and it was great to see them.

November 5 – 6, 2022

My last trip of the year was in early November. Ostensibly, we were going to close up the house, but Dad and I couldn’t resist dunking the boat in at Port Henry for one last shot. We decided to concentrate entirely on Bulwagga Bay, as it has become a staple in recent years. It did not disappoint. I wrote a full-sized fishing report on it here. Read it if you want to see why Dad was so happy!

The Year in Review

All in all it was a decent year for fishing. I’m glad that Lake Champlain rebounded a bit from 2021, which was a very tough year with very low water. Who knows what will come in 2023, but I pray to God that I’ll live to see another site like this. I find that each year as I walk to the water for the first time, I feel a huge weight fall from my shoulders as my lungs fill up with the scent of the lake and my heart starts to lift.

I can’t wait for that feeling again, but it’ll be at least another four months from now! Until later, Lake Champlain!

Thanks,

John Paxton

Why Do Fish Jump Out of the Water?

Chances are that every time you’ve gone fishing, you’ve probably seen a fish jump out of the water. I’ll wager that fish was large, and just out of casting range. Them’s the chips, after all. It likely got your brain racing as to what the species was, and just why do fish jump out of the water, anyway?

The fish you’ll most likely see jump out of the water is the common carp, and the main reason it jumps is to clear its gills of debris. Carp are bottom feeders, you see, and they get quite a lot of dirt and muck in their gills while feeding. Jumping clears it. During mating season, you’ll also see carp jumping like mad men in back bays. This is to attract a mate (we’ve all done crazier). However, other reasons fish jump out of the water is to chase food, escape predators, remove parasites, or because they lack enough dissolved oxygen. There are also certain fish, like the invasive Asian Carp, that jump out of the water to give bored rednecks something to do.

Why Do Carp Jump?

As stated earlier, the most common fish (or at least, BIG fish) that you’ll see jump is the common carp. They create quite a racket when they do, and it really gets the imagination spinning. We’ve probably all heard or seen this happen and then cast a lure in their direction hoping to get a bite. Most of us have also probably came up empty handed!

Carp jump out of the water for a few reasons, but the most common is simply to remove debris from their gills. They are a bottom feeder, patrolling the lake and sucking up their prey amongst the muck. Naturally, a good deal of that muck winds up in their gills in the process. They breach the surface and thrash to help dislodge the muck from their gills.

You’ll notice that while carp jump year round, you’ll see them breach much more often in the spring. This is during their mating season, and it is theorized that they’re trying to attract a mate. Frankly, much of this attraction may take place below the water. Carp jumping could indeed be them, again, dislodging this and that from their gills that they stir up in the shallows searching for love.

Other Theories on Why Carp Jump

I often fish the VT side of Lake Champlain south of the bridge. For those unfamiliar, you have about 30-40′ off the shore before the lake starts to get deep. Often, I’ll see carp splashing on the deep side. Are they too trying to dislodge muck from their gills? Perhaps, but another theory is that they may be jumping to stabilize their swim bladders.

A swim bladder assists fish in their ability to control their buoyancy. If you’ve ever caught a bass from deeper water and seen in struggle to remain upright in your livewell or after release, it’s swim bladder is likely destabilized from the change in pressure. This video shows you how to fizz a bass’s swim bladder, if you’re curious. Unfortunately for carp, they can’t count on a kind and gentle angler to fizz them, so these fish jump out of the water to try and fizz themselves.

Some Fish Jump Out of the Water to Chase Food

Fish often jump out of the water to chase food. The air basically acts like a ceiling where prey have nowhere left to go. This should be clear to most fishermen. After all, the entire premise of a top water lure is that a fish will jump to bite it.

This food can either be aquatic, like minnows driven to the surface, or a terrestrial critter unlucky enough to cross a fish’s path. Just think of all the top water lures that look like mice, ducklings, or snakes. You’ll also note that fish jump out of the water much more in the morning and evening. They are chasing insects and other prey.

Some Fish Jump Out of the Water to Escape Predators

As some fish jump out of the water to chase food, it stands to reason that other fish jump out of the water because they are food. Minnows and other fish will leap from the water in a last ditch effort to avoid being dinner. Sometimes, they’re successful. Other times, they’re not, and they’re caught in a fury of nature.

Jumping Out of the Water Helps Fish Shed Parasites

Another reason it has been theorized why fish jump out of the water is to help shed parasites. Just look at a fish. It has no arms or real ability to clean itself. They’re also covered in a protective slime coating that can rub off if they brush against objects too vigorously. What is a fish to do if it is covered in parasites? One of its few options is to jump to try and dislodge them, much like carp jump to dislodge muck.

Fish May Jump Out of the Water Due to Inadequate Dissolved Oxygen

Some fish aren’t as lucky as others and find themselves in waters with inadequate dissolved oxygen. Over time, some species (such as catfish in Africa, and bowfin in North America) have evolved the ability to take a gulp of atmospheric air in a pinch. Ever seen those nature programs where all the animals are gathering at a rapidly shrinking watering hole? This is something that happens every year. If the fish in the pond didn’t have the ability to do something about it, there wouldn’t be many generations of fish!

Why Do Asian Carp Jump Out of the Water?

Asian carp are an invasive species found in many river systems in the Midwest. While there are many theories on why they breach so often (many likely much more accurate than this), I firmly believe that Asian Carp jump out of the water to give rednecks something to do. I say this with love, pride, and a touch of envy.

You see, many enterprising folks in the Midwest have made quite the sport of jumping carp. As the fish tend to fling themselves up near passing boats, people have gotten creative with how to remove the species. You’ll see folks wearing full battle gear and attacking them with bats, catching them in nets, or even slicing them with katanas. They’ve even invented a sport called “Skarping.” Never underestimate the ingenuity of people trying to preserve their natural resources.

What About Aquarium Fish – Why Do They Jump Out of Water?

Most of us who own an aquarium keep a lid on it. Those of us who don’t run the risk of one of our scaly friends ending it all, intentionally or not, and winding up on the carpet nearby. But why exactly do aquarium fish jump out of the water? Well, there’s a few reasons, but they boil down to this: there is something about their tank that compels them to leave.

  • Your aquarium fish might jump from its tank because it is startled or scared. If a fish lacks sufficient cover, that same prey “fight or flight” mechanism could catch in, and they may inadvertently jump from the aquarium trying to escape.
  • Their tank may be overcrowded, causing them to try and leave. It could be that one fish in the tank is a bully and again triggers that prey response.
  • There may be something wrong with the water. Clean your tank regularly and maintain proper water temperature to keep your fish happy and away from the life of a hobo.

Conclusions

As you can see, fish jump out of the water for a number of reasons, be it biological or simply for our own amusement. I hope this article helped you gain a deeper appreciation for just why they do it. As always, please reach out to me with any questions at my email.

Further, please note that the main aim of this website is to help parents take their children fishing. If you know someone who is just starting out, consider sharing this website with them. They may particularly find my Illustrated Guide to Fishing with Kids helpful.

Thanks,

John Paxton