Nige Williams & Joe Jaggar Pike Fishing on River Severn

Another video today, this time Nige Williams & Joe Jaggar Pike Fishing on River Severn .

Pike Fishing Tackle

Pike angling is becoming an increasingly popular specimen fishing sport in the UK. Northern pike are hard hitting fish known for their determined fighting and fast runs. In the UK, known as a sport fish, many pike anglers employ "catch and release" that is commonly promoted in the UK and enforced by law in some countries for fear of species depletion.

Pike populate brackish and fresh waters in shallow, weedy lakes and sluggish streams, particularly, during spring spawning. Shore fishing is especially effective after spring spawning because the pike remain in the shallow waters to feed on smaller prey. As ambush predators, pike lie in wait for long periods then exhibit remarkable acceleration to strike their prey. In the hot summer months, the larger female pike move to cooler, deeper water and stay through the winter providing sport for boat fishing.

Spin fishing for pike is perhaps the most common technique in the UK. Spin rods, reels, line, and end tackle should be chosen for the task. Effective methods include use of dead baits, lures, and jerk bait. Pike prefer large prey. Therefore, a spin rod should have at least a 2.5 lb test curve for bait fishing and, for the large lures commonly used, able to cast 48 g (1.6 oz) and requires at least an 11' rod. This is particularly true for boat fishing and trolling that require big plugs or larger soft baits. In shallow waters in the spring, smaller lures can be effective.

One of the most popular pike fishing techniques used in the UK is legering of dead baits without a float. This method is particularly effective on faster moving waters where use of a float is difficult. In legering's simplest form, an appropriate weight is placed below the bait to keep it on or near the bottom and the fish is hooked by the pull of the weight.

In the UK, fly-fishing for pike is growing in popularity but also requires some special techniques and considerations in choice of pike fishing tackle. Fly-fishing for larger game fish will always require some adjustment in equipment and technique for a large predator. For pike, rods must be powerful enough for large, heavy flies and the heavy lines they require.

This requires a pike, large bass, or even salt water rod of 9' or longer and designed for at least a 10 weight fly line able to cast large flies and subdue a large pike. Trout fly rods are not recommended. Most fly reels will serve but it must hold at least 100' of line and provide sufficient drag for a large pike's quick, initial run.

In choosing pike fishing tackle, beyond rod and reel, remember that pike teeth are numerous and very sharp and must be accounted for both before and after the catch. Without wire traces, it is not uncommon for a large pike to bite through to freedom.
If using catch and release, use barb-less treble hooks to simplify unhooking and use proper tools not only to protect yourself but also the fish. To unhook and release, use 12" forceps or needle-nosed pliers while the fish is still submerged to avoid damage to the fish.

I enjoy the great outdoors, and writing about my experiences.