Beginner Pike Fishing

Beginner pike fishing takes a few pointers. A pike tends to strike a lot more readily than its cousin the musky. If you live in an area with water holding a fair population of pike. You can catch one with a few simple tips to get started.

Pike are apex predators. They will set up at ambush points. Find deep weed lines (8-12 feet). Rocky points are good also. You want the cover and structure near some deeper water. Pike will hold in deeper water during summer. In the spring and fall, they will spend more time in the shallows. The pike likes water temperatures of 50-65 degrees.

They move into shallower water during the times they feed. These will be the weed lines and rocky points most of the time. When not feeding they will go into the deeper water or suspend in the water column. They seek a preferable temperature when resting.

As a beginner in pike fishing. The good news is when you find the right spot. Pike will strike spinnerbaits, inline spinners, spoons, and larger paddle tails easily. You have to work the lures at different depths to have a higher success rate. But, if you work a lure in front of a pike it will hit 70-80 percent of the time.

Learn how to properly hold and release these fish. People tend to harm the fish due to a lack of knowledge. Proper handling and release are needed to maintain the fish for the future.

When to Catch a Pike

Time is a factor that is relevant. The mornings and evenings within an hour or two of sunrise and sunset are best. The fish are more active due to lower sunlight penetrating into the water. Cloudy skies are a plus also. A little wind providing ripples or small waves helps.

Pike can be caught during the day also. This is on overcast days with little sun. You will have ripples or waves on these days also. Work the same locations using the lures mentioned.

An element some swear by is the majors and minors of the moon position. If enough of the other factors align. The moon’s position is positive. Look up moon majors and minors or as some call it over or under and set and rise of the moon. These are time periods if they align with sunrise or sunset increase a fish’s activity level.

The moon is not going to catch you a fish. All the other stuff such as location, weather, and time of day are more important. It is a slight benefit when it aligns with these elements. The odds of catching fish increase some.

Conclusion to Pike Fishing

As a beginner keep pike fishing simple. Do not overthink the fish or techniques. A pike rarely thinks before striking. You can build on your skills and tactics then move on to musky.