Northern pike have a well-earned reputation as a hard fighting freshwater sports fish that are extremely popular with anglers. Obviously we’re big fans as my brother and I have enjoyed fishing for them for nearly three decades now. But not every angler has had that enjoyable experience. So what happens if an angler can’t find …
Pickerel don’t just get the shorter end of the stick when it comes to size in the Esox family, which also includes bigger cousins like the northern pike and muskellunge. But Chain pickerel live a total of 7-9 years on average. Only the absolute oldest (and largest) pickerel live past 9 years. Grass pickerel only …
The Tiger Musky is a gigantic fish, and in fact the largest member of the Esox family. Which is double impressive when you consider they share the same family as the vaunted northern pike and muskellunge. The tiger musky is hybrid fish that results from a pike and a musky breeding. They are normally bred …
If you’re going to pull in a trophy northern pike, you had better have the right equipment on hand. Getting a sturdy low action rod might give you more of a chance of keeping the trophy sized pike on the line, but where’s the fun in that? An ultralight rod is fun…but a 12 pound …
Few freshwater fish have earned the reputation of the northern pike. If you’re here, you’re probably among the many anglers who know the awesome benefits that even a moderate sized northern pike can give you. So what constitutes a big fish from state to state? Read on to learn about every northern pike state record. …
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m a huge fan of the taste of northern pike. I haven’t actually eaten musky in person, but from the few friends or friends’ fathers who have I’ve heard good things. But a common question comes up: is pike safe to eat? This concern comes from being …
One of the major questions that often comes up for beginning fishermen heading up north is whether walleye is the better tasting fish, or is it northern pike? The northern pike vs. walleye taste test debate is actually really a heated one. Don’t be surprised if this question starts a major argument between anglers at …
There’s no denying the reputation of the northern pike as a slimy fish. While many fish produce some slime in the water, pike produce enough that “snot rocket” is one of their most common nicknames after snake fish and jackfish. Not a very flattering nickname, for sure. But why are pike so slimy? There actually …