pooch Posted May 3, 2011 Report Share Posted May 3, 2011 Slimy Success! Blog Entry - Apr 27, 2011 I got out last week for my first northern pike outing of the year. I like chasing these toothy critters early in the season partially because I get to use my summer bass gear but mostly because they are relatively easy to catch. Pick a great lake and a nice day and it’s a perfect way to kick off the open-water fishing season. When I got the boat on the water I was a bit concerned that the water temperatures were not warm enough to encourage the pike to be cruising the shallows gorging on spawning bait fish. I find the most consistent action around 55 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit; this day water temperatures were about 10 degree less than optimal. I decided to start on the deep side of shallow south facing spawning bays with weed growth nearby. The first hour or so produced a couple out-of-season smallmouth bass, but no pike so I kept moving. Spot number two was also absent of any hungry pike so I ventured back to my original spot since the water had warmed up a few degrees. The two lures I decided to use to locate active pike were occasionally a white spinner bait but mostly a jerkbait. I was not having much success on a moderate tempo jerk retrieve, so I decided to really pick up the pace to evoke a reaction strike out of any nearby pike. The first cast using this aggressive retrieve netted a nice healthy pike. An hour later and two more pike I was blown off the water by high winds and an approaching thunder storm. Encouraged by the late day success I have already made plans to go out again this week for a few more. Tight Lines, Andrew Red's Fishin' Blog What worked? - Fire tiger coloured Rapala Husky Jerk - Depths 3-6 feet - Shimano Clarus 6’6” medium heavy, extra fast action rod - Shimano Chronach 6.2:1 gear ratio reel - 30lb Stren Super Braid main line with 8" 30lb fluorocarbon leaders Pattern for the day: Muddy bottomed back bays with temperatures that were 2-3 degrees warmer than the main lake. Weed growth needed to be close; rock shoals and sandy flats produced no pike this day. Weather Conditions: - Cloudy with sunny breaks, approaching storm in the late afternoon - Moderate winds from the south east, gusting to 25 km/h - Surface water temperatures 46F rising to 50F - Air temperatures 10C rising to 15C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manitoubass2 Posted May 3, 2011 Report Share Posted May 3, 2011 This is what I need. Thanks for an awesomely thorough report Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tb4me Posted May 3, 2011 Report Share Posted May 3, 2011 Great report! Love the details. Thanks Redsfisher Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Live2fish85 Posted May 3, 2011 Report Share Posted May 3, 2011 Great report and nice pike. I'll be up in the peterborough area doing some fishing soon hopefully with some success. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roy Posted May 3, 2011 Report Share Posted May 3, 2011 Another great report! Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehg Posted May 3, 2011 Report Share Posted May 3, 2011 Great report! Like the details on location and approach. The south facing black mud bays attract crappies at this time as well. Gonna try a Zone 17 pike lake next weekend and use these tips. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistaredone Posted May 3, 2011 Report Share Posted May 3, 2011 Awesome report! 3 weeks till I hit simcoe. Can't wait Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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