Pike
Fast, efficient and streamlined, the pike cannot be mistaken for any other fish. Most of its characteristics are adaptations to its predatory lifestyle. Camouflage colouring, eyesight, body form and fin arrangement all contribute to the pike's success as a hunter. With their camouflage and short-lived bursts of speed, pike prefer to ambush their prey rather than chase it. They lurk, hidden in the weeds, waiting for the quick sprint - followed by feeding.
The jaw is extremely flexible, allowing large meals to be swallowed whole; small (jack) pike will often demonstrate this by gobbling up their siblings. Prey is usually taken from the side and then manoeuvred round to be swallowed head first. When water conditions prevent the pike's superb eyesight from being effective, it can fall back on its efficient sense of smell. It also has a highly sophisticated tracking system rather like radar. The pike is designed for hunting. Its dorsal and anal fins are near the tail, giving it tremendous power to launch itself after prey.
Whether it is a river, lake or fen drain, a typical pike water is one which not only provides shallow weedy areas suitable for spawning but also offers plenty of cover for this predatory fish. Prime ambush areas include sharp drop offs, sunken trees or shallow water by reeds where pike frequently lie in wait for prey, using their camouflage to remain hidden.
Baits to use
Livebaits - A live fish is the natural food of pike so it makes sense that it will also make a good bait but remember, Livebaits must only be used on the water they have been caught from.
Deadbaits - A deadbait can be a freshwater fish or sea fish. Favourites on the list include Mackerel, Roach, Trout, Herring, Smelt, Sardine.
Lures - Artificial lures can be used to catch pike and there must be hundreds of types, sizes and colours.
The jaw is extremely flexible, allowing large meals to be swallowed whole; small (jack) pike will often demonstrate this by gobbling up their siblings. Prey is usually taken from the side and then manoeuvred round to be swallowed head first. When water conditions prevent the pike's superb eyesight from being effective, it can fall back on its efficient sense of smell. It also has a highly sophisticated tracking system rather like radar. The pike is designed for hunting. Its dorsal and anal fins are near the tail, giving it tremendous power to launch itself after prey.
Whether it is a river, lake or fen drain, a typical pike water is one which not only provides shallow weedy areas suitable for spawning but also offers plenty of cover for this predatory fish. Prime ambush areas include sharp drop offs, sunken trees or shallow water by reeds where pike frequently lie in wait for prey, using their camouflage to remain hidden.
Baits to use
Livebaits - A live fish is the natural food of pike so it makes sense that it will also make a good bait but remember, Livebaits must only be used on the water they have been caught from.
Deadbaits - A deadbait can be a freshwater fish or sea fish. Favourites on the list include Mackerel, Roach, Trout, Herring, Smelt, Sardine.
Lures - Artificial lures can be used to catch pike and there must be hundreds of types, sizes and colours.
Where to look for Pike
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Marginal reedbeds offer perfect camouflage to a pike.
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