Pike Fishing Tackle

There are many things an angler should include in his Northern pike fishing tackle box. Some are crucial necessities; others are nice to have so you are covered for every season and location. The following paragraphs will go over all the accoutrements you will want to consider having so your tackle box is well-equipped.

Probably the most important items you must have for Northern pike fishing are leaders. While perch and bass fishing do not require the use of leaders, they are imperative if you hope to hook and reel in a Northern. These mighty fish have razor-sharp teeth that can easily bite through regular fishing line. Leaders are metal wires that provide reinforcement on your line so your lunkers won’t get away so easily. Bite leaders are the type of leaders you will want in your Northern pike tackle box. A length of 6-24 inches will be sufficient.

There are many types of Northern pike lures you can use to catch these large and usually hungry fish. The nice thing about pike fishing is that since they will eat virtually anything, you can use a wide variety of lures to suit your fancy. However, some lures are more popular and effective than others. Spoons are great for trolling; you might want to have some weedless spoons on hand if you will be trolling in the weeds. Brightly colored spoons are a great choice, particularly the Eppinger Dardevle. These spoons will appear to look like baitfish scales in the water, so they are visually appealing to Northerns. Spoons are also effective because they wobble in the water, and that movement is an attractant. Spinnerbaits and plugs (crankbaits in particular) are other good lures to use if you want to use movement to attract a fish. Surface lures, such as buzzbaits and stickbaits, are nice to have around when fish are most active in the warm months of the year. For colder weather when pike are less active, jigs can be useful since they are used slowly.

Other must-haves for any fisherman’s pike fishing tackle box are a net and needle-nosed pliers. A net will help you bring in a feisty fish as you are reeling in your line. Many times a Northern will swallow your hook, so the pliers will help you try to salvage it.

As long as you are equipped with some leaders, a net, pliers, and some appropriate lures for the season, you will have a great start to your Northern pike fishing tackle collection. Then, build up your collection of lures as the seasons and environment dictate.