The Secret To Big Pike!

Interested in catching a Moster Pike? Then take to the ice with a very big bait. A yearlong study, in which researchers from the University of Alberta examined the stomach contents of Pike netted from South Dakota's Lake Thompson, has determined that Northerns feed most aggressively during the winter, and that larger-forage fish, such as Crappie and juvenile Carp , replace smaller forage-fish such as Minnows and baby-Carp. During October, migrating Leopard Frogs seem to work well. Winter, apparently, plays a major role in the pike's choice of dinner becausethe increased water clarity created by ice allows Pike to zero in on the more difficult larger prey. As you go ice-fishing this winter, keep in mind the old saw "Bigger Bait, bigger fish." After setting tip-up's rigged with large bait, drill a few pan-fish holes and jig with tear-drop jigs tipped with juvenile perch, minnows or grubs. If you draw in a few Panfish, they may well draw in a big Pike. And don't worry if the Panfish scatter when danger approaches; your bait will still be there waiting.