Pickerel The lakes and ponds don’t freeze over completely when the temperature is in the mid-30s in the winter. It’s not the best weather for ice fishing, but it’s great for throwing out some lures to see what bites. I was at a nearby pond not too long ago, rod in hand, hoping to catch a few slow-moving bass or panfish. My slack line jerked violently after a few slow twitches of a jerkbait.
What could hit that hard in the middle of winter? The drag screamed in sharp bursts, and then I saw it: a long, thin body with a bright yellow belly and a mouth full of teeth. There was no doubt about it
The Interesting History and Characteristics of Pickerel
Pickerel are part of the pike family (Esocidae), which means they are closely related to northern pike and muskellunge. They’ve been called a lot of different things over the years, including southern pike, grass pike, and jack fish in some places. Some fishermen call them “snot rockets” or “slime darts” because they are covered in slime.
Where They Are
The chain can be found in many places. They live on the East Coast from southern Canada to Florida, spread west to Texas, and do very well in the Mississippi Valley. They also live in parts of the Great Lakes and some northern waters where they are seen as an invasive species.
It’s easy to tell them apart because they have a black stripe going down their eye and chain-like markings on their body.
Size and Actions
it is smaller than pike and muskie, with an average length of 16 to 22 inches. A trophy size is anything over 26 inches. But don’t underestimate them; their attacks come out of nowhere and are very strong, even when things are hard.
Where to Find Pickerel All Year
it is like shallow areas in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers that have a lot of plants. Many fish move to deeper water when the temperature changes, but it can handle both hot and cold weather very well.
They are classic ambush predators, hiding in weeds to catch their prey off guard. Pickerel are opportunistic and will attack almost any moving bait. This makes them a great fish for people who want to catch something when the fishing is slow.
Gear and methods for catching pickerel
You don’t need special equipment to catch pickerel. You’re ready to go if you already have bass fishing gear. Pickerel are very responsive to power fishing techniques, especially lures that move quickly.
Best Pickerel Lures: Jerkbaits The Rapala X-Rap (size 8 or 10) is a great choice because it suspends in the water, which makes fish want to bite it.
Inline Spinners: Blue Fox Vibrax spinners (sizes 4–6) with feathered tails add flash and vibration, which are great for getting fish to bite.
Burnie Haney, the charter captain, says that soft plastics like Keitech Easy Shiner or Fat Swing Impact rigged on 1/4-ounce jig heads are good. These glide over plants in a natural way and look a lot like baitfish.
Leader tips for stopping bite-offs
Pickerel have teeth that are very sharp, so it’s important to keep your line safe. For cold-water durability, use a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader like Cortland XTR.
Knot-able steel wire leaders, like AFW Surflon or Cortland Tie-able Stainless, are great choices for extra safety. These leaders stop fish from biting off the line, but they don’t stop other fish from biting.
Why Pickerel Should Get More Respect
Some people don’t like pickerel because of their slime, which is why they are sometimes called “snot rocket” or “slime dart.” But pickerel are always biting, even when other fish aren’t. Because they are aggressive and can adapt, experienced anglers love to fish for them in the winter.
Captain Haney says, “A good bite’s where you find it.”
The Best Time of Year to Fish for Pickerel
One of the best times to fish for pickerel is in the winter. When bass and other fish slow down, pickerel keep moving, especially in weedy bays and shallow coves. This makes them a good choice for trips in the winter when bites are hard to come by.
Last Thoughts on Pickerel Fishing
There are surprises, strategies, and excitement when you fish for pickerel. Pickerel are a great fish for anglers who want something more exciting than bass or trout. Their biology is interesting, and their strikes are explosive. The next time you go fishing, bring a jerkbait or spinner. You might catch a toothy fish that makes a boring day into an amazing one.
