I've been pike fishing a few times over the last few weeks with not so much as a nip. Planning a trip tomorrow to a lake which does hold pike, will be renting a boat. I know absolutely nothing about pike (never fished for them before this year) and i'm looking for a few tips, particularly re. fishing depth.

Steve

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Steve


"There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." Paul O'Neil

Now they're beginning to spawn they'll be moving into shallower water around the margins, so they will probably be a bit shallower than usual. Also try different retrieves like stripping the lure back fast, and slow figure of eights until you get something

If they are looking to spawn, they will be difficult to get interested in anything you throw at them. Not only that but perhaps it would be better if you went trout fishing instead if only to give them a chance to spawn in peace.

Check if they are, as has been mentioned, spawning. You will see them in the shallows, usually all gathered together, and causing a commotion in the water. If you have looked all round the water, and see no sign, then possibly they have done so already. If that is the case then you can have some good sport, as they will be looking to feed.
BE WARNED!!......they are a fragile fish, and in a tender condition after spawning, so they will need to be well rested afterwards. If you are unsure about any of this, I would leave them well alone.

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Sam

Thanks for the advice lads, if I see any evidence of spawning I'll find a diffferent species to harass

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Steve


"There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." Paul O'Neil

I hope you know how to unhook a pike. If not take along some plasters and disinfectant wipes.

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Cheers,
Lawrence

have a look here its the pike anglers club gb ,you should find plenty on there !!!

http://www.pacgb.co.uk/

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WHEN YOU LEAVE THE RIVER, TAKE NOTHING, AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINT'S!!!

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hi Steve
better still you could join the Irish branch of the pike fly fishing association you can find details on there website www.pffa.co.uk
its always better to go out with some one with experience for you and the fish they have some good events / get together,s to
all the best pike fly angler

Something i know a bit about.

I will keep it simple and condensed.

Pike are generally lazy fish and are ambush predators. Find structure and you should have a shot at one. Lillies, drop offs, sunken trees, weed lines, boating stages, over hanging bushes and underwater mounds.

If it looks like a swim that you will get snagged in chances are it will hold a pike

They will normally hug the structure, so its depth will generally determine the water mark the fish are holding at.

not always the case though sometimes the biggest fish are found marauding in very open featureless water, or dead water as we call it. especially on trout waters...

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I HATE BUNGS.........