Catching a pickerel fish can be an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. Pickerel, often referred to as chain pickerel, are freshwater fish known for their aggressive feeding behavior and scrappy fights when hooked. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about catching pickerel, from understanding their habitat and behavior to selecting the right gear and techniques to increase your chances of success.
Understanding Pickerel
Before you set out to catch pickerel, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of their biology and behavior. Pickerel are a member of the pike family and share many characteristics with their larger relatives, such as northern pike and muskellunge. Here are some key points to know about pickerel:
Habitat: Pickerel are typically found in slow-moving or still waters, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and backwaters. They prefer areas with submerged vegetation and plenty of cover, like fallen trees, aquatic plants, and rocky structures.
Size: Pickerel are known for their relatively small size compared to other pike species. They typically range from 12 to 24 inches in length, although larger specimens can be found in some areas.
Feeding Habits: Pickerel are opportunistic predators that feed on a variety of prey, including fish, amphibians, insects, and small mammals. They are known for their aggressive strikes and sharp teeth, which help them capture and consume prey.
Seasonal Behavior: Pickerel tend to be most active during the spring and early summer when water temperatures are cooler. They become less active during the hottest months of summer and may become more active again in the fall.
Gear and Tackle
Selecting the right gear and tackle is crucial for a successful pickerel fishing trip. Here are some recommendations:
Fishing Rod: A medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod around 6 to 7 feet in length is ideal for pickerel fishing. It should have enough backbone to handle the fight but still provide sensitivity for detecting strikes.
Fishing Reel: Match your rod with a reel that has a smooth drag system and can handle 8 to 12-pound test fishing line.
Fishing Line: Opt for monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line in the 8 to 12-pound test range. This line weight offers a good balance between strength and flexibility.
Lures: Pickerel are known for their preference for flashy, wobbling lures. Popular choices include spinnerbaits, spoons, inline spinners, and jerkbaits in various colors to mimic the local forage.
Leaders: Consider using a steel or fluorocarbon leader to prevent pickerel from biting through your line. Pickerel have sharp teeth that can easily cut through traditional monofilament or fluorocarbon lines.
Hooks: Ensure your hooks are sharp and durable. Treble hooks are commonly used with lures, but single hooks may also be effective.
Techniques and Strategies
Now, let’s delve into some effective techniques and strategies for catching pickerel:
Locate Suitable Spots: Pickerel are ambush predators, so look for areas with plenty of cover and structure. These can include weed beds, fallen trees, rocks, and submerged vegetation. Use polarized sunglasses to spot potential hiding spots.
Casting and Retrieving: Cast your lure near cover and structure, then retrieve it at a steady pace. Experiment with different retrieval speeds and pauses to mimic wounded prey. Pickerel often strike when the lure changes direction.
Topwater Lures: In early morning or late evening, try using topwater lures like poppers or frogs. Pickerel love surface strikes, and these lures can provide explosive action.
Live Bait: If you prefer live bait, small fish or minnows can be effective. Rig them with a wire leader to prevent pickerel from biting through the line. Allow the bait to swim freely to attract pickerel.
Jigging: Vertical jigging with soft plastics or spoons can be effective when fishing deep holes or around structure. Drop your bait to the desired depth and jig it up and down to entice strikes.
Change It Up: If you’re not getting bites, don’t hesitate to change your lure type, color, or size. Pickerel can be picky, so experimentation is often necessary.
Safety and Conservation
While pickerel fishing can be enjoyable, it’s crucial to practice catch and release to help preserve the species and the ecosystem. Here are some tips for responsible pickerel fishing:
Handle with Care: Use proper fish handling techniques to minimize stress and injury to the fish. Wet your hands before touching them, and support their body when lifting.
Barbless Hooks: Consider using barbless hooks to make hook removal easier and reduce harm to the fish.
Catch and Release: Unless you plan to keep pickerel for consumption, release them back into the water promptly and with care. Pickerel are an important part of the aquatic food chain.
Observe Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with fishing regulations in your area, including size and bag limits. Comply with all rules and regulations to protect pickerel populations.
In conclusion, catching pickerel can be a thrilling and rewarding experience for anglers. Understanding their habitat and behavior, selecting the right gear and tackle, and using effective techniques are key to increasing your chances of success. Remember to prioritize the conservation of this species by practicing catch and release and following local regulations. Enjoy your pickerel fishing adventures, and may you land some impressive catches along the way!