Pike Fishing Made Easy

Thanks for tuning back into the Fox Rage blog! Today, we’re out on one of the massive pits in the area, braving the cold to hunt down some winter pike.

It’s that time of year where the temperature is hovering between a chilly 1°C and 5°C. While the air is biting, we’ve traded the recent bright sunshine for a beautifully overcast sky. In the world of pike fishing, those clouds are often our best friends.

Here is a breakdown of the gear, tactics, and mindset you need to find success when the mercury drops.

The Strategy: Go Deep and Stay Patient

In this kind of cold, the margins (the shallow edges) aren't as productive as they are in spring or autumn. My main strategy today is heading straight for the deeper water.

When the temperature is low, pike tend to sit near the bottom or "on the deck." To get to them, I’m utilizing chin weights (5g to 15g) to ensure my lures are working the right depths.

The Lure Lineup

I brought two main setups today to cover all the bases:

1. The Heavy Hitter: Ready-Rigged Shads

For the big pike, I love a 16cm shad. These are fantastic because they come "ready to go" straight out of the packet.

* The Rig: A single treble hook hanging from the body and a weighted internal head.

* The Action: They feature a large paddle tail that creates significant vibration and a seductive wobble.

* Colors: I start with natural patterns like Natural Perch or Realistic Roach since the water is clear, but I keep bright colors like Silver Halo ready if the light fades.

2. The Finesse Option: Xander Pro Shads

On a lighter rod, I scale down to 14cm (or even 10cm) shads.

* The Setup: A simple 10g jig head.

* Why 10g? There is a light layer of weed on the bottom. A 10g head is heavy enough to cast but light enough to stay just above the snaggy "salad" on the floor.

3. The Game Changer: The Salmo Slider

When the shads weren't getting the job done, I switched to a slider. This lure moves side-to-side rather than in a straight line.

* Pro Tip: Use half-turns of the reel and a downward push of the rod tip to make it "walk" underwater. This erratic action often triggers a strike from a pike that has seen too many standard lures.

The Gear: Prism X Range

Having the right tool for the job makes a world of difference.

* Heavy Outfit: Prism X Pike Cast (40–120g). I pair this with a baitcaster reel. When you're throwing 18cm lures all day, a baitcaster takes the stress off your fingers and hands compared to a spinning reel.

* Light Outfit: Prism X Heavy (10–40g). This is a 2000-size spinning reel setup for smaller 10–14cm shads.

Expert Insight: Use Polarized sunglasses. Even on overcast days, they allow you to see "followers"—pike that are tracking your lure but haven't hit it yet. This tells you exactly where the fish are holding so you can cast again.

Respect the Fish: Essential Fish Care

Pike look ferocious, but they are actually quite delicate. Being a responsible angler means being prepared before the fish is on the bank. You should never go pike fishing without:

* A Large Net: Preferably with rubber mesh to protect the fish's slime coat.

* Unhooking Mat: To keep them off the hard ground.

* Long-nose Pliers: Your primary tool for hook removal.

* Side Cutters: These are for emergencies. If a fish is hooked awkwardly, you need to be able to cut the hook or the wire immediately to ensure a safe release.

Results of the Day

Despite the slow start, the day came alive in the afternoon! After spotting a few followers in a specific bay, a move to the Salmo Slider and the UV Ultra Xander Pro Shad resulted in several beautiful fish, including a heavy hitter measuring 92cm.

The lesson? If they aren't hitting the straight retrieve, change the action, scale down the size, and don't be afraid to revisit a spot where you saw a "follower" 30 minutes later.

Tight lines, and good luck with your fishing!

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Related reading: Float Fishing for Pike, Pike Fishing with Deadbaits, Pike fishing in the Lea Valley