The Forgotten One

Take the next minute to think of the 5 most common fish that you specifically target.  Go ahead, write them down.  What fish do you enjoy catching?

Catfish?  Bass?  Smallmouth? Carp?  Muskellunge?   Largemouth?  Pike?  Trout?  Crappie?  Muskie?  Walleye?  Perch?  Striped Bass?  Steelhead?  Etc….

I’m sure you can construct your list with the help provided.  (Feel free to share your list in the comment section below)

One fish that is often overlooked by many is the Pickerel.    Be honest, none of you even thought of the pickerel as a game fish, or one that you often go out in pursuit of.  For many, pickerel are not regarded as a prime pursuit fish like that of a smallmouth or walleye.  This is most likely due to the pickerels much larger cousin, the pike.  Why put in the effort to catch pickerel when one could target pike, right?  Well put your preconceived notions aside and allow me to enlighten you.  

Pickerel fishing is fun and exciting.  Think of it as fishing for mini pike, and pike are fun to catch.  Right?  The mini pike is every bit as entertaining.   Hooking into a good pickerel will provide you with an exhilarating fight and a tasty meal if you prepare correctly.  

The last couple weeks I ventured out with my trusty red canoe to a couple lakes notorious for big pickerel and big bass.  Rose Valley Lake and Black Moshannon Lake.  The major benefit of fishing water that holds both bass and pickerel is the comparable feeding patterns of the two species.  By accessing a body of water that has both largemouth and pickerl you will kill two birds with one stone, or if you prefer it, two fish with one bait.  Below are some tips to keep in mind when fishing for pickerel and largemouth bass.

1) Lure Choice:  During the beginning of summer both bass and pickerel will chase spinner baits and crank baits.  When heading to a fishery with both species, be sure to pack your rattling cranks and double willow blade spinners.  The two I have found to be most productive for bass and pickerel is the largemouth bass crank by Live Target lures and the golden shiner double willow blade from Booyah Bait Co.

2) Line:  I’ll make this simple for you.  Do not use anything lighter than 8lb test.  I personally use 12lb test, but 8lb should still work good.  Keep in mind that pickerel have sharp teeth similar to their cousin the pike.   Being able to cut your line is a definite possibility so having a tough fluorocarbon is important.  I prefer either Sufix’s Invisiline or Berkley’s Vanish

3) Weeds and Structure:  Both will shelter big fish.  Cast in, around, nearby, past, etc. as much as possible.  Pickerel will not often be in open water and largemouth will more than often be hiding in similar areas.

4) Colors:  Use lighter colors like white, cream, tan, light green, and gold.  Do not use any wild and crazy colors that you would not find on a fish.  For example, pink, orange, and purple would not be ideal.  Use colors and patterns of bait fish that these species would be common to feed on.  

5) Size:  For spinner baits do not use anything larger than 3/8 oz.  For crank baits do not use anything larger than 3 inches.  Keeping with these specifications will allow you for a more productive day landing both bass and pickerel.

 

6) Watercraft:  Placing yourself on the water will provide you with a better opportunity to catch fish.  If you can use a watercraft, do it. 

By the way, here is my target fish list: 1) Trout 2) Largemouth 3) Smallmouth 4) Pickerel 5) Steelhead