Pike (Esox Lucius)

From the Genus of Esocoidei and the sub-Family Esocidae

The Pike inhabits the lower reaches of rivers and streams and makes good use of any cover and can grow quickly where there is a plentiful supply of small prey. It is artificially stocked into many waters to control the overabundance of small fry of other species.

Dinstinctive torpedo shaped fish with a flattened head and huge mouth full of backward facing teeth. The inner teeth are hooked and can be moved independently when throttling their prey. The pike hunts by vision and is one of the few fish that can bring both eyes to bear stereoscopically. Both Dorsal and Ventral fins are positioned well to the rear close to the Caudal.

The Pike has a grey-green or brownish-black back. It has greenish sides with yellow spots or stripes and a white belly with grey spots.

The Pike is a predator, living mostly on fish, amphibians and the occasional rodent or aquatic bird chick. Laying quietly in camouflage vegetation it typically lunges for its prey at great speed.

Typically fished for with live fish bait, this method is NOT permitted on Southdown AA Waters (angling regulations Rules 8). Dead baits comprise many different sorts of marine fish. Tackle that either suspends or pops-up such baits is required. Pike may also be fished for with artificial lures or spinners. In all cases sufficiently heavy tackle to deal with a potentially large powerful fish needs to be used, and final traces are often of wire to prevent their being cut by the pike’s vicious dentition. The handling of any captured fish needs to be approached with due regard for a gob full of backward-facing tin tacks!

The British record weight for a rod-caught Pike is 46lb 13oz 0dr. That is a very large fish indeed and the record has stood since 1992. The Association record is 27lb 12oz 0dr, which represents some 59% of the record. This was caught by R. Allchin from Wallers Haven in the 2004/2005 season. Pike over 15lb can be registered as an Association specimen.

04/03/2008