What gear is needed to catch Northern Pike

Northern pike are a predatory fish species found in the northern hemisphere. They are highly prized by anglers for their large size and aggressive nature. Northern pike are known to strike at a variety of baits and lures, and catching them requires specialized gear. In this article, we will discuss the gear needed for northern pike fishing, including the producer and model of different gear.

1. Rods

The first piece of gear needed for northern pike fishing is a rod. A rod with a fast action and a heavy power rating is ideal for the northern pike. The fast action allows for quick hooksets, while the heavy power rating provides the backbone necessary to land these large fish. Some of the top producers of northern pike rods include:

• St. Croix: St. Croix produces a number of high-quality rods that are ideal for northern pike fishing. Their Legend Elite, Legend Tournament, and Mojo Musky series all offer fast action and heavy power ratings.
• G. Loomis: G. Loomis produces a number of rods that are suitable for northern pike fishing. Their E6X, IMX Pro Musky, and NRX Musky series all offer fast action and heavy power ratings.
• Shimano: Shimano produces a number of rods that are ideal for northern pike fishing. Their Expride Muskie, Zodias Muskie, and Scimitar Muskie series all offer fast action and heavy power ratings.

2. Reels

The second piece of gear needed for northern pike fishing is a reel. A reel with a high line capacity and a high gear ratio is ideal for northern pike. The high line capacity allows for long casts and the ability to handle large fish, while the high gear ratio allows for quick retrieves. Some of the top producers of northern pike reels include:

• Shimano: Shimano produces a number of reels that are ideal for northern pike fishing. Their Calcutta Conquest, Curado K, and Stradic Ci4+ series all offer high line capacity and high gear ratios.
• Abu Garcia: Abu Garcia produces a number of reels that are suitable for northern pike fishing. Their Revo Toro Beast, Revo Rocket, and Revo Inshore series all offer high line capacity and high gear ratios.
• Daiwa: Daiwa produces a number of reels that are ideal for northern pike fishing. Their Lexa HD, Saltist Back Bay LT, and Tatula LT series all offer high line capacity and high gear ratios.

3. Line

The third piece of gear needed for northern pike fishing is line. A strong and durable line is essential when fishing for northern pike. A braided line with a high pound test is ideal for northern pike, as it provides the strength needed to handle these large fish. Some of the top producers of northern pike fishing line include:

• PowerPro: PowerPro produces a number of braided lines that are ideal for northern pike fishing. Their Maxcuatro, Super8Slick V2, and Depth Hunter series all offer high pound test and superior strength.
• Sufix: Sufix produces a number of braided lines that are suitable for northern pike fishing. Their 832 Advanced Superline, 131 G-Core, and Performance Braid series all offer high pound test and superior strength.
• Berkley: Berkley produces a number of braided lines that are ideal for northern pike fishing. Their FireLine Ultra 8, X9 Braid, and ProSpec Chrome series all offer high pound test and superior strength.

4. Leaders

The fourth piece of gear needed for northern pike fishing is a leader. A leader is necessary when fishing with braided line, as it provides an abrasion-resistant barrier between the line and the fish’s sharp teeth. A fluorocarbon leader is ideal for northern pike fishing, as it is virtually invisible underwater and offers excellent abrasion resistance. Some of the top producers of northern pike fishing leaders include:

• Seaguar: Seaguar produces a number of fluorocarbon leaders that are ideal for northern pike fishing. Their AbrazX, Blue Label, and Red Label series all offer excellent abrasion resistance and invisibility underwater.
• Berkley: Berkley produces a number of fluorocarbon leaders that are suitable for northern pike fishing. Their Vanish Fluorocarbon, Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon, and ProSpec Fluorocarbon series all offer excellent abrasion resistance and invisibility underwater.
• Sufix: Sufix produces a number of fluorocarbon leaders that are ideal for northern pike fishing. Their Invisiline Fluorocarbon, Advance Fluorocarbon, and Siege Fluorocarbon series all offer excellent abrasion resistance and invisibility underwater.

5. Baits and Lures

The fifth piece of gear needed for northern pike fishing is baits and lures. Northern pike are known to strike at a variety of baits and lures, including spoons, spinners, crankbaits, and topwater lures. Some of the top producers of northern pike baits and lures include:

• Rapala: Rapala produces a number of baits and lures that are ideal for northern pike fishing. Their X-Rap, Shad Rap, and Jointed Shad Rap series all offer realistic swimming action and are effective at triggering strikes from northern pike.
• Mepps: Mepps produces a number of spinners that are suitable for northern pike fishing. Their Aglia, Comet, and Musky Killer series all offer flash and vibration, which can trigger strikes from aggressive northern pike.
• Johnson: Johnson produces a number of spoons that are ideal for northern pike fishing. Their Silver Minnow, Sprite, and Splinter series all offer a lifelike swimming action and can be fished at a variety of depths.

6. Terminal Tackle

The sixth and final piece of gear needed for northern pike fishing is terminal tackle. This includes hooks, swivels, and weights. When fishing for northern pike, it is important to use strong and durable terminal tackle that can withstand the fish’s powerful strikes and thrashing. Some of the top producers of northern pike terminal tackle include:

• Gamakatsu: Gamakatsu produces a number of hooks that are ideal for northern pike fishing. Their EWG Worm Hook, Heavy Cover Worm Hook, and Offset Shank Worm Hook series all offer excellent strength and durability.
• Mustad: Mustad produces a number of hooks that are suitable for northern pike fishing. Their KVD Elite Triple Grip, UltraPoint KVD Grip Pin, and UltraPoint Demon Perfect Circle series all offer excellent strength and durability.
• Owner: Owner produces a number of hooks that are ideal for northern pike fishing. Their Mutu Light Circle Hook, Jungle Flipping Hook, and Mosquito Hook series all offer excellent strength and durability.

In conclusion, northern pike fishing requires specialized gear that is designed to handle these large and aggressive fish. A fast-action and heavy-power rod, a high-line-capacity and high-gear-ratio reel, a strong and durable braided line, a fluorocarbon leader, a variety of baits and lures, and strong and durable terminal tackle are all essential gear for northern pike fishing. By using high-quality gear from top producers, anglers can increase their chances of landing these prized fish.