PR Pike 5/31/15

[JDTuna]

Got a call from two friends who wanted to hit the river for some pike action on Sunday morning. Hit the river in the morning, fully expecting a downpour at any moment but the weather held for a few hours. Caught a bunch of pike, nothing huge, with the largest in the upper 20's.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k320/JL1981/5.31.15%20pike_zps5oiphyup.jpg

[BottomBouncer13]

Nice job on the PR pike...keep it up, they make them bigger!

[buzzbaiter]

Just once like to see a photo of pike not covered in mud! Got to use a little more TLC fellas!

[justin1982]

Just once like to see a photo of pike not covered in mud! Got to use a little more TLC fellas!

In all fairness, I really can't wade the stretch of the river I fish because of the mud, I've tried everything possible to keep the fish clean of mud. I think most guys who respect the sport and fishery do a pretty good job but at certain parts of the river it's hard.

[JDTuna]

Just once like to see a photo of pike not covered in mud! Got to use a little more TLC fellas!

I would respectfully argue that this fish is not "covered" in mud, though there is a tiny bit. Given how muddy the substrate is in the river, it can be very difficult to land the fish without getting any mud on it. This fish was handled and released quickly, and did not "flop" on the ground. I care deeply about this fishery and do everything possible to reduce fight time and properly handle the fish to maximize survival.

In addition, my goal once the fish is landed is to get it released as quickly as possible, so Im not going to examine the fish to make sure there is 0% mud on it. I snap a picture and send them on their way quickly, which is probably one of the most important aspects of post-release survival anyway.

Lastly, given the fact that fish constantly shed and produce slime throughout their lives, I doubt a little mud would be an issue. Whatever is stuck in the slime (i.e. mud, pathogens, etc) gets shed with the slime and more is produced.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Keep up the good catching dude. Your on the Pike path. Good looking fish!!!

[Jigman13]

Nice pike but, please tell me where you landed that giant bluefin in your avatar?!?!

Lost my first giant last year... It hurts my soul every single day lol...

[JDTuna]

Keep up the good catching dude. Your on the Pike path. Good looking fish!!!

Thanks, Eddie! The goal is 40" by the end of the summer.

[JDTuna]

Nice pike but, please tell me where you landed that giant bluefin in your avatar?!?!

Lost my first giant last year... It hurts my soul every single day lol...

The giant in my avatar was caught off Prince Edward Island. The fish was estimated at 1,200+lbs. I've taken three trips there and released three fish over 1,000 and a bunch between 400-900lbs. The place is surreal, it's like Jurassic Park for tuna lol. PM me if you want more info on the place, it's definitely a great trip!

[buzzbaiter]

My comment was more in reference to this photo. That's a lot of "substrate" on that fish ;)

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k320/JL1981/IMAG0107_zpsowohwrus.jpg

[Jigman13]

Will do, dude... Did u fight them on stand up gear or outta the gunwale? I've watched. I've watched countless videos of PEI and some guys I know go up and target them with jigs on "light" tackle lol... I like the release laws, too. Preserving a ridiculous fishery for sure!

I lost my fish trolling 30 miles SSE of MTK Pt. Almost dumped a Tiagra 50. Fought it for close to an hour, had color just outta harpoon range off the back of the boat when she bolted once more and that was it... POP!....Boing! Gone... Chewed thru the #150 leader. Small giant though... Prob in the 72-76" range give or take. Ahh fish stories!

[JDTuna]

Will do, dude... Did u fight them on stand up gear or outta the gunwale? I've watched. I've watched countless videos of PEI and some guys I know go up and target them with jigs on "light" tackle lol... I like the release laws, too. Preserving a ridiculous fishery for sure!

I lost my fish trolling 30 miles SSE of MTK Pt. Almost dumped a Tiagra 50. Fought it for close to an hour, had color just outta harpoon range off the back of the boat when she bolted once more and that was it... POP!....Boing! Gone... Chewed thru the #150 leader. Small giant though... Prob in the 72-76" range give or take. Ahh fish stories!

I fought them both stand-up and out of the fighting chair. The fish in the photo was in the chair but I did catch a 1,000 on stand-up. Yeah, their teeth aren't big but they're sharp and with heavy drag all it takes is the line rubbing against the teeth and the leader goes. I've lost some the same way. You'll get her next time!

[JDTuna]

My comment was more in reference to this photo. That's a lot of "substrate" on that fish ;)

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k320/JL1981/IMAG0107_zpsowohwrus.jpg

Yes, with this picture you have a point. I was by myself, and it was difficult to get a grip on her with rod in one hand. I did not intend for her to get muddy. I would absolutely rather have a photo with out any substrate on the fish, but I was more concerned with getting her released as quickly as possible than cleaning her off.

[Chrisper4694]

it's a wild animal, you can't always control it. anyway i'd say if it does get in the mud or dirt by accident...do not wipe it off...i'd think that would make it worse wiping it off would take the mucus off with the dirt/mud. I think you did the right thing and just let it go asap. I've caught pike with severed gills hanging out of them released them and then caught what i'm pretty sure were the same ones (same injuries) later in the season...they are survivors.

we do our best to release the fish we don't want to eat unharmed, but lets not forget we are hunting them down and jamming a hook into their faces....