Pickerel acrobatics caught on video...
 

From this morning before work...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmN504ACf3w

Very under appreciated quarry. Most hate them but I find them to be decent fighters and often willing to hit when bass won't.

Re: Pickerel acrobatics caught on video...
 

anything that cuts lures off is going to piss people off, i think that's the only reason. They fight great and are very often willing to bite like you said. nice video.

Re: Pickerel acrobatics caught on video...
 

Love em. Would rather catch a 3 pound Pickerel over a 5 pound Bass.

Re: Pickerel acrobatics caught on video...
 

Once you learn how to deal with them, its fun to get them. Two things you need are 6" steel leaders(when using smaller lures like grubs or spinners) and forceps. Pinched down barbs helps tremendously in easy release. In fact quite a few will self-release which is nice unless its a trophy-sized one.

Re: Pickerel acrobatics caught on video...
 

I've always maintained that pickerel are one of the most underrated sportfish in the country. At certain times of the year, pickerel fishing can be the best game in town. They fight hard, hit anything, and can get fairly big.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V21BacxlF8A

Re: Pickerel acrobatics caught on video...
 

I've taken vacation days every spring for decades just to go after them. 100+ days are not uncommon and they love slamming topwater which is my favorite way of fishing. Only complaint is some places there are too many and 99% are under 15".