[buzzbaiter]

First off congrats and secondly I'll give one piece of advice that I share with all first timers: try to keep the pike(or any fish) off the ground unless you plan on keeping it. Laying them down like that rubs off their protective coating and makes them susceptible to bacteria and fungal infections. Just take a side shot in the water if you can(while they are still hooked). I've seen far too many ground shots of nice fish covered in dirt, leaves and sand. This is a C&R no-no. Not trying to be pita about this but rarely are these great fish shown any tlc. I often think anglers care more about getting a picture than releasaing the fish relatively unharmed. If you must lay them down, just bring a plastic sheet with you(a folded up large garbage bag will work) and lay them on top. No damage done there other than maybe the bag with the pikes teeth ;-)