Pompton/Passaic Piking 11/16 + 11/17

[Skunk City]

Got out in the kayak for some afternoon fishing on Friday and Saturday. Decided to stay local and target the Pompton and Passaic Rivers. Started off slow rolling a few different color spinnerbaits and got absolutely no love whatsoever (pretty surprising). Swapped lures a few times until I found what they wanted (big Husky Jerks). Ended up with 4 Pike on Friday and 3 on Saturday with a few more hookups that didn't make it to the boat. No beasts, but all healthy chunky fish between 20"-26" with one close to 30". Had one fish, which would have been the biggest, take a darting last minute swipe at my lure boatside but no hookup. Water temps were about 45 degrees. None of the fish were caught in my usual summer spots.

[SkillfulAngler908]

Nice job skunk, the passaic has been tough lately. Me and gatto went a week or so ago and got 2 within the first 5 minutes then nothing for the rest of the day. Were the fish in deeper water then normal?

[tycomps]

When's the pike bite in the passaic usually go to (year round)? What are the changing strategies for the colder water (slower presentation of larger lures)? Where in the water are the fish located (on or off structure/depth)?

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by SkillfulAngler908

Nice job skunk, the passaic has been tough lately. Me and gatto went a week or so ago and got 2 within the first 5 minutes then nothing for the rest of the day. Were the fish in deeper water then normal?

Most of them were caught in 4ft-6ft. on the edges of where emerging weedbeds USED to be in the warmer months. Weird pattern, but I suppose there were still some green weeds mixed in with the dying brown, or they just preferred the cover, dead or alive.

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by tycomps

When's the pike bite in the passaic usually go to (year round)? What are the changing strategies for the colder water (slower presentation of larger lures)? Where in the water are the fish located (on or off structure/depth)?

Starting the first week of January this year, I've caught Pike in every month so far. We had one Christmas Eve last year, then another New Years Eve too. Granted we did have a weak winter, but its pretty cool regardless. I know a lot of guys stick with the spinnerbait in the cooler months, but I haven't had a fish on one since mid-October. For me, its been shiners and jerk baits. Very slow steady retrieve with the jerk baits, with a few twitches and pauses mixed in.

[Fishon1982]

Great job skunk keep killing it there is no better feeling

[FASTEDDIE29]

Great job Skunk. No SKUNK for you buddy!!!

[Skunk City]

Thanks guys. Few more pictures up.

[NorthJerzyG]

Damn, the one in that second pic looks chunky!! NICE WORK!!

[msgdan]

Great job Skunk !!! I tried a couple "can't miss summer spots" for an hour each, this week and last week and came up empty. The water looks great, low and clear and I thought for sure I would get something, but skunked both trips. I do have another "can't miss" spot, but it's a bit of a paddle and I need 3 hours for the trip. maybe next week!

Great job again!!!

Danny V