Nj Northern pike

[Esox Luciano]

Esox fishing in NJ is good. But can get very poor, very quick. But, if we take extra time, can easily educate ourselves for free about conservational fishing methods and improve our fisheries in the process.
Not too costly or complicated to get the proper gear for pike. Being a novice to fishing would be the only excuse not to be prepared. So after physically watching guys get lures lost & line shredded on Sunday, seeing a 27"er laying dead upon my arrival yesterday, and pulling out some hooks with cheap fluoro attached from 2 out of 3 pike landed yesterday morning, I have to say...improvement is definitely needed!
We all know BS happens some times, it sucks, and we try to change for next time. But if you could prepare for the BS before it happens, then why not. As members have said in previous threads, we need to practice proper handling for these, and all fish we don't keep. Ignoring the information soo easily accessible to all of us is just irresponsible.
Amongst other knowledge shared, Buzzbaiter's end quote to all his posts is plastered in my brain and thought of BEFORE EVERY CAST..."Think about how to release a fish before catching one". I'll prepare 5-10min before my 1st cast everything I'll need: 2 pairs of long needle nose pliers, 2 jawspreaders, net if needed, camera settings and even a makeshift tripod for it, etc.
Know what you & your gear, can & can't do. If it doesn't work, make it work, or leave it home. (I.e.), most anglers wouldn't bother using my pole because I have to tape it so the top half of the pole doesn't separate from the bottom half. Now I trust it. I've had a great reel that's older than me go because of one little piece I can't fix, so I leave it home. Replaced it with a trustworthy reel.
We're constantly "scouting" for more fish in NJ. Scouts' motto...Be Prepared, gear up!


This dead pike measured 27" and also had fluoro hanging out its throat. Curious what it had been eating, I opened its belly and pulled out only a lure. A Mikado Fishunter soft plastic shad with weighted hook. I don't use these.
Save a fish, read these threads:
http://www.njfishing.com/forums/show...ndling+muskies

http://www.njfishing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74079