Northern Pike Spearing Tips

Patience for Success

The key to being a successful spear ice angler is patience. Since you are not using a passive method to catch fish, as you would when using a fishing pole, you have to make sure that you react quickly. Unlike fishing with a fishing pole, fishing with a spear requires you to throw the spear into the icy water to catch the fish at just the right moment; therefore, timing is everything. You have to observe the water constantly, to know when there is a fish coming toward the surface.

Northern Pike

Most northern pike swim one to four feet below the surface of the ice. This makes it easier to spear one when it comes to the surface; however, you have to outwit the pike. Throwing the spear into the water makes too much noise and will frighten the fish and it will swim away. To avoid making too much noise, slowly lower the spear into the water. As soon as you see the fish coming to the surface, throw the spear. According to The New York Times, the perfect time to spear a northern pike is when the pike goes into an S bend formation. Ideal decoys and baits to catch northern pike are sunfish, yellow perch, shiners and suckers.

Know the Law

When learning how to use ice-fishing spears, it is important to become familiar with the type of fish you are able to catch using a spear. Many states have laws that prohibit catching certain fish using spears. According to Nodak Outdoors, spear fishing for northern pike is allowed in 28 lakes throughout the U.S. Pike is the only game fish spearers are allowed to take.

Dont Give Up

If you are unsuccessful at spearing a northern pike on your fist try, you may have to wait a while before you have another chance. When you do throw the spear into the water, stabilize your balance to avoid falling into the water. You also want to be careful not to let go of the spear. Bring a folding chair with you, so you can sit while you wait for fish to swim to the surface.

Stay Safe

You can never be too safe when it comes to catching northern pike. These fish are predatory creatures and they will eat just about anything that swims near them. They have hundreds of razor sharp teeth in their mouth; therefore, you need to use caution when taking the fish off the spear. Many pike will put up a fight and it can be dangerous when you are dealing with the teeth of the fish and the sharpness of the spear. This is why it important to wear gloves that protect your hands from being cut by these sharp objects. You should also bring a small safety kit, with gauze, Neosporin, antiseptic wipes and adhesive bandages just in case you sustain an injury.