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In summer, especially on hot days, pike activity is noticeably reduced. Large fish prefer to stay at a depth, but small kilogram squints continue to peck actively in the summer. But despite this, a large pike can still be caught. You just need to know some of the nuances. Let’s find out: how, where and what is better to catch pike in the summer months.
Where to look for pike in summer
Compared to spring or autumn, the summer season for pike is considered to be calmer. At this time, the predator is capricious and unpredictable. Changes in pressure and weather have a strong effect.
The main role for her capture is played by the right place. Let’s take a closer look at where, depending on the type of reservoir, the probability of catching pike in the summer is the most:
On the big river
On large rivers, focus on the coastal areas of the reservoir. Pike of medium size usually keeps in overgrown areas, near snags, reeds and other vegetation. Large pike occasionally swims to the coastal zone, after which it goes to deeper places.
On small rivers
On small rivers, the main factor is the study of the reservoir. Since the depth rarely exceeds 1-2 meters, pike can be located throughout the river. On hot days, especially pay attention to places covered with shade. Also, the predator likes to stand in pits and whirlpools. Small rivers are characterized by increased vegetation. Sometimes this factor interferes with fishing, but the pike loves the grassy bottom.
To the reservoir
As far as the reservoir is an artificially created reservoir, the bottom topography can be very diverse. As a rule, these are flooded meadows, forests, fields. For successful fishing on the reservoir you will need a boat. If you have little information about the bottom topography, an echo sounder will come to the rescue. The maximum concentration of pike in artificial reservoirs falls on relief differences and thickets. That’s where you should look first.
On the lake, pond
On ponds and lakes, the pike is the main predator. There are no fish that pose a danger to pike. Therefore, its concentration in the water increases. Also, there are practically no sharp drops in the bottom on the ponds. However, in such reservoirs, pike grows slowly, because of this, it gains weight very slowly.
You can search for pike on ponds and lakes around the entire perimeter, moving along the coast in a constant search for the best place. Particular attention should be paid to places near snags, overgrown reeds, as well as to areas of water located in the shade of trees.
Every angler should know that pike often hunts on the border of current and calm water. In rainy cloudy times and, as a rule, before a thunderstorm, its activity increases.
What to catch pike in summer
In different reservoirs, pikes have their own preferences, in some they peck on live bait, in other reservoirs on a wobbler. Summer fishing requires the right choice of gear.
You can hunt for pike in reservoirs with the help of different gear. Most often used:
- spinning;
- float fishing rod (caught on live bait);
- slingshots, mugs (postavushki), summer vents;
- bottom gear;
- fly fishing
Effective fishing options are considered: spinning fishing and fishing on mugs.
On spinning
Spinning is the most popular pike fishing method. Since the pike is not particularly active in the summer, the right decision would be to use stepped wiring. This will interest even the most passive fish. It will be good to take several types of baits with you and choose the best option already on the pond. Wobblers and spinners show good results. You can try jig, trolling.
Photo: pike summer
On a float rod on live bait
The float rod is simple and effective. It shows excellent results when fishing in thickets. You need to choose rods of medium length, this will allow you to control the live bait well and get to the right place. Since the pike is a strong fish, wind the fishing line with a margin on the reel to avoid breaks when fishing. You need to choose live bait from the fish that live in the reservoir on which you are going to catch pike.
Mugs, summer mugs, etc.
Catching pike on mugs is a very successful way. When fishing with hooks, you do not need to know the exact location of the pike. The tackle itself will find the parking lot of the predator. For rigging, a wooden circle is used, pre-painted white on the bottom and red on top. With a strong current, the live bait is planted by the lips, and with a weak current, by the gills. In order for a strong current not to carry away tackle, you can use an anchor.
Many also use converted winter vents and all kinds of snares (slingshots, bottle fishing, etc.) for catching pike.
On bottom gear
Bottom tackle allows you to cast long distances. Thanks to this, when fishing on the donk, you can count on large predators. Donka is used much less frequently than other gear, since it is effective only in reservoirs in which pits and whirlpools predominate. They fish for live. An important factor in bottom pike fishing is the choice of location. The live bait must be firmly attached to the hook so that it does not fly off as a result of the hook. After preparing the gear and choosing a place, it remains to throw the bait and wait for a bite.
Lures for pike fishing in summer
When choosing baits, proceed from how clear and convenient their use will be.
Spinners, ratlins, wobblers, poppers…
It is impossible to single out the best bait for pike fishing. If yesterday the pike took the wobbler well, this does not mean that tomorrow it will show the same result. Spinners turntables and spoons – baits proven over the years. They are easy to use, especially in the absence of dense vegetation. When fishing with a lure, it is important to correctly determine the speed of the wiring. Silicone attracts fishermen with its cheapness, variety and good catchability. The most popular silicone baits are vibrotail and twister. When fishing with silicone, slow reeling is the best solution. A feature of silicone baits is good patency through thickets. The predator is attracted to such baits, which has a positive effect on the catch. Wobblers are well suited for catching large specimens. He imitates a fish. They are available in the market in different sizes and characteristics. Wobbler is one of the most expensive baits. However, it is desirable to have several bait options in your arsenal.
Zywiec
Fishing for live bait almost always shows good results, since the spinner cannot master the wiring in such a way as to exactly repeat the behavior of the fish. Live bait at any time of the year attracts a predator. The advantages of live bait fishing include uniqueness, it shows itself equally well both on a large reservoir and on a small river.
How to catch big pike in summer
Many anglers find pike to be more difficult to catch in the summer due to the hot weather, but experienced anglers know that fish should be fed at all times of the year.
It is necessary to decide on the technique of fishing, which will allow you to count on success when hunting for large prey.
- Apply different styles and ways to feed the bait;
- Try to change baits more often. If there are no bites within 10-15 casts, put another bait;
- It is better to catch large pike from a boat than from the shore. On a floating vehicle, you can most often get to a hole or edge where a large predator stands;
- Do not rush to pull out the catch. A large pike will definitely begin to resist – make sharp jerks, turn its head. Give her a little “walk”, usually after 5 minutes of wrestling she gets tired.
A favorable period for fishing for a huge predator is the end of summer or the beginning of autumn.
You should not try to catch a large pike in shallow water, the distance to the bottom should be at least 1,5 – 2 meters.
Features of fishing depending on the month
With the onset of heat, pike can be caught only in the densest thickets of grass and snags. June fishing cannot be called successful, but with the right choice of location it is possible. There are two main criteria when choosing a place for fishing in June: the presence of small fish and a convenient place for an ambush.
The pike is a diurnal predator that searches for prey with the help of vision. A large individual prefers to peck at dusk, and small pencils are caught all day. Active biting lasts about half an hour in one place, then she goes into cover. In sunny weather, she quickly finds food, as food walks on the surface of the reservoir. In rainy weather, small fish go into hiding, it becomes more difficult to hunt them, this time is considered good for fishing for a predator.
June
In June, pike biting is weak, but on cool days there is a chance for a good catch. In order to increase the chance of a catch, you need to look for relief drops. The best results will be on large wobblers or spinners.
July
When choosing a pond for pike fishing in July, it is best to stay on deep water bodies or large rivers. Perhaps the best solution would be live bait fishing. A place should be chosen close to vegetation, this will increase the chance of successful fishing.
August
In August, the pike is still trying to stay at a depth, but comes up to hunt much more often. Over the summer, the fish gain weight, activity also increases, the struggle becomes harder. The right decision would be to equip the rod with a thicker fishing line.
Video: pike fishing in summer
Below is a video about fishing for pike in the summer in the far north. Location: floodplain of the Pechora River, Komi Republic.
Summer pike fishing is unique. Fishing “toothy” is noticeably different from catching other types of predatory fish. Pike is a sharp, strong fish, she knows how to show character. And that’s what makes pike hunting fun.