Kevin Van Dam Forums

Going to a flyin lake in 3 weeks in Northern Ontario and the lake is supposed to have very large Northerns, 30in and up are common. I’ve used medium rods over the past years for trolling for eyes and some Northerns and wonder if a heavy action would be better at the lake we’re going to with a good possibility of maybe a lot larger fish. I also use rods 6 1/2 to 7in. Any feed back on this,thanks.

What lure are you going to be throwing? Remember its barbless only up there.

Most guys troll big spoons or throw big inline spinners. I would be using a 7’ or 7’6 heavy with 65 or 80lb braid (20lb flouro leader if its clear water).

The fish in my Avatar is 45” and was caught at Lake of the Woods.  I caught it on a St Croix 7’ MH/ Fast action rod.  I used a silver Mepps #5 with a purple bucktail (Pike lose their minds for Mepps).
I’d suggest 17-40 pound mono or superline. (The fish here was caught with 17 pound mono).  Add a titanium leader that will last all day. Leader color does not matter much with Pike. They are so aggressive they could care less if they see line.

Pike are fantastic fish. I love them because they look really pissed when they get to the boat.
Have fun.

MH for sure fast action, they are alot of fun

Spoons and Chartreuse Baits!

Smash

Also try a “5 of diamonds” spoon.  Those work like the dickens.

Be ready though….most BIG Pike live deep in summer.  Best time to catch them is right after ice-out in weedy, shallow bays.

If you have a flipping stick, you’re already in business. A flipping stick is a great option for pike. Really, any good medium-heavy rod will do though. 50 to 80# braid and a good wire leader, and you’re set. Pike aren’t line shy in the least, so don’t worry about them seeing braid, even in clear water. A reel with a good drag is a must. Pike can take some pretty powerful runs.

Oh - lures:

Barbless is only a requirement in Manitoba, and I think you said you were going to ON…

- Spinnerbaits in white, chartreuse and black/orange blades
- Husky Jerks and X-Raps (save your expensive Lucky Crafts for bass. Pike will maul them, and they aren’t that choosy anyhow)
- Spoons are classic pike lures for a reason
- Jigs with a twister tail trailer. Swim them, and hang on.
- Buzzbaits and walk the dog topwaters can be a riot. Their aim is pretty bad with topwaters, so you’ll miss some fish, but it’s entertaining.
- If it’s tough, a jig and lizard can really save your bacon.

Have fun with the toothy critters. Big pike are a blast.