Small pike

[Timetofish]

I usually fish in 7-15 ft of water and have been catching 1.5 to 2 lb pike, to small. I know from summer fishing there is a lot bigger fish out there. So what to do, go deeper or shallower, or why only hammer handles biting?

[ran7ger]

 that's the depth i like to fish big pike but if they ain't there in your lake try deeper, or shallower.  what is the main forage and where would they be?  if you get tired of the hammer handles i'd fish tip ups with large +12" baits.  also it is getting to the slower time of the season things will pick up come march.  good luck!

[coldazice]

big bait generally equals big fish. I never use small bait for pike and generally average between 5-7lb fish with many in the 15-20+ range (prior to going to tobin).  I fish with guys who do use smaller baits and they do generally catch smaller fish.

[CHRIS4WALLEYE]

Yup big hooks and big bait for large pike. Usually you see pile with whole perch in there stomach haha maybe even the odd duck.

[Timetofish]

Thanks for the advice. Went out on the weekend and used large 12+inch bait, caught a 12 and 18 lb pike! Nice

[whale1979]

Ive been getting decent pike 10-16#ers. Double digit numbers in the last 2 weeks all the biggest pike  have come out of 5-7 feet of water, but got them out in up to 10 feet. The type of bait you use will matter in quality of fish and amount of flags!! Imo

[anglerbrian]

I agree with the big bait bigger fish part but I have better hookups with super sharp #4 trebles on my quick strike rigs. No need to go any bigger. Here is an interesting article by Gord Pyzor for anyone interested in chasing big pike.
http://www.outdoorcanada.ca/trophy-pike-quick-strike-rigs-and-so-much-more

[BigO]

I agree. Large bait, larger pike.  Large Herring or even better Baby Milkfish and Kave Pike Lures bring in the hogs.