Question about fishing for Pickeral

[PHISHNH]

I'm going to target pickeral over the weekend.  When setting traps what whould I use for a leader.  Also what hooksize?  I plan on using shiners for bait.

[SmellsLikeFishNH]

I'm going to target pickeral over the weekend.  When setting traps what whould I use for a leader.  Also what hooksize?  I plan on using shiners for bait.

This past weekend while fishing with my kids I caught 4 of them on size 8 hooks, 6 feet of 6lb fluro leader, and medium shiners. I only had the shiners just below the ice. They pretty much will eat anything if its moving....

Hope that helps!

[bassranger]

You can use Fire Line or Power Pro for a leader just keep a eye on it. As far as hook size it really doesn't matter just match the size of your hook to the size of bait you are using.

[Rockfish Redneck]

try to not target them and you'll probably catch them all day. that how it usually works for me!

but seiously, don't go too deep, keep your baitfish closer to the ice, and proximity to vegetation/weeds/grass helps!

[possumilk]

seriously, you guys fish right under the ice for pickerel and bass.  i normally fish a couple feet off the bottom with decent results.  perhaps i should try pulling a couple up higher and see what happens.

[MM65]

  I normally fish a foot or two off the Bottom as well. I currently use,15lb. floro but check it often.
Pickerel aren't picky.

[nhpikeking]

i like fishing right under the ice for pickeral and bass in shallow water if im fishing a little deeper i like to fish midway i like using bigger shiners for both as well

[PHISHNH]

Thank You everyone.  I hope I get them.  Will let you know!

[jimmyclaude]

Pickerell 18" off the bottom in or near the weeds. Trouts and salmon just under the ice. 

[Here Fishy Fishy]

ya you want to fish right off the bottom and use fireline or power pro u will catch way more per hook

[isthereiceyet89]

generaly i fish in shallow water for them 5-6 feet and i just bring it up about 12"-18" off bottum using med shiners on a no.8 hook and i use fireline crystal 12lbs test ...i have fished in some deep water the same way with good results like stated above they arn't picky ive caught them jigging with a waxworm lol that was a fun fight

good luck and let us know how you did

[potatomansoup]

I just caught one this afternoon in a foot of water under more than two feet of ice, I catch them all the time at all depths and with any method, easy and fun!

[thefinlessbrown2]

3 to 8 feet of water with heavy vegatation..also wide sand flats or gravel with mixed veg is where you will have your best results..they are a predator and are not difficult to catch as they eat anything that moves !! heavy mono or flouro in 12 to 25 lb.and hook size from 6 to 2 are gonna be fine also match your hook size to your bait size also .if your after only pikerel use large or extra large shiners and this will keep the dink perch off your baits..good lucklet us know how you do !!

[deerme]

from my experience, pickeral seem to come back after a missed hook more often than any other fish.  so if you're spool's screaming and you set the hook, but miss...just leave it there for a minute or so before you pull er in to check the bait.  they're greedy b@stards 

[nhpikeking]

from my experience, pickeral seem to come back after a missed hook more often than any other fish.  so if you're spool's screaming and you set the hook, but miss...just leave it there for a minute or so before you pull er in to check the bait.  they're greedy b@stards 

   i had one yesterday break my leader i tied a new hook on and as i was dropping my bait it grabbed the bait when i brought up the 23 incher it had both my hooks in its mouth

[PHISHNH]

Awesome guys,  great advice.  I am headed to a small derby in merrimack and bringing my niece and nephew. Prizes are for perch and pickeral.  I will try different depths but it sounds like these things will eat anything, anywhere.

[SmellsLikeFishNH]

Awesome guys,  great advice.  I am headed to a small derby in merrimack and bringing my niece and nephew. Prizes are for perch and pickeral.  I will try different depths but it sounds like these things will eat anything, anywhere.

Hey PHISHNH stop by and say hello, I will also be here with my kids Look for my Red Eskimo pop up shelter, or Yellow Honda ATV.

Last year the fishing was HORRIBLE, the winning fish was like an 11" pickerel. The kids had fun though because there were a lot of them aound. Buy the raffle tickets, its the best way to win prizes, I hope the fishing is better tomorrow.

[diz]

I don't know where the derby is in Merrimack, but I was at Naticook Lake the other day caught 4 pickeral in about 7' of water with medium shiners bout a 1 1/2' off the bottom.

Good luck

[SmellsLikeFishNH]

I don't know where the derby is in Merrimack, but I was at Naticook Lake the other day caught 4 pickeral in about 7' of water with medium shiners bout a 1 1/2' off the bottom.

Good luck

Its on Green's Pomd or the Horseshoe Pond Fish and Game Club.

Naticook produces pretty well, kids always have fun when we go there.

[isthereiceyet89]

went out today and caught 6 little ones the one started attacking my depther Lil they r so dumb

[fishermantim]

Logically you would think that they would be closer to the bottom, but they are notorious for coming right up to the hole in anticipation of a free meal.
How many of us have had a pick take the bait when setting a trap in a freshly cut hole?
I used to be able to tell friends that after setting the first trap, heading to our second hole I'd tell them to turn around.
At least half of the time the flag would already be up.

The funniest (and most annoying) aspect of getting picks when you are targeting other fish is that it really doesn't matter how big or small your bait is: If the pick can fit it in their mouth, they WILL!

If you haven't seen this yet, you will. Picture a 12 inch pick eating a 6 inch shiner.

[james]

try to not target them and you'll probably catch them all day. that how it usually works for me!

but seiously, don't go too deep, keep your baitfish closer to the ice, and proximity to vegetation/weeds/grass helps!

Im not saying i would target pickerel out in deep water, but we have caught our largest ones in water over 60' fishing for rainbows, just under the ice.
The big ones seem to follow the smelt. no matter, what the depth.

[jimmyclaude]

The big ones seem to follow the smelt. no matter, what the depth.

 And what size catergory do you consider "The big ones"?  Just curious

[james]

And what size catergory do you consider "The big ones"?  Just curious

For NH not NY 25" or better and 5lbs for weight.

[jimmyclaude]

25" is big for here....They get bigger as you go South....

[jibbs]

need help.....how can i not catch them......dominated the scene yesterday.......

[jimmyclaude]

Any flaggs?