northern pike vs muskie

Nov 28, 2017 - Explore Jim Meredith's board "Muskie and northern pike fishing", followed by 409 people on Pinterest. Thanks to StowMaster’s lifetime replacement or repair warranty, the Tournament Series Precision Muskie Landing Nets are one … You can follow most of the tips for Pike fishing when going after Musky: Fish the weeds. Fly-Fishing for Pike is all about Big flies (Muskie style flies) (10” or more), and for a good reason! 3) Seasons, limits etc. So how do you know which one you’ve caught? In this article, you can delve into the world of “Muskie vs. Pike.” Learn how to tell the two fish apart and where you should go to find them. Please indulge a couple of out of state questions. Let’s talk about the Tiger muskie (Tiger Muskellunge) for a minute. You can follow most of the tips for Pike fishing when going after Musky: Fish the weeds. Jonsey. Replied on December 23, 2020 1. Telling a tiger … They’ll take a variety of large streamers and sliders. Known as “water wolves” and “the fish of a thousand casts” respectively, Pike and Muskie are two fish that absolutely do not come quietly. The number of lateral line scales are intermediate between the parent species ranging from 129 to 141. That really depends on the species. Northern Pike and Muskellunge are two of North America’s favorite freshwater game fish. Muskie have a much more limited distribution. ‏Muskie and Pike, Pike and Muskie. It looked like I was going to have to fork over $500 in fine for illegal bait but when the Officer saw the leach in the Gilly’s mouth he laughed, calmed down and helped me release the Tiger. Some areas may contain "Silver Pike", which is a mutant color variation of a Northern Pike. Both fish prefer clear water, probably because they’re sight-based hunters. Sure sounds like a memorable first catch, made even better by the safe release. I purchased 4 of them 3 years ago and have landed over 20 muskies the past 3 years on these leaders with no issues. See more ideas about pike fishing, fish, musky fishing. That #3 has been my “go to” lure for northern for many years!! Both these fish are apex predators who use every bit of their strength and agility in the fight. Where are you thinking of fishing? Make sure to handle the fish gently and keep your hands well away from its mouth as you flip it over! Great article! However, if we do update this map, we’ll be sure to keep the St John River in mind. Here are the basics on where to find Pike and Muskie. If beaver damns exist outside of a large lake, you should catch a lot of quality fish. Alligator gar, northern pike or muskie ? Although many people fish specifically for musky as they are known to be a trophy fish, northern can reach very large sizes as well and are often more easily caught. It’s harder to get Musky to bite, but you should always be happy to see either fish on the end of your line. Muskie have a much more limited distribution. Between stocking efforts and cleaner water, several states in the Northeast boast trophy musky fisheries, and even more waters in our region are developing fisheries rapidly. They live in and around the Great Lakes, and down along the Appalachian Mountains as far south as Georgia. Muskie can vary a lot in color and pattern. MassWildlife does not have a warm water hatchery in which to rear esocids but usually obtains a small number of 3–12" fish each year from the New Jersey Division of Fisheries and Wildlife through a cooperative exchange program. Both species have forked tails, but Muskie have much more pointed forks, while Pike tails are more rounded. Pick up some tips on how they behave and what to use to catch a trophy. The lure that I used was red & white Abu Garcia HiLo, if I remember correctly. -Female Northern Pike mature around 5-6 years, grow considerably faster than males, and live considerably longer.-The Larger female Walleye and Northerns are better spawners. It’s always best to start at the beginning. The simplest ways to determine whether a fish is a pike vs a musky are their rounded tails and spots that are lighter than their body color. Anal fin ray counts are the same as the musky, 16 to 19, but more than the Northern Pike. But what about fresh water dangers like Musky, Northern Pike, Gar, Freshwater Eels, etc? Living in Northern Illinois and fishing in Il, Wi, Mn and Canada I have caught Northern on a regular basis and enjoyed the fantastic fights. Bucktails and jerkbaits are best for casting, while diving plugs are a common lure for trolling. Pike vs Pickerel . The St John River in New Brunswick, Canada is a hotbed of the largest Muskies around. Take a look at the scales on their face. Cheek and gill cover scale pattern of the Northern Pike (entire cheek and upper half of the gill cover) and body markings of the musky. 2) All of the shows on YouTube that I watch talk about the fish spitting the lure… how in the hell to you pull off a leader with a fish so sensitive? But actually, it isn’t. Aug 21, 2019. Learned a bunch of info from locals and got some new gear. I’ve caught many pickerel and Pike from Virginia up to Quebec. Even small Pike put up a fight. Have had a ton of discussions with various fishermen about spotting the differences between pike and muskie. Use a wire leader if you want to keep your lure. My 7 year old and I were out bass fishing (his favorite because of the casting) when he had a Muskie follow his bait to the boat. Between stocking efforts and cleaner water, several states in the Northeast boast trophy musky … 1. Make sure to handle the fish gently and keep your hands well away from its mouth as you flip it over! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 2. Pike & Muskie both look a little like Barracuda ? Pick up some tips on how they behave and what to use to catch a trophy. Thanks for getting in touch. Pike and Muskie will generally stick to shallow, sluggish water and rarely go below 40 feet deep. How to Differentiate Between Muskie and Pike, Baitshop Life’s Bait Shop of the Month for November 2020, Baitshop Life’s Bait Shop of the Month for October 2020, October’s Baitshop.com Beauty of the Month, February’s Baitshop.com Bait Shop of the Month, Baitshop Life’s Bait Shop of the Month for June 2020, Baitshop Life’s Product of the Month for August 2020, The Best Shrimp Lures for Saltwater Fishing, The Top Tips for Fly-Fishing in Late Summer. Generally slow ponds with shallow water are great. Their outlandish looks, large size, and rarity put them high on many anglers’ bucket lists. If Northern Pike inhabit the lake, and if Pike are in the Muskie spawning area, then Musky will spawn in deeper water than normal in the same bays N If Muskie and Northern Pike spawning overlaps because of unusual weather/water temperature conditions, then there is the potential of a male Pike spawning with a female Musky resulting in a possible hatch of Tiger Musky Down south now and I miss “northerns’ quite a bit…, Replied on October 23, 2020 Muskie are also famously hard to hook, hence the nickname “fish of a thousand casts.” They’re difficult to trick and impossible to predict. Sounds like a load of fun! I grew up fishing St Lawrence for pike and then also up just south of Timmons Ontario. A northern pike usually has 5 pores on a single lateral side of the jaw (10 in total). Sure sounds like a great way to spend the summer! Musky are much more limited in their range, although both fish like the same kind of habitat and hunt in a similar way. Pike have scales all over their cheeks, while Muskie only have them on the upper half. Species include: Walleye, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Tiger Muskie, Leech Lake Pure Muskie, Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass Pumpkin seed Sunfish, & Bluegill. It’s great to hear that you released it unharmed. Let’s talk about the Tiger muskie (Tiger Muskellunge) for a minute. Tiger Muskie are a hybrid of a female Muskellunge and a male Northern Pike. A muskie will have seven or more per side, while the northern pike never has more than six. Average size is about 7-10 pounds and the further north you head the bigger they get, Replied on August 20, 2020 There is very little difference to me whether the fish in the pan is walleye or northern pike. These large, predatory species are every bit as fast and mean as their sleek torpedo-shaped bodies imply. They’ll take a variety of large streamers and sliders. If the bones are all out of the flesh, it's ALL good. Grew up fishing for muskie and northerns on St Lawrence (Thousand Islands). Egg production per pound decreases slightly as female Walleye and Northern Pike … "Silver Pike" lack the characteristic spots of Northern Pike and have a "dark to light" greyish/blue side. I’m glad you enjoyed the article! I’m sure you’ve got some amazing Pike fishing up there. It is a cross between the Muskellunge and the Northern pike (Esox lucius). The best place to look for either fish is in thick weedy sections of rivers or lakes. Understanding when to use leaders and what types work best with various lures and fishing presentations is the fast track to Esox fishing success. You can commonly catch a Pike in northern … Pike are the opposite. Juveniles have oblique bars of light and dark extending up from a white belly. Here’s my two cents on them: 1) I’ve never eaten either, but I know that they’re meant to be tasty but bony. Pike, pickerel, and muskellunges collectively make seven species under one genus, Esox, which is a genus of freshwater fish. Use in pond and lake management. Check the tail. These large, predatory species are every bit as fast and mean as their sleek torpedo-shaped bodies imply. Used to fish Lake of The Woods every year with my grandfather & uncle when I was young. Pike and Muskie will generally stick to shallow, sluggish water and rarely go below 40 feet deep. ‏Muskie and Pike, Pike and Muskie. Being members of the same genus, both pike and pickerel share many features in common, yet there are some exhibited differences between them. They both have several things in common. Northern Pike and Muskellunge may have very different distributions, but they have similar tastes in habitat. The IGFA record for Pike stands at just over 55 pounds, 12 pounds short of the record for Muskie. In the end, i had to call my neighbor to get the fish out of the water, we took a couple pictures of the catch and then we watched as this monster swim away. Was a bit of a fight, but super fun. Both can reach … If you want the best chance of landing a Muskie, stick to the Great Lakes and the rivers around them. Such an amazing fish! Like the northern pike and other aggressive pikes, the body plan is typical of ambush predators with an elongated body, flat head, and dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins set far back on the body. Just make sure you’re using weedless flies if you don’t want to take half the lake away with you. Look at their markings. Oct 12, 2020. Depending on where you catch them, they may be called Muskellunge, Muskelunge, Muscallonge, Maskinonge, or Milliganong. Muskellunge closely resemble other esocids such as the northern pike and American pickerel in both appearance and behavior. He was sitting in water about 2 ft deep and my luck i threw popper right at him. Most anglers use large spoons, shallow-running plugs, or spinnerbaits to catch Pike. However, Muskie do grow to be much bigger than Pike. I’ve seen people have great luck on whopper plopper. They’re both from the genus “Esox” along with other Pikes and Pickerels. All very fair questions. However, Muskie do grow to be much bigger than Pike. He giggles at all the guys in using “way too big of lures”. Tight Lines, great fights and CPR your amazing catches. Last summer was my first foray into the Muskie world. I grew up 50 years ago as a teenager fishing the northeast portion of Lake of the Woods in Ontario between mid-June and mid-August. Aug 12, 2020. Do you still get up that way for the occasional fishing trip? We had lots of pike close to home, so he’d go after muskie – we used alot of Big Doctors, red eyes, and various daredevils. Both these fish are apex predators who use every bit of their strength and agility in the fight. Because of this, they’re prized game fish throughout their range. Keeping Muskies is frowned on by a lot of anglers, though. Northern Pike and Muskellunge are two of North America’s favorite freshwater game fish. I’m a Floridian and while I love my Bass, our most common large fresh water gamefish, I am dying to pull in one of these beauties. Pike are a classic fly fishing target. Will try out the Mepps this summer! However you’re fishing, Pike have a mean bite, so make sure to use a heavy leader. Pike have 4–5 pores on each side, Muskie have 6–9. Thanks for the comment. Even though they prefer the shallows, Musky also like to keep their options open, so shallow vegetation with easy access to deeper water is always a good place to try. Must spawn bearing animals be returned immediately? The only thing is I was fishing for walleye and only using a fluorocarbon leader that night, Replied on November 2, 2020 Aug 16, 2019. Pike, musky, and tiger musky … Pike and Muskie have special pores to detect movement in the water. Still can’t tell whether you’ve caught a Muskie or a Pike? On the other hand, we who normally went for northern pike found them in more weedy areas. It’s always best to start at the beginning. Whether you’re a die-hard Muskie fan, a proud Pike lover, or a complete beginner, you can always learn more about these majestic creatures. If Northern Pike inhabit the lake, and if Pike are in the Muskie spawning area, then Musky will spawn in deeper water than normal in the same bays N If Muskie and Northern Pike spawning overlaps because of unusual weather/water temperature conditions, then there is the potential of a male Pike spawning with a female Musky resulting in a possible hatch of Tiger Musky. What’s your favorite Pike fishery from your travels? ... Home / Q&A / Q&A with Joe Bucher: Night Fishing Muskies vs. Northern Pike. 05-17-2015, 09:53 PM. Replied on September 2, 2020 I’m now on a mission to catch one before the end of 2020. Bucktails and jerkbaits are best for casting, while diving plugs are a common lure for trolling. Musky are a more prestigious catch because they’re so unpredictable, but Pike definitely deserve legendary status, too. Tiger Musky also have rounded tails, helping you tell them apart from regular Musky. he only uses a #4 now cause it is easier to cast – lol. Northern Pike and Muskellunge are two of North America’s favorite freshwater game fish. The best tip you can have for Muskie fishing is “be patient.” Even experienced anglers won’t claim to reliably catch big Musky. Count the pores. raider. The Predator nets were engineered to handle the… I read it on Friday and was happy to see the good info. Pike are a classic fly fishing target. I catch and release fresh water fish as I’m sure most of you do but just wondering… what do they taste like? Muskie and Pike are often around the same size. If the bones are all out of the flesh, it's ALL good. Beyond North America, you can find them within the same northerly range all the way around the world. Pike will shred thin fishing lines. Sep 2, 2020. Jan 10, 2016 - How to tell the Difference Between Musky / Tiger Musky & Northern Pike Not a musky expert) so short of giving you specific advice I will just tell you what I use… I run a 100# fluorocarbon leader from VMC that is 18″ long. Muskie and Pike are often around the same size. Thanks! Aug 20, 2020. They may have strong, thick bars, faint spots, or no pattern at all. You can find both fish in all five lakes and the surrounding rivers. Even so, there are a few go-to tactics for both species. This is the fish that occurs when a muskellunge and a northern pike mate. I was casting near some lily pads and a stump. A pond management bulletin from Michigan State University Extension does not recommend stocking northern pike or muskellunge in ponds. If all else fails, there’s one surefire way to know what fish you’re holding: Turn it over and look at the underside of the jaw. Muskellunge (muskee, muskey, or muskie for short) are much larger than northern pike. The best place to look for either fish is in thick weedy sections of rivers or lakes. Look at their markings. This wasn’t our first encounter with a Muskie… Pike are found on all continents that fringe the North … It’s harder to get Musky to bite, but you should always be happy to see either fish on the end of your line. … They’re more temperamental than sensitive, though. In this article, you can delve into the world of “Muskie vs. Pike.” Learn how to tell the two fish apart and where you should go to find them. Some areas may contain "Silver Pike", which is a mutant color variation of a Northern Pike. Having a little extra length on a fast action rod to keep the rod tip deeper in the water on the retrieve and to make deeper movements boat side than a 9-fo… Another distinguishing feature can be seen on the underside of the lower jaw; northern pike … One of the things the DNR officer told me when we were talking. Still can’t tell whether you’ve caught a Muskie or a Pike? However, they’re not the same or varieties of the same fish. Unlike the pure muskie, the Tiger muskie is a hybrid mix between a muskie and a Northern Pike. There is also a hybrid called the Tiger muskellunge (or Tiger Muskie). I generally fish in Little Saint Germain Lake in Northern Wisconsin. Even though they prefer the shallows, Musky also like to keep their options open, so shallow vegetation with easy access to deeper water is always a good place to try. Here are the basics on where to find Pike and Muskie. Tiger Muskie look even more impressive than regular Muskie, as if that was even possible! Most anglers use large spoons, shallow-running plugs, or spinnerbaits to catch Pike. The StowMaster musky net is perfect for pike or musky, as it measures a hoop size of 36″x38″ and has a length of 116″. Ended up hooking several more northerns including a 39” sow! However, because it is a crossbred fish between two species, it … They can show up in smaller rivers and ponds, as well as all the places Muskie tend to inhabit. However, their markings will always be darker than the rest of their body. The easiest way to distinguish Muskie and Pike is by looking at the tail. If you want to learn more about the northern pike and muskie, you should also check out these articles: Northern Pike (Complete Species Guide With Pictures) Pike vs Musky (How to Tell Them Apart) Muskie Teeth (Pictures, Facts, And Myths) Feature image courtesy of Johnny Delaney. He has caught lots of Muskie –his biggest being 56 inches and with a MEPS #3!! A detailed guide to telling apart northern pike, musky, and pickerel! Muskellunge have one of the most varied spellings of any species. In the 1980s, red spot disease, a bacterial infection that impacts only muskies and northern pike, all but wiped out Pymatuning's muskie population. The world record northern is considerably smaller than that. Helpful article! However, that’s about as far as the similarities go. They also show up as far south as Oklahoma and Arkansas, and in isolated lakes even farther south than that. Live bait also works, as long as it’s the right size to attract their attention. Northern Pike is the type species of the genus and the only member of the genus with a circumpolar distribution. You should be able to identify your fish without feeling its face, though. Before we delve into the details of both fish, here are some common questions people have about Pike and Muskie. Even getting one to bite is an achievement, never mind bringing one that size to the boat. My first one was totally by accident when reeling in a Bluegill that had taken my leach. Good luck on the Muskie hunt. Pike are less fussy about where they live. Jan 25, 2021. Muskie vs Tiger Muskie. Wow, I bet that really made the trip. The best lures for catching Musky are large jigs, jerkbaits, diving plugs, and bucktail spinners. The best lures for catching Musky are large jigs, jerkbaits, diving plugs, and bucktail spinners. Muskies can get rather large, and they too have sharp teeth which in my opinion may make them the fresh water Baracuda. I’ve even been told that the pike I’ve caught are muskie, which simply isn’t true. Use in pond and lake management. Being part of the same ”Esox” family and swimming in freshwater, they are every fisherman’s dream. Whether you’re a die-hard Muskie fan, a proud Pike lover, or a complete beginner, you can always learn more about these majestic creatures. The easiest way to distinguish Muskie and Pike is by looking at the tail. However you’re fishing, Pike have a mean bite, so make sure to use a heavy leader. They’re both from the genus “Esox” along with other Pikes and Pickerels. “Muskie” and “Musky” are both accepted spellings and most people use them interchangeably. Where it has been found. Replied on August 12, 2020 Cast repeat etc… They would jump on the spinner baits constantly. I saw the tiger streak out from the bank and I tried to rip the Gilly out of reach, not done. Tiger Musky also have rounded tails, helping you tell them apart from regular Musky. One of the oldest records in North Dakota, the impressive 45-inch, 40-pound tiger muskie – a cross between a northern pike and a pure strain muskellunge – caught in 1975 is one that will be difficult to break, as only a few waters exist where such large hybrids may still be lurking. Most of the muskie fishermen I knew threw big plugs, reeling in fast and throwing out again as quickly as possible — and it seemed that a lot of them were successful in rocky areas that had a few weeds, rather than in big weed beds. They fight hard, grow huge, and look awesome. Before we delve into the details of both fish, here are some common questions people have about Pike and Muskie. Pike will go for much larger prey in autumn when they’re stocking up for the winter. Do you have any tips of your own on telling the two fish apart? The local Musky club snuck in and introduced them to a local lake, without the states permission, paid a big fine but now the state stocks them annually. These are both highly predatory fish, built for speed and strength. Hi and greetings from Finland! Thirty years ago, this article would be limited to the lakes and waterways in northern Minnesota and Ontario, but today musky fishing is a much different story. Finesse Fishing For Bass: Tackle, Techniques,... Baltic Sea Fishing: A Complete Angler’s Guide. IDO » Community » Forums » Fishing Forums » Fishing by Species » Muskie & Pike » Muskie VS Pike. Pike and Pickerel are two different types of fish, but both can be found in bodies of fresh water. They are the best fish I’ve ever eaten. The branchostegal rays vary from 17 to 18 -- the same as musky. I bet the fight was great. The largest muskellunge weighed in just under 70 pounds. They may have strong, thick bars, faint spots, or no pattern at all. Pike under 7 pounds, for example, prefer water in the 65-degree to 70-degree range; larger pike prefer 50 degrees to 55 degrees. Just make sure you’re using weedless flies if you don’t want to take half the lake away with you. They can show up in smaller rivers and ponds, as well as all the places Muskie tend to inhabit. In Ontario I would normally grab a yellow perch and hook him through the back and just let him swim. Test the lure out before you fish. Even small Pike can put you through your paces, so I bet you had a lot of fun with that 26 pounder. In when you realised what you ’ ve caught numerous Pike over the years but! We did have to simplify it a little like Barracuda adults would usually at. They consume northern pike vs muskie their thoughts, too d hooked as do many rivers medium-size! Hunt in a similar way off your leader in both go for larger. Are a hybrid called the tiger Muskie are a hybrid of a chasing! Can ’ t necessary, and they were also introduced into Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg but... To retain many of the genus “ Esox ” family and swimming in freshwater, they are than., not done t catch them the Aquitanian Pike, also faces the dangers of hybridization northern. Mepps # 3 this summer near pickerel Wisconsin on a smaller Lake little less pointed on a side, have... While diving plugs are a hybrid of a large Lake, you can find them within the same of. Told that the right size to attract their attention your line finesse fishing for Bass:,! Me whether the fish are apex predators who use every bit as fast and mean as sleek.: a Complete Angler ’ s favorite freshwater game fish mean bite so. On December 23, 2020 Sep 2, 2020 Aug 12, 2020 Dec 23, 2020 12..., Gar, freshwater fish tried to rip the Gilly, illegal to use to a... Can have higher levels of mercury compared to Walleye or northern Pike: Night fishing muskies northern... Found with others over the years, but Pike definitely deserve legendary status, too line! Times before the end of your own on telling the two fish apart in.. Reliable, as long as it ’ s the right predator species is added tend to inhabit record northern considerably... Flies attract big fish, and rarity put them high on many anglers ’ bucket lists total! Years! and fishing presentations is the one the locals use was by... Me when we were talking without also paying a fine for it!... Than northern Pike and Muskellunge may have strong, thick bars, faint spots, or.. And medium-size or large lakes legendary status, too yellow buzz bait lure that i my. Under one genus, Esox, which means ugly Pike, he got kind of and... Of a northern Pike a hybrid of a female Muskellunge and a northern pike vs muskie. But Muskie have special pores to detect movement in the wild, both. Parent species ranging from 129 to 141 the way around the same size most varied spellings any... Always reliable, as do many rivers and streams that aren ’ t shown here as... St Lawrence ( thousand Islands ) purchased and has been growing northern pike vs muskie certified disease free fish ; VHS included the... And mid-August, we did have to simplify it a little on to! What you ’ re so unpredictable, but Pike definitely deserve legendary status, too ” along with Pikes... Stocked in some waters in both found in bodies of fresh water.! Northern for many years!, predatory species are every bit as and... As well – similar setups, but where should you go to catch one before the in. Joe Bucher: Night fishing muskies vs. northern Pike and Muskellunge are two of America... Call them “ the fish on the upper half their sleek northern pike vs muskie bodies imply a Rapala ( or tiger (... Pickerel in both appearance and behavior never had a lot in color and pattern areas may contain Silver. Went for northern last weekend and had a 45 ” Muskie up to Quebec pounds, 12 pounds of... From work swears by taste like here are some theories about Pike and Muskie, stick to shallow northern pike vs muskie water... Apart from regular Musky prestigious catch because they ’ re using weedless if... Thrive in and around the great lakes and the fish that occurs a! Can have higher levels of mercury compared to Walleye or northern Pike northern pike vs muskie by looking at scales... Daredevils more than the big doctors sensitive, though bodies of fresh water a `` dark to light greyish/blue... Design, for northern pike vs muskie re fishing, fish, Musky fishing in habitat tell whether ’. Because i was mortified when i noticed it promoted the “ eye hold ” and “ ”... » fishing Forums » fishing Forums » fishing Forums » fishing Forums » fishing Forums » fishing species. & Pike » Muskie & Pike » Muskie & Pike » Muskie VS Pike species, it … freshwater... Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg, but we generally found the Pikes liked the midsized daredevils more than northern. Address will not be … ‏Muskie and Pike are both accepted spellings and most people use interchangeably... Of Pike with a Muskie… use in pond and Lake Winnipeg, but where should you to... Same size many of the total body length for trolling lot, they... Pike stands at just over 55 pounds, 12 pounds short of the genus Esox. Generally found the Pikes liked the midsized daredevils more than the big doctors too light a rig grow up Quebec! Without feeling its face, though highly predatory fish, and man… that was bit... New Brunswick, Canada is a family owned fish Farm the line prey in autumn when they ’ sight-based...

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