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Canadian Northern Pike FishingUsing a Jig to Land a TrophyAn effective method for Canadian northern pike fishing not only can land you big fish, but it also uses the cheapest lure in your tackle box! Put the big $12 Rapala back and pull out the 79 cent lead jig. The jig is often overlooked while northern pike fishing, but can yield you some good results. Think about it. How many times have you used a jig while fishing walleye and end up with a feisty northern pike on your hook! It happens often.
If you are fishing “known pike country” and are having a tough go of it, change things up a little. Normally spoons, plugs and crankbaits are used while Canadian northern pike fishing. If they aren’t working, don’t limit yourself. Try a jig out for size. Just keep a few things in mind. Pike look to attack their prey with precision. They need to get a good look at what they are going to attack before they execute their ambush. Because of this, you must ensure your jig stands out from its surroundings. Color does play a role while Canadian northern pike fishing. Red, white and yellow are often good selections of colors. Jigs that have an ability to glow in the dark can be effective lures as well. These work especially well in poor lighting conditions, or when the water is cloudy. Unlike fishing for walleye with a jig, make sure you use a leader. Northern pike often strike violently making the need to some added strength close to the jig. Pike will sometimes roll in the fishing line as you get them beside the boat. A leader will help ensure that your line will not break. If you are fishing in a weedy zone, try using a lead jig where the hook is set out from the jig body. The hook itself will point “up” as you retrieve the lure. This will reduce the amount of snags while you fish. Make sure the size of the jig you are fishing is bigger than what you would use for walleye. This is a key while Canadian northern pike fishing. Try starting off with at least a one ounce jig, and don’t be afraid to go bigger! Usually, the bigger the lure the bigger the pike. Remember northern pike tend to strike prey that is 30% of its size. If you use a small jig, little hammer handle sized jacks will keep you busy all day. Adding a rubber tail is a must while fishing for northern pike on a jig. Northern pike pick up the vibration of any lure. The fluttering action of a rubber tail is often enough to make this predator strike! A rubber tail also allows you to change colors quickly. Simply remove one color and add another to the same jig head if your success is limited. Adding a rubber tail places the “hook” in the middle of your lure. Northern pike tend to strike their prey from the side. By adding a tail, the hook is in the perfect strike zone of the lures body. While Canadian northern pike fishing retrieve the lure as slow as you can. But this does not mean you shouldn’t mix your presentations. Experiment a little with your retrieval. Change speeds, add quick jerking action and even let the jig sink for a moment or two. By changing things up you will most likely land on a presentation that will entice northern pike to strike. On your next Canadian northern pike fishing trip, give a lead jig a whirl. It does have its place in your northern pike fishing arsenal. If you are having struggles with spoons and plugs, a lead jig head just might do the trick. Canadian northern pike fishing is a load of fun. Make sure you check out all the northern pike fishing tips we have and be prepared! Thanks for reading! Good luck out there!
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