A Saskatchewan pike guide’s 5 essential gear tips for battling big northerns

#4  OFFER BIG BAITS
One of my favourite YouTube channels ran a test to see if big baits catch more big fish. The results changed the way I fish. Not only do big pike prefer big baits, but little pike seem to be nearly as eager to hit them. At 4 7/8 inches in length, a No. 4 Len Thompson spoon remains one of the most consistent lures in my box. It’s durable, simple and economical, and it gets the job done. Another favourite where I guide is the X-Rap Otus (above in the killer Halloween colour), which features a hard body and soft-plastic tail. Both the 6¾- and 9¾-inch versions catch trophy fish each season.

#5  USE STEEL LEADERS
When comparing the effectiveness of steel leaders to the extra stealth of fluorocarbon leaders, I’ve seen no difference in how pike respond. Frankly, most northerns just don’t care, so go for the bulletproof steel connection to avoid losing baits and wasting time retying. My workhorse choice, for example, is 30- or 45-pound Berkley Steelon. There are more elegant alternatives, but Steelon does the job without breaking the bank. Titanium leaders are unbeatable, but they’re considerably more expensive and sometimes difficult to find. Whatever the case, you also want a snap made from a single interlocking wire, which is unlikely to open during a fight. Ultimately, using steel also reinforces my philosophy for pike fishing: Keep your line in the water for as long as possible.