How to Use Anchovies for Northern Pike

Northern pike can be caught using anchovies.

Northern pike are a common and popular game fish throughout the northern hemisphere. They are fished for in all seasons by boat or through ice, and though smaller specimens are not always eaten due to the large number of bones within the flesh, some cuisines feature pike. Pike are one of the most challenging and entertaining types of fish for anglers, striking bait quickly and aggressively, and fighting vigorously even when reeled in. Northern pike are carnivorous and will eat a variety of bait, but one popular choice is anchovies, particularly when pike are less active during autumn, winter and spring.

Things You'll Need

• 2 treble hooks
• Knottable stainless steel leader
• Anchovies
• Slip float

Instructions

1. Tie the two treble hooks onto your steel leader 3 or 4 inches apart.

2. Tie the leader to your fishing line.

3. Place the slip float high enough up on the fishing line that the hooks will float 1 or 2 feet from the bottom where you intend to fish.

4. Bait each treble hook with one anchovy, and drop them into the water. The gentle drifting and the scent of the anchovies is more likely to attract the pike when the water is colder and they're more lethargic.

References

• Tyger Leader: Pike Fishing
• Canadian Fish and Fishing Tackle: What Ice Fishing Bait do you Choose?