PICKEREL GEAR - TECHNIQUES
Power: L=Light. ML=Medium Light. M=Medium. MH=Medium Heavy. H=Heavy. Ex=Extra Heavy
Action: M=moderate. F=Fast. EF=Extra Fast
TECHNIQUES
Spinning/Casting
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How to Fish: Casting and spinning for pickerel is an effective method, as these fish are aggressive and readily strike moving lures. Casting near weed beds, submerged structures, and along shorelines yields the best results.
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Gear Needed:
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Casting Rods: Medium to medium-heavy baitcasting rod (6.5-8 feet) with fast action for accurate casting and handling strong strikes.
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Casting Reel: Low-profile or round baitcasting reel with a smooth drag system and a gear ratio of 6.4:1 or higher.
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Spinning Rods: Medium to medium-heavy spinning rod (6-8 feet) with fast action for versatile lure presentations.
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Spinning Reel: Spinning reel in the 2500-4000 size range with a smooth drag system for handling aggressive strikes.
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Line: 10-20 lb braided or monofilament line with a wire leader to prevent bite-offs.
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Lures & Bait: Inline spinners, spoons, jerkbaits, and soft plastics. For bait fishing, use live minnows or nightcrawlers.
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Tips:
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Target areas with thick vegetation, fallen trees, and shallow backwaters.
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Use a steady or erratic retrieve to trigger strikes from aggressive pickerel.
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A wire leader is recommended to prevent pickerel from cutting the line with their sharp teeth.
Topwater
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How to Fish: Topwater fishing for pickerel provides explosive strikes as they ambush prey near the surface. Cast topwater lures near weed edges and retrieve with quick twitches or steady motions.
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Gear Needed:
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Rod: Medium-action rod (6.5-8 feet) for better control.
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Reel: Spinning or baitcasting reel with a good drag system.
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Line: 15-30 lb braided line for strength and sensitivity.
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Lures: Hollow-body frogs, poppers, buzzbaits, and walking baits.
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Tips:
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Fish early in the morning or late in the evening when pickerel are most active.
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Wait a moment before setting the hook to ensure the fish has fully taken the lure.
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Work the lure near submerged vegetation and along shaded shorelines.
JERKBAITS
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How to Fish:Using live bait is one of the most reliable ways to catch pickerel. Minnows, shiners, and small panfish work well when presented near weedy cover or underwater structures.
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Gear Needed:
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Rod: Medium-power rod (6-7.5 feet) with moderate action.
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Reel: Spinning or baitcasting reel with a good line capacity.
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Line: 12-20 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line with a leader.
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Bait: Live minnows, shiners, or nightcrawlers rigged on circle hooks.
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Tips:
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Use a bobber to keep the bait at the right depth near weed lines.
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Allow the pickerel to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
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Position bait near submerged logs, lily pads, or rock structures.
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