How to Fish:
Casting and spinning for pike 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.

Gear Needed:

Casting Rods: Medium-heavy to heavy baitcasting rod (7-8 feet) with fast action for accurate casting and handling strong strikes.
Casting Reel: Low-profile or round baitcasting reel with a smooth drag system and a gear ratio of 6.4:1 or higher.
Spinning Rods: Medium-heavy to heavy spinning rod (7-8 feet) with fast action for versatile lure presentations.
Spinning Reel: Spinning reel in the 3000-5000 size range with a smooth drag system for handling aggressive strikes.
Line: 20-50 lb braided or monofilament line with a wire leader to prevent bite-offs.
Lures & Bait: Large inline spinners, spoons, jerkbaits, and swimbaits. For bait fishing, use live suckers or large minnows.
Tips:

Target areas with thick vegetation, fallen trees, and deep weed lines.
Use a steady or erratic retrieve to trigger strikes from aggressive pike.
A wire leader is recommended to prevent pike from cutting the line with their sharp teeth.

Topwater Fishing for Pike
How to Fish:

Topwater fishing for pike provides explosive strikes as they ambush prey near the surface. Cast topwater lures near weed edges and retrieve with quick twitches or steady motions.

Gear Needed:

Rod: Medium-heavy action rod (7-8 feet) for better control.
Reel: Spinning or baitcasting reel with a strong drag system.
Line: 30-65 lb braided line for strength and sensitivity.
Lures: Hollow-body frogs, large poppers, buzzbaits, and walking baits.
Tips:

Fish early in the morning or late in the evening when pike are most active.
Wait a moment before setting the hook to ensure the fish has fully taken the lure.
Work the lure near submerged vegetation and along shaded shorelines.