Where to catch pike in October
Pike is a flexible fish. In October, it can be caught at a depth of 2-3 meters, and in holes of more than 10 meters. On the river, pike, unlike pike perch, stands not under schools of fish, but above them. Therefore, it is effective to fish from a boat not so much the bottom of a reservoir as its middle layers. Read also: Biting calendar in October
Juvenile fish leave shallow places, the water becomes clear, algae sink to the bottom, thereby depriving the fry of natural shelter from the insatiable gaze of the pike - all this and much more is the reason for the senseless search for the toothy predator near the shore in shallow water. She simply has nothing to do there.
Pike should be looked for closer to the riverbed, where all the fish were heading. Its main locations are considered to be:
- at the coastal edge there are whirlpools and return streams;
- at the riverbed;
- on deep edges;
- if at medium depths there are snags and sunken trees, then it is worth staying in such a place longer;
- on vast stretches with an uneven bottom;
- in holes and ditches.
Small pike can still be caught in the coastal zone in good sunny weather, when the water warms up high enough to attract small fish here in search of food. However, fishing from the shore is becoming less and less productive every day. Occasionally, however, trophy specimens come to feeding places, chasing schools of fry, but only if there is an opportunity to hide behind some natural or artificial shelter - a drift, a pile, a support, and so on. But it’s still better to get a boat and go look for the predator closer to the middle of the reservoir. Read also: Catching pike with a wobbler
Fishing techniques and tactics in October
Again, it should be repeated and said that the October season provides a wide choice for all fishermen, not only in terms of choosing any bait, but in terms of implementing fishing techniques. It doesn’t matter at all how the pike will be caught in terms of guiding and playing the bait - for a given period of time, the pike simply doesn’t care, it attacks the prey in any case.
The fisherman should only determine the most promising fishing spot and wait for a bite, or constantly move along the shore or on a boat in anticipation of a pike bite. In most cases, not a single fisherman left in October without a pike catch.
Spinning for October pike
Due to the frequent October wind, it is best to stock up on a spinning rod with a fast action so that it can penetrate it without much difficulty. A rod for fishing from the shore should usually not be shorter than 2.5 m, and for fishing from a boat a “stick” 2.2 m long is also suitable. The fishing line is monofilament (at least 0.25 mm in diameter) or braided (0.15-0.2 mm). This is interesting: Top jig spinning rods
But since the casting distance in windy weather depends on the thickness of the fishing line, it is better to use “braid” - it will not sail so much. In addition, you should not forget about a steel leash, without which you can lose your favorite bait, as well as a landing net (you cannot do without it when fishing for large prey from the shore). Read also: Choosing a spinning rod for pike fishing
Pike fishing in autumn on small rivers
During this period, she reacts to any movements and to everything shiny. It is better not to catch pike with live bait during this period, as it is inactive in October. Therefore, it is necessary to use spoons or wobblers of significant size. Even devices measuring 10 cm or larger are suitable for fishing. You can choose Norway, Baikal, Cascade, Lozhka, Success and others. However, small rivers, like other bodies of water, have their own laws; pike requires a special approach. That is why, in order for your fishing to be successful, you should stock up on bait and lures of all colors and sizes. Since pike are most active in October, there is no special fishing technique. Even with an ordinary spinning rod with a spinner in October you can catch large pikes, because on small rivers you can fish almost the entire riverbed from the bank.
What to use to catch pike in October
October is the time for big baits. If at the beginning of autumn it was still possible to interest pike with ultralight tackle, then in mid-autumn it prefers to attack a larger bait. Even small squirrels enthusiastically chase after prey that is almost the same size as them. Read also: The best lures for pike - TOP 10
The oscillating spinners of 10-12 cm showed themselves best - the old time-tested “atom”, “spoon”, “cascade” and others. Large wobblers that can dive to great depths also work well. Due to the transparency of the water, you should not use bright baits in good weather, and it is better not to polish the spoon to a mirror shine. Read also: The best wobblers for pike
Despite the fact that pike are ready to attack anything that moves in October, the unusual color of the wobbler or too bright glare reflected from the spoon can scare off the predator. In shallow water, floating wobblers should be used. Read also: The best budget wobblers for pike
If neither spinners nor wobblers bring any noticeable results, then it makes sense to try fishing with large silicone baits. Among their diversity, there is sure to be that same “vibrating tail” or “twister” that can interest the toothy one, and provoke it to leave its home and try to catch an appetizing “fish” swimming within sight.
Fishing for pike with a spinning rod - 15 best videos
04/06/2019 Author: Maxim Morozov Leave a comment
On our website you can watch videos about catching each type of fish. On this page we have collected video footage of pike fishing with a spinning rod using a variety of baits. Watch the videos and share your entries in the comments. Here you will find fishing with jigs (twisters, vibrating tails, mandula), wobblers (minnows and poppers), exotic “duckling” bait and even a spaced “retractable leash” rig, which is usually used for perch.
A vibrating tail and a spinning spoon on a small river from a boat. Practice spinning pike fishing in the fall. The video shows the wiring of two different types of baits and the fishing technique.
Fishing on a large reservoir. About choosing a fishing spot, adjusting the clutch before fishing and in detail about the unpopular type of spinning jig equipment - a vibrating tail on a lead corkscrew with a red tee.
Fishing with homemade mandules in the spring of 2021. Vivid footage from spinning pike fishing in early spring. Fishing with both a vibrotail and the recently popular bait – mandula.
Early spring on a micro river. March footage from a reservoir where the ice is rapidly disappearing. The bait is a bright fluorescent red twister on an offset hook with a jig head.
Summer fishing with Dragon spinners. In this video you will see footage from summer pike fishing with spinners from Dragon. Models: Carina, Viper, Aglia nr1 2.
On an artificial duckling in the summer. If you are not serious about such exotic types of artificial spinning baits as ducklings and frogs, then watch this video. There was almost a complete absence of bites on other baits, but as soon as I put in a duckling of the Savage Gear 3D Hollow Duckling model (10 cm / 40 g), a series of bites immediately began.
Tips and interesting facts
Trolling is considered one of the most effective ways of catching pike in the fall - a large wobbler or spoon is attached to a fishing line, and the place where the predator is supposed to be is fished at a slow speed. True, trolling is only suitable for those fishermen who are the proud owners of a boat with a motor. What should the rest, ordinary spinners do? As usual, hit the water with time-tested baits. At the same time, spinners fishing from the shore and fishermen with boats have no less chance of leaving fishing with a catch. Indeed, due to its unpredictability, pike can sit both at great depths in a hole and in shallow water, among bushes in the water, remnants of vegetation, etc. Read also: We marinate caught pike deliciously, Dry pike at home, How to fry pike caviar
The wiring is uniform and unhurried. There is no point in conducting a large “oscillation” otherwise. After all, its main duty is to slowly waddle from side to side, imitating a wounded fish. When fishing from a boat, you can use large balancers, which work great when trolling vertically.
Advice! It would not be a bad idea to tie a piece of bright thread - red or orange - to the tee. During inactive biting, such “know-how” can encourage the pike to attack your bait.
Don't discount the jig either. Its undeniable advantage over other types of fishing is its low cost - a “twister” or “vibrating tail” caught on a snag is not as bad to leave at the bottom of the reservoir as, for example, an expensive wobbler or a high-quality spinner. In addition, with the help of a jig you can catch promising edges at great depths, which even the most catchy wobbler cannot reach. Read also: Choosing a jig spinning rod - Top 10 rating
Unlike medium and small pike, trophy predators rarely perform their famous acrobatic “candle” trick. They prefer to act with brute force, trying to get the fishing line behind any obstacle and not allow the angler to pull them ashore. Therefore, you should carefully monitor the friction on the reel, thanks to which you can release the required amount of fishing line in time, thereby preventing the offensive loss of fish.
Fishing secrets and possible problems
To effectively bait for successful fishing, you do not need to know any special secrets. When fishing with a float, it is necessary to “withstand the bait” - jerks and swaying must be smooth so that the pike becomes active. Since the bait is still alive, it will make all other movements itself. To catch pike with mugs, you need to carefully select a place at a certain point in the reservoir.
Despite the availability of gear and suitable bait, a good choice of place, the pike does not bite at some hours and days. Every fish is able to evaluate whether the dimensions of bait or live bait are suitable for it to swallow. The color and smell of the bait also matter.
By trial and error, fishermen choose the right bait, which is the most likely to bite. Pike will not go for live bait or bait at the wrong time of day and year, in shallow water or, conversely, in a lake that is too deep. Bad weather and improper placement of live bait or bait can also cause the pike to not bite.
If standard types of bait casting from the shore do not bring results, then trolling fishing can help here - pulling bait or lure on a moving boat. In this case, the pike will follow the bait, imitating a moving live fish. An alternative solution is a movable spinner, dragged in the same way as trolling for edible bait.
A sharp change in the level of a river or lake, up to complete drying out due to excessive demand for water resources by people living nearby, will lead to a sharp disruption of the local ecosystem.
In the lakes
Once on large enclosed bodies of water, you should find dumps in holes, snags, areas with uneven bottom topography, where it is convenient for pike to camouflage and hunt for small fish. In this case, the catch is brought by baits working in the bottom horizon.
Less often, in early October, pike can be found near coastal algae. Here the fish stands on the edge, waiting for unwary prey. The predator also likes to stand in creeks and coves. The calm water attracts the fry here, and the spotted beast follows it, wanting to profit from easy prey.
Advice! If possible, it is advisable to fish on the lake from a boat, since many promising points are located at a considerable distance from the shore.
In October, special attention should be paid to coves and bays on lakes
When it comes to baits on lakes, good results are achieved with silicone baits. Broad-bodied vibrotails work better. When going to a pond, it is advisable to replenish your arsenal with spoons, minnows, crankbaits and spinners.