The Joy of Fishing

I love to fish. Big fish, little fish, bass, perch, you name it, I'll catch it. But the greatest reward is when I am fortunate enough to hook into a trophy northern pike. I am fortunate enough to have been born and raised in Michigan, which is considered by many to be a fishing mecca. I recall being a small child and having my father and older brother wake me from a deep sleep, throw me in some long john's and a parka, and trundle me out to one of our many lakes to do some early morning fishing.

It was always a treat to sit out there with my family and watch the sun rise over the horizon while trying to hook into any fish that may come our way. There are few things in life that bring more pleasure or peace than being on a lake during that time of day, it makes you feel like you could reach out and touch the hand of God.

Though it may not sound like it would be such a challenge to hook into a trophy northern pike, but believe me folks, it aint easy. There are many different tactics that need to be employed. First off you have to find an area that is known to be a hotbed for this elusive gem. Then after finding this area, the proper bait or lure must be employed.

I have tried most of them, j-plugs, sinking rapalas, number five meps spinners, big o's, the list goes on and on. Then after deciding on the lure, you must decide how you are going to fish the area. Are you going to cast while anchored, drift, or troll? These decisions can determine the amount of success that will be had on your fishing expedition.

Fishing with artificial lures can be frustrating. The success rate is minimal in my experience, yes you may catch some bass, walleye, or the occasional smaller pike, but the trophy northern can at times be frustratingly out of reach. The method with which I have had most success is a tried and true formula that has been used by my family for generations.

It is actually quite simple; Find a drop off point in the lake, catch yourself some good sized minnows, anchor your boat, hook up a bobber, toss out your line to the edge of the drop off and wait. It is that simple. Now it takes some patience on your part, but after some time you will see your bobber moving swiftly across the water, after a short time your bobber will go under.

Now again patience is your greatest virtue, slowly lean your pole forward, when you begin to feel a tug at the end of your line, draw back and set your hook, then the fun will begin. If it feels like there is a giant weight on the end of your line that wishes to pull you under, then my friends you know you have hooked into a trophy northern pike.

They are a powerful fish, and a great challenge to get into the boat, but after a long and thrilling battle, the fish will tire and you will be able to bring them in. Then you can sit back and smile, be sure to get a picture so you can show everyone that you are not just telling another fishing tale, then hook them to the stringer, set up another rig, and get ready to do it all again. Good luck my friends.