Northern pike fishing

Question
QUESTION: I fish a old gravel pit that's got a good population of pike in it,also the water is murky to muddy at times and at other times about 4 to 5 feet of visibility, would swimbaits and jerkbaits be the best thing I could be throwing or would there be something better? Also, besides spring what time in fall would be another time to target big pike in these water conditions,like what month morning afternoon or evening?

ANSWER: A 9" Suick jerkbait would be good choice for a lure.

I don't know where you are located so picking the right fall time would be tough...seems like October the pike start going again on the waters I fish.

It sure wouldn't hurt to ice fish them in the winter if it freezes over with at least 3" of ice or more.

Hook Em' Hard,
Joe


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for getting back with me! the advice was helpful.My follow up question is; I live in michigan so would I still target pike in october,how late into fall can I fish for big pike? What time of day would you target for pike in fall? Thank you very much for the help.

Answer
I would fish them in October and November. With the lower fall temperatures late morning and early afternoon seems to warm up the water a bit and the fish are usually more active. Try 8-12" suckers with a treble in their back on bobbers too. Slip bobbers will help in casting them. Early ice fishing for them would probably be the most productive. Use the largest golden shiners you can find. Be sure to use a steel leader too. Remember the big ones have been around the longest and have the highest concentrations of pollutants, so the fish less then 30" would be the best to keep for eating. Letting the big ones go is best for keeping the ecology of the lake in balance too.

Hook Em' Hard,
Joe