Haliburton Pike

[BearInTheWoods]

Hey all,

Looking for specific information here, not general info or tips. I don't want tips on what to use, how to fish or when to fish. You don't have to post here, I'd actually prefer pm's.

Family cottage in Haliburton, been going there all my life. I have spots for every kind of trout imaginable, giant bass of both types, walleye, perch and even a muskie spot or 2.

I am severely lacking in having a decent place to rock a pike.

Would additionally like to specify I rarely have access to a boat outside my own lake, so someplace with decent shorefishing would be ideal.

If anyone can steer me in any specific direction that would be greatly appreciated and I will return any useful info I may have for you.

I'm heading up for 2 weeks at the end of July and want to hit my first 20+ lber

 

[BowSlayer]

you have really high hopes lol, you're unlikely to get a nice sized pike from sure in the haliburton area, much less a 20 + pounder lol. Try and get access to a boat, then i could give you a spot or two, pm me if you like.

 

[hamiltonangler94]

If you want to have a good chance of getting a 20 pounder you have a long drive in front of you lol

 

[rich_ace_G]

I wouldn't put such a high goal when it comes to fishing specially w/o a boat. Because it puts you in a disadvantage if you want bigger pike. Targeting pike is my passion. My uncle used to tell me, the farther you cast, the bigger your chance. The bigger your presentation, the bigger the taker. Don't get discourage. If you're sure the water holds pike, you will get them it more than 1 way. daredelve spoons can outcast any lure. Plugs are killer pike lures. If you're going with plugs, slow retrieve, spinners-medium, spoons, moderate to fast. make sure to look around your lures for the follows. Pike don't hit like bass. they tend to stalk their prey before hitting. Good luck.

 

[salmotrutta]

the farther you cast, the bigger your chance. The bigger your presentation, the bigger the taker.

All of the biggest pike I've caught have been just a couple of feet from shore, not always with big lures, so that's a bit of a generalization your uncle made there : )

 

[hamiltonangler94]

^ it depends on the year. I find the hotter it gets in the year only the little hammer handles stick close to shore.

 

[cptpronin]

All of the biggest pike I've caught have been just a couple of feet from shore, not always with big lures, so that's a bit of a generalization your uncle made there : )

Generalization maybe, but it is a good rule of thumb.

 

[Kasim Baluch]

At this time of year they are just a few feet from shore. I just came back from muskoka region and on a kayak I hooked onto my first few after trying 4-5 spots but once I found them they just kept coming.

I love using my rapala bomber, haven't caught a pike on anything else haha. Have 4 of these in stock and going to grab a couple of more just incase they disappear one day -.-

 

[salmotrutta]

but once I found them they just kept coming.

I sometimes wonder if the first pike of the day leaves its scent on your lure - making each subsequent pike caught on that lure a little bit easier. It sure doesn't hurt to have a bit of scent added.

 

[BearInTheWoods]

Lol I'm not expecting a 20 lber but I have high hopes... nothing wrong with hope

I've fished pike in the GTA quite a lot so I have a good feel for the species. I know it is often more likely you'll get the big ones from a boat but not always. I've never fished GTA pike with a boat and I've pulled out quite a few nice ones, my pb as it is now is 14.

Usually at the cottage its straight bass and trout and occasionally stray to some of the other species I mentioned above. My biggest issue is I've never actually gone for pike up there so I don't even know the bodies of water to start on but I know there are quite a few.

I am aware that fishing from shore may lead to a long and frustrating day lol but I am prepared for that.

I have a canoe I can use up there, just prefer not to travel with it... if it comes down to getting 1 damn pike I will

Bowslayer messaging you now, appreciate it

 

[hamiltonangler94]

Lol I'm not expecting a 20 lber but I have high hopes... nothing wrong with hope

I've fished pike in the GTA quite a lot so I have a good feel for the species. I know it is often more likely you'll get the big ones from a boat but not always. I've never fished GTA pike with a boat and I've pulled out quite a few nice ones, my pb as it is now is 14.

Usually at the cottage its straight bass and trout and occasionally stray to some of the other species I mentioned above. My biggest issue is I've never actually gone for pike up there so I don't even know the bodies of water to start on but I know there are quite a few.

I am aware that fishing from shore may lead to a long and frustrating day lol but I am prepared for that.

I have a canoe I can use up there, just prefer not to travel with it... if it comes down to getting 1 darn pike I will

Bowslayer messaging you now, appreciate it

Nothing wrong with a 14 pounder! Thats a beautiful pike, especially for around here!

 

[BearInTheWoods]

I should also add that it has been 4 years since I got one bigger than 6 lbs... I see far too many people keeping 2 lb pikes at my usual haunts nowadays.

Never personally eaten pike but isn't it so bony a 2 pounder isn't even worth it?

 

[hamiltonangler94]

Pike can be hard to get a boneless fillet but once you get the hang of it, its worth it. Some people say they're gamy tasting put they taste pretty darn good to me. Usually keep them when ice fishing and only the ones in the 2-5 pound range

 

[rich_ace_G]

I haven't tasted pike, although that's my top of my list of fishes i love to catch. right with brown trout. But I once took it home for my brother because I can't revive the fish. He said it taste pretty good deep fried with batter. But there's a stench that you can distinguish from the rest of the fresh water fish.

 

[hamiltonangler94]

Yep deep fried pike is the way to go