Severn Pickerel 11/15

Welp the pickerel were really hungry before the freeze tomorrow! Shane and I both got citation pickerel this weekend over 24"

http://thehobielife.blogspot.com/201...rel-paper.html

Lures:

Hard Head Custom Baits Weighted Spinner Hook with Bass Assassin 4' paddletail (Slammin Chicken)
Color: Purple or Silver
Size: 1/8th or 3/16th oz

Hard Head Custom Baits Stand up Jig w/ spinner and a live minnow
Color: Red, Silver, purple
Size: 1/8th oz
www.hardheadcustombaits.com

Most fish were caught in the sunny areas where the water was 1-2 degrees warmer than in the shade. These fish were more aggressive to bite. The fish in the shade tended to follow, but actually bite much less. Most fish were caught just off a ledge or near fallen timber. I haven't used live minnows yet this year, but soon it will be cold enough to break out the minnows.

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[Turtle135]

Nice job Matt! Those are some great looking chains!

[willf650]

Nice

I think I'm out of the running. I've yet to manage to even get out fishing this past month. I was hoping to get at least one trip in this month but it doesn't look like it is going to happen and even if I get out I have a ways to catch up at this point.

[CB kayak 02]

Nice

I think I'm out of the running. I've yet to manage to even get out fishing this past month. I was hoping to get at least one trip in this month but it doesn't look like it is going to happen and even if I get out I have a ways to catch up at this point.

Never know. It only takes 3 fish

[Donsail68]

Sweet catch! I hope to get in a few more outings before the water freezes over.

[perchy]

Nice job guys... would regular larger 1/2 or 3/4 oz bass spinnerbaits work for these pickerel out there? I've caught northern pike that size on bigger bass spinnerbaits and was wondering why you guys are throwing 1/8 and 3/16 lures.

[CB kayak 02]

Nice job guys... would regular larger 1/2 or 3/4 oz bass spinnerbaits work for these pickerel out there? I've caught northern pike that size on bigger bass spinnerbaits and was wondering why you guys are throwing 1/8 and 3/16 lures.

I sure they could work, but the reason we throw light baits because we're casting into shallow spots and you need to keep the lure off the bottom out of the algae, mud, and leaves. Also, the technique that works best for me is to retrieve as slow as possible while still keeping action on the lure... i think it would be tough to retrieve very slowly and keep a heavier spinner working with good action and off the bottom... maybe I'm wrong, but I just stick to using what I know and have proved to work.

[perchy]

Thanks for the info! I've been slow rolling 3/4 oz spinnerbaits in 10-20 ft water, so that makes sense that you'd want lighter lures for shallow conditions like that!

[J.A. Veil]

The key to fishing for winter pickerel in shallow tidal spots is to select a lure size/weight that can be moved slowly enough so the fish can react to the lure without having the lure hit the bottom. A heavy lure would need to be pulled fast through the water to avoid getting gunked up with slime and algae. As the water continues to cool, and the cold-blooded pickerel's reactions slow down, a slower retrieve is desirable. I often carry separate rods rigged with two different weight jigheads -- lighter for 6" to 3' depth and heavier for 2-6' depth.

I have no experience fishing for pickerel in deeper freshwater habitats. You may be able to use completely different tactics there.