Pike Guide Trip

Pike (Esox Lucius) Float Trips

Most anglers are unaware of the Pike fishing opportunities that exist right here in Ohio. These prehistoric predators offer some of the most exciting fishing the state has to offer. Targeting Pike with a fly rod is one of the most visually thrilling ways to pursue this explosive fish. Using 8 to 10 weight rods you’ll be casting 6 to 10 inch flies into log jams that look like dark alleys, along weed lines and ledges, with the constant anticipation that this ambush predator can strike at any moment. The way a pike eats is nothing short of amazing. It’s as if they are trying to inflict maximum damage on the fly. That anticipation, combined with watching an enticingly seductive fly slide through the water, is what keeps you motivated throughout the day between shots at fish. Unlike their larger cousins, the Musky, Pike are an honest fish, if you are doing everything right, you will get your opportunity to tangle with these wolves of the water! 

Average fish size ranges from 20 to 28 inches. Once you hit the 30 inch mark you are into a quality, respectable “Fish Ohio” fish that is just built differently. Eclipsing that is the segway into the trophy category of fish. There are people out there that say they catch 36 to 40 inch fish all the time in Ohio and I am here to tell you, as someone that has guided fly fishing trips for Pike longer than anyone else in the state, that is simply not true. We do catch fish over 36 inch every year but not many. That is a true Ohio giant. We have even caught them over 40 inch but that is a very rare and special fish. Because Pike in Ohio are at the southern most point of their native range, they simply do not live long enough to gain the size of their larger cousins farther north. Our fish here live 12 to 15 years in a best case scenario. Most fish live to be 8-10 years old. Compare that to fish on the northern end of their range can be a year old for every inch they are long, once they reach 30”.

Anyone interested in getting into the Predator fly fishing game or has interest in one day catching a Musky, this is a great place to start. I have always thought Pike fishing was the perfect prerequisite to Musky fishing. It will teach you a lot of the same skills required to Musky fish but in a much more manageable arena. It's a great stepping stone into the Musky world. Not quite as demanding, mentally or physically, you will be casting 8 to 10 weight rods instead of 10 to 12 weight rods and flies that are a little easier to cast as well.

Gear is provided on all guide trips. If you want to bring your own gear, we can discuss and go over what you have and if it is suitable for what we will be doing. Having gear rigged up the right way is critical to giving you the best chance for success and having an enjoyable time on the water.