While you will hear our anglers use the terms Pike and Pickerel referring to the toothy fish that are showing up constantly in this derby.
But pike and pickerel are two different types of fish. A Pike is also called a Northern Pike while a Pickerel is also called a Chain Pickerel. And there is also a Grass Pickerel, which could be a part or all of the sampling that is showing up this week. It’s hard to tell and truthfully few of the anglers are worrying about an accurate description.
The Pickerel has more spots than the Pike, but the Pike has spots on its fins. The jawline of the Pike goes back more towards its eyes than the Pickerel. While most anglers can quickly determine the difference between a spotted bass and a largemouth, noting the difference between these two fish isn’t something most bass anglers spend much time learning.
Pickerel are some of the most aggressive fish in the pond and they can be found all over, especially in fisheries with aquatic vegetation. There’s an old adage that says “where there are pickerel there are bass.” And that pretty much holds true everywhere. It’s been especially true this week.