Pacemaker Fishing Forum

I caught pickles in the dead of summer and in the middle of winter but I'm not even close to being an expert

Around here, if you got a place, hit it

I doubt anyone would own up to being a pickerel expert since pickles are so disliked.  I've always found welcome stragglers during late summer into early fall Serious pickerel fishing starts when the leaves start to drop. The first frost is like a pickerel switch, and after that your chances really improve. They'll continue to bite through the winter if ice doesn't stop you from getting to them. During the coldest time you'll do better with a live bull minnow under a bobber or casted trailing a shad dart. In MD the season closes on March 16 through April to protect them during spawning time.

Sometimes they will attack from the side, but mostly from behind. They are habitual followers. You'll often see them come right to the boat and just sit there. When this happens that favorite musky figure eight will often entice a strike. Pickerel are good fighters, and don't hesitate to leap clear out of the water.

They aren't a very hearty fish, so minimize handling and get them back in the water quickly. They often inhale your lure and get it tangled in their gills. A lot of times it's easier to reach the hook from behind the gill plate, pull it out and cut your leader.

Pickerel are one of my favorites to catch, I'm going to try for some tomorrow.  Good luck to you when you go.

Good info and tips, guys!  I may get out Tuesday.