Species · Coarse · Esox lucius
Pike
Apex predator. Explosive takes.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | All waters |
| Best time | All day |
| Category | Predator |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Dead bait, Lure, Live bait
- Baits and flies: Dead fish, Lures, Live fish
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 4-8 trebles / 2-6 singles. Strong gauge wire. Semi-barbed trebles or barbless singles |
| Mainline | 12-15lb mono / 30lb braid. 12-15lb. Mono for deadbaiting, braid for lure fishing |
| Hooklength | 20-30lb wire trace. 12-18". Wire trace ESSENTIAL - pike will bite through mono |
| Shotting | Heavy leads or olivettes to anchor deadbaits. 30-60g depending on conditions. |
| Field notes | ALWAYS use a wire trace - pike teeth will cut mono instantly; Carry long-nose forceps and unhooking mat - mandatory; Strike early on runs - deep hooking kills pike; Smelt and lamprey are top deadbaits; Lure fishing: 4-6" soft plastics on jig heads, or spinners; Winter is prime pike time - cold water concentrates fish |
Fish welfare
Warm water is hard on pike. The app warns from 21°C and tells you to consider not targeting them at 23°C.
Pike fight hard and need careful release. Mandatory kit: unhooking mat, wet hands, long forceps, no gaff. Keep fights short, support the fish fully upright until it kicks away strongly. Welfare standards on big lough waters (Erne, Neagh, Ree) are taken seriously by local anglers - match that bar everywhere.
The rules
Ireland freshwater rules
| 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Status | Strict Welfare |
No state licence required. Welfare rules are taken seriously: unhooking mat mandatory on most waters, wet hands, no gaffs, long forceps, and support fish in the water during release. Many big-pike waters expect catch-and-release.
Authority: Inland Fisheries Ireland. Verify the current rules before you fish.
Northern Ireland freshwater rules
| 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Status | Welfare Critical |
DAERA rod licence required. Welfare expectations on Lough Neagh, Erne, and the cross-border systems are strict - mandatory unhooking mat, wet hands, no gaff, support during release.
Authority: DAERA Northern Ireland. Verify the current rules before you fish.
More coarse species
Free tier, no card. Pro is £14.99 a year after a 7-day trial.