Three Key Tips for Catching Northern Pike This Fall

Good morning, Crew!

Welcome to this week’s Kayak Fishing Guide Newsletter!

We’ve got a great mix of kayak fishing news, gear reviews, and tips lined up to help you make the most of your time on the water.

In this issue, you’ll find:

• Finesse techniques for bass.

• Solution for that kayak rod storage issue.

• Fall fishing tips for Northern Pike.

• Super tasty pickled pike recipe!

• And more…

Whether you're here to gear up, improve your skills, or just enjoy some good stories and a few laughs, we’ve got something for everyone. Let’s dive in and make this week’s adventures even better!

First time reading? Join the Crew here!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

BEST LINKS
Favorite Finds

• Master fall bass fishing with finesse techniques that’ll help you hook those tricky smallmouth and largemouth bass. (On The Water)

• Want to level up your offshore fishing game? Learn how the pros handle the toughest fish with ease! (Florida Sportsman)

• Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, these tips will help you dominate your next kayak fishing tournament! (Wired2Fish)

• Got a small car? You’re still good to go kayak fishing—find out how this angler does it! (Reddit)

KAYAK GEAR
YakAttack Sidestage Pro Kayak Rod Rack

The YakAttack Sidestage Pro Kayak Rod Rack is a must-have for any angler looking to keep their fishing rods organized and secure while on the water.

With its LockNLoad mounting system, it’s easy to attach and adjust, ensuring your rods stay in place, no matter the conditions.

This rack holds up to two rods, making it ideal for kayak anglers who need quick access without sacrificing valuable deck space.

Plus, its sleek design helps prevent tangles, so you're always ready for the next cast.

Built for durability, the Sidestage Pro is designed to withstand tough fishing environments, whether you're battling strong currents or reeling in a big catch.

The secure grip of the rack ensures your rods stay put, even during bumpy rides.

Another great feature is its flexibility. You can mount it in various positions, adapting to your kayak’s setup to maximize efficiency.

With the YakAttack Sidestage Pro Kayak Rod Rack, you’ll be ready for your next fishing adventure with everything secure and within easy reach.

KAYAK RIGS
Old Town Topwater 106 PDL

FRESHWATER CATCH
Northern Pike

Mark Graziano had a great day on the water when he landed a beautiful northern pike from his kayak. Pike are known for their sharp teeth and fierce fight.

THREE FISHING TIPS
Fall Fishing for Northern Pike

Fall is prime time for chasing northern pike as they start feeding aggressively before winter. Here are three key tips to increase your chances of landing one:

1) Focus on shallow waters where pike are hunting, especially near weeds or rocky areas.

• Check out shallow bays and coves for active fish.

• Cast along the edges of weed beds, where pike like to hide.

• Use a slow retrieve to mimic prey moving through these ambush spots.

2) Use larger lures in the fall to mimic bigger baitfish.

• Opt for bright colors to attract pike in murky or cold water.

• Experiment with lures that have erratic movement to grab their attention.

• Consider using swimbaits or crankbaits when fishing deeper areas.

3) Fish during midday when the sun has warmed the water a bit.

• Focus on sunny days when the water warms up faster.

• Check areas with structure, like rocks or sunken logs, which retain heat.

• Move to shallower waters as the sun rises higher and the fish become more active.

These strategies will help you make the most of your fall pike fishing trips!

SALTWATER CATCH
Roosterfish

This week's Saltwater Catch section features Mark Tsurkis with a stunning roosterfish he caught from his kayak.

Roosterfish are known for their powerful fight and iconic dorsal fin, making them a prized catch for any angler.

HUMOR
Fishing Memes

TASTY RECIPES
Pickled Pike

🎣 Looking for a unique way to prepare northern pike?

This pickled pike recipe offers a delicious way to preserve your catch, turning those firm fillets into a flavorful treat perfect for snacks or appetizers. 😋 

Ingredients:

• Northern Pike - cut into 1-inch pieces 1 lb

• Salt, Iodized/Table 1/2 cup

• Vinegar, White (Divided, Brine - 1 1/2 cups, Pickling Solution - 2 cups) 3 1/2 cups

• Sugar, Granulated 1 1/2 cup

• Pickling Spice 2 Tablespoons

• Pepper, Bell 1 each

• Onion, Sweet White - Medium 1 each

Instructions:

• Gather all of your ingredients to make your pickled pike recipe. This pike recipe involves a 10-day curing process in 2 steps.

Brine for Pickling Fish

• Cut the skinned fish fillets into 1-inch pieces. Place the fish in a large storage container.

• For each quart of fish, add 3/4 cup of plain table salt.

• Cover with enough white vinegar (about 2 cups per quart) and refrigerate for five days, stirring daily.

• The first phase of this curing process involves soaking the fish in salt and vinegar for five days to dissolve the bones.

• It is very important to soak the fish for the full five days. Otherwise, you will have bones, and the fish will not be as tender as you would hope.

How to Pickle Fish – Northern Pike

• After soaking the fish for 5 days, the second phase is to make the pickling solution to store the salt-cured pike in. A little sweet with a vinegar tang paired with the pickling spice makes this solution the perfect complement to your 5-day salt-brined northern pike.

Pickling Solution for Pickling Fish

• The solution is enough to cover 1 quart of fish. Heat 2 cups of white vinegar, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, and two tablespoons of pickling spice to a boil.

• Set aside and let cool completely.

How to Pack the Pickle Pike Jar

• After soaking the fish in the salt and vinegar solution for 5 days, the third phase is to wash the meat off.

• Rinse the fish in cold water TWICE!! That’s right, two times!

• Let stand in cold water each time for ½ hour.

• Drain all of the water off.

• Slice the onion and the bell pepper into strips.

• Make sure that the brine is completely cooled.

• The fourth phase is to pack the wide-mouth jar and layer each item.

• Start with a layer of fish.

• Then add a layer of the sliced onions and peppers.

• Continue to layer until all of the fish is packed in the jar.

• Pour the COLD brine solution over the fish making sure to completely cover everything in the jar.

• Refrigerate at least 5 more days.

• Pickled fish is ready after sitting for five days but gets better the longer it is stored in the refrigerator.

• Keep the pickled fish in the refrigerator making sure to keep the fish covered in the pickling solution.

Recipe - Michigan to Table

THAT’S A WRAP
Before You Go!

Thank you to all our loyal subscribers and a warm welcome to our new readers!

Your enthusiasm for kayak fishing and support for the Kayak Fishing Guide newsletter means the world to us.

We're thrilled to have you on this journey as we share the latest news, tips, and stories from the water.

We also appreciate your patience as we navigate the ins and outs of our new newsletter platform.

Happy fishing, and here's to many more adventures together!

~ Kayak Fishing Guide Team

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