1. Know the Right Habitat
Grass pickerel thrive in shallow, vegetated waters like weedy ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. They tend to stay near the edges of vegetation, where they can ambush their prey. Look for areas with submerged grass, reeds, and aquatic plants, as these locations provide both shelter and food. In clearer waters, you may find them along drop-offs, near fallen trees, or in areas with structure like rocks or submerged timber.
Tip: Use a good quality fish finder to locate areas where the vegetation is dense, and try to fish the outskirts of these weed beds where the pickerel will be hunting.
2. Choose the Right Gear
When it comes to grass pickerel fishing, light to medium spinning or baitcasting gear works best. A 6-7 foot rod paired with a reel that can handle lighter line (6-10 lb test) gives you the control needed for casting in tight, weedy areas. While pickerel aren’t as big as their northern cousins, they can still put up a strong fight, so having the right equipment is key to preventing breakoffs.
Tip: A fluorocarbon leader is highly recommended to avoid bite-offs. Pickerel have sharp teeth, and a 10-12 lb test fluorocarbon leader will help prevent them from cutting your line.
3. Pick the Right Bait and Lures
Grass pickerel are aggressive hunters, and they often target smaller fish, frogs, and invertebrates. To imitate their natural prey, use lures that resemble baitfish or frogs. Here are a few of the best options:
- Spinnerbaits and Crankbaits: These lures work well in weedy areas. Bright colors, like chartreuse or fire tiger, can attract pickerel by mimicking distressed prey.
- Topwater Lures: During warmer months, topwater lures like poppers and frogs can be incredibly effective, especially early in the morning or around dusk.
- Swimbaits: Soft plastic swimbaits that imitate small baitfish or minnows can entice pickerel with their natural movement. Choose colors that blend with the water’s clarity, like silver, white, or dark green.
Tip: Experiment with different retrieval speeds. Grass pickerel often strike aggressively, so fast, erratic retrievals can trigger a response, but slow, steady retrieves may also tempt more cautious fish.
4. Understand the Best Times to Fish
Grass pickerel are most active during the warmer months, especially during spring and fall. During these times, they are feeding heavily to build up energy for the colder months or spawning season. They are also more likely to be closer to the surface and in shallower waters.
Tip: Early morning and late evening are prime times to fish for pickerel, as these are when they are most active and feeding aggressively. Overcast days are also ideal, as pickerel will be less wary and more likely to strike.
5. Techniques for Catching Grass Pickerel
Grass pickerel are fast swimmers and aggressive predators, so you need to keep your lure moving at a pace that mimics their natural prey. Here are a few key techniques:
- Jerk and Pause: Cast your lure near the vegetation, and use a jerking motion to mimic a wounded baitfish. Pause between jerks to allow the lure to sink slightly, then continue the action. This will often trigger a predatory strike.
- Steady Retrieve: A consistent, medium-speed retrieve is also effective, especially when using crankbaits or spinnerbaits. This can imitate a school of baitfish swimming together, which will attract the attention of any nearby pickerel.
- Topwater Action: When fishing with topwater lures, keep the action erratic. A quick pop-pause-pull method can create surface commotion that imitates a frog or small fish in distress, enticing nearby pickerel.
6. Focus on Structure and Cover
Pickerel love to ambush prey, and they do so by hiding in the thick weeds, submerged logs, or other cover. Casting near structure like weed beds or sunken timber will increase your chances of finding fish. Avoid fishing in completely open water, as pickerel prefer the protection of vegetation and submerged objects.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to fish in places where your lure may get snagged. While you want to avoid getting caught on vegetation or debris, pickerel are often hiding just inside these areas, so making your lure act like prey in this environment is key.
7. Handle Pickerel with Care
Pickerel are known for their sharp teeth, so be cautious when handling them. Use pliers or a hook removal tool to safely remove the hook from the fish’s mouth. If you plan to release the fish, make sure to do so quickly and gently, minimizing stress.
Tip: Wear gloves if possible when handling pickerel to avoid injury from their teeth. Make sure to handle them by their body, never the gills, for the safest and most effective release.
Conclusion
Grass pickerel fishing offers an exciting and rewarding challenge for anglers who enjoy a little extra speed and action in their fishing. By focusing on their habitat, choosing the right gear and bait, and using the right fishing techniques, you can increase your chances of landing a bigger and better pickerel catch. With these tips in hand, you’ll be ready to tackle grass pickerel waters with confidence and improve your overall fishing experience. Happy fishing!
