Trophy Pike
By Mepps

Once considered a nuisance fish throughout Canada and the northern United States, the northern pike is taking its place among the top game fish of the world. And for good reason, a small pike attacks with a vengeance. It has earned its nickname, "waterwolf."

Pike, really big trophy pike, can make even the most experienced angler's heart scream. And, although not common, many pike anglers are still managing to land 25-pound wall-hangers each season.

Pike haunt the shallow bays and weed beds or northern lakes throughout the year. Big pike, however, will move to deeper water during long, hot summer days.

Many pike fishermen believe pike quit hitting once the water temperature has reached 65 degrees. Some will even tell you that in the summer they lose their teeth. This is just not true. Mid-summer can be one of the best times of the year to fish for big pike.

Big lures catch big pike. Although Mepps Aglia and Comet spinners in sizes 4 & 5 are super pike catchers, Mepps Musky and Giant Killers can be a better choice for really big northerns. Big pike haunt weed beds. Thick weed beds. The bucktails on the Musky and Giant Killers cover the trebles so well these spinners become virtually weedless.

Big Mepps spinners are heavy-duty lures and require medium-heavy to heavy duty equipment. You'll need a stiff rod, 14 to 17 pound test line, and 9 to 12 inch steel leaders.

Every pike fishermen has caught his share of northern from 4 to 10 pounds. Most of these fish are caught in shallow water. Big pike, however, go deep. Many times they are in water 15 feet deep or deeper. At these times, a big deep running lure is needed. Mepps offers three spinners that will do this: the tandem Musky and Giant Killers, and the 7/8 ounce Flying C. In addition, there's the #3 Mepps Syclops spoon that weighs a full ounce.

Because light penetration is poor when fishing deep, the Syclops is available in Mepps hot new colors: hot orange, hot chartreuse and hot fire tiger, as well as polished brass (gold) and genuine silver plate. Fish the Syclops deep and slow. It's an excellent "countdown" lure. As soon as it hits the water, begin counting. If the lure hits bottom when you reach ten, start your next retrieve at eight.