Pike Information And Facts.
Scientific Name: Esox Lucius
Maximum Weight: 70lb (32kg)
Maximum Length: 4ft 2in (1.27m)
Average Weight Caught: 7lb (3.2kg)
Life Span: 18-25 Years
The dorsal and anal fins are found near the tail to give the Pike huge launching power. The Pikes markings are yellow and green to help it blend in with the weeds. The eyes are set forward on the fish to give it some binocular vision helping it judge accurately distance. Finally the Pike has numerous sharp teeth.
British Record: 46lb 13oz (1992)
Scottish Record: 47lb 11oz (1945)
Irish Lake: 42lb 12oz (2005)
Irish River: 42lb (1964)
Welsh Record: 46lb 13oz (1992)
Off the record in 1920 an Irish Pike was said to weigh in at 53lb.
River Thurne Norfolk.
Pike over 40lb.
River Bure Norfolk.
Pike over 20lb.
Abberton Resevoir Essex.
Pike over 30lb.
Weirwood Resevoir Sussex.
Pike over 20lb.
Llandegfedd Resevoir South Wales.
Pike over 40lb.
Blithfield Resevoir Staffordshire.
Pike over 35lb.
Loch Lomond Scotland.
Pike over 35lb.
Loch Ken Scotland.
Pike over 20lb.
With a fishy tale of a pike weighing over 72lb being caught in 1774!
The make up of the Pike make this a streamlined powerful predatory fish which cannot be mistaken for any other.
THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE PIKE.
Most of the the year pike like to stay in deeper water but from March onwards the pike move to shallower water to spawn. The females who are the larger of the two sexes can hold upto 20000 eggs per pound of fish. Indeed the male of the species usually top out at around 12lb in weight.
Spawning takes alot out of the pike who after this event feed heavily to regain its strength. They feed on perch, roach and any other small fish they can find. These fish usually fall to the pike in the shallows where they too spawn in the spring. Very young pike eat water fleas and other aquatic life but as they increase in size turn their attention to their own species as well as the fry of other fish.
PIKE FEEDING TIMES.
It has been found that 60% of the pikes yearly intake of food is consumed two months after spawning in March and April with another peak in October when the pikes ovaries are developing. High summer water temperatures make the pike lethargic and less likely to feed.
HUNTING HABITS.
Because of their camouflage and their streamlined make up the pike excels at short bursts of speed making them excellent ambush feeders. They can be found on the finges of weed beds waiting for passing prey. The jaw is flexible letting the pike take large meals. They strike from the side and swallow prey head first. Allied with excellent eyesight the pike has an efficient sense of smell and a sophisticated radar type system.
The pikes preferred prey is between a fifth and a tenth of its own weight.
The Pike Vital Statistics.
Knowing Your Pike.
Pike Records.
Top Pike Waters.