You had a successful fishing trip on one of the many lakes in Saskatchewan, you caught and kept some northern pike. Now you need to know

How To Clean Northern Pike. The fastest, and probably the most used method for cleaning is to fillet them.  When finished, the fillet can be used for frying, baking, bbqing, canning or any other way, for consuming the results of your successful fishing trip. 

 

As with everything, practice makes better and with years of practice perhaps perfect, to someone you show how to do it anyway. The first time you clean a northern pike your fillet is not going to be perfect or very good looking either. When I did my first fish, Grandpa laughed until his sides hurt, it was not pretty, but I got it done, hacked and in pieces.  However, after that first one the second was better and by the time I was done the days catch, well let’s just say, Grandpa didn’t fillet any fish again when I was with him!

  

Step 1: Lay fish on cutting board, I start with fish belly facing towards me. I find this side is harder to do if I start and take off other fillet first.  The second set of fins seem to get in the way and make more work.

 

 

Step 2: With knife lift fin and place blade up against back of gill plate, but on fish body. Make sure your knife is at same angle as gill plate cover.

 

 

Step 3: Cut straight down until you hit back bone. CAREFULL do NOT cut through back bone. When you get to, and knife is stopped by the back bone, turn your knife towards the tail. Hold the knife at about 45 degree angle and cut and follow the back bone to about 1 inch from the tail. STOP at about 1 inch and go slow the next step.

    

 

 

Step 4: Careful try not to cut through skin, thus separating fillet from fish. Cut until you are about ¾ – ½ of an inch from tail.

 

 

Step 5: Now flip the fillet and turn the tail of the fish so that fillet is laying completely flat on board. Note meat should be up and skin down.

  

 

 

Step 6: Place your knife on meat about ¼ inch from tail. Cut down to skin, BUT NOT THROUGH skin. But do not worry if you do see step 7b on how to do these.

   

 

 

Step 7a: When at skin turn your knife to face end of fish and slowly pull back on fish and move knife back and forth to start to separate meat from skin. Once it starts hold knife still and being careful not to lift skin to high away from table slowly pull fish away from the knife in a side to side motion. This will separate meat from skin.

 

 Step 7b: OOPS, you cut too far, the fillet is not attached to the fish. Knife was sharper than you thought is a great excuse if anyone was watching. No problem, you are filleting on a cutting board aren’t you, if not get one, spouse won’t like this next step if you do not use one.  Get a second knife with a sharp point. Simply stick tip into end of fillet and push hard against board to hold in place, now using fillet knife about ¼ inch from other cut down through meat to skin, but not through, turn knife towards end and slowly, move knife back and forth and follow skin far enough so you can grab skin.  Now hold onto skin, hold fillet knife still and slowly wiggle skin back and forth removing skin from meat.

 

 

 

Step 8: Alright you now have your first fillet done. Note you will see the white belly lining and rib bones attached, that is OK, just set fillet to the side out of the way, for the time being and now repeat steps 1 – 7 for the other side of the fish.  When done both sides discard the fish remains and continue filleting all your fish.

 

 

Step 9: Why do people not like to eat Northern Pike?  Bones and lots of them.  For a great feast, you want to ensure boneless northern pike fillets so no one has to pick out bones.  You have filleted all the fish, now you need to remove the bones. You can remove all the bones from Northern Pike. Removing all bones takes a little practice and time.  Follow steps 9a and 9b or bonus step for removing bones.  

 

 

 

Get a fillet to work on. Look at your fillet you will see the white belly with bones in them. See step 9a to remove these, and if you look close, you will see a line of white dots just above these, these are the Y bones. See step 9b to remove these. Run your finger over these. You feel and see, they are bones and all can be removed. Did you notice none of the bones go all the way to the tip of the tail but seem to end about 4 inches from the end.

 

 

 

Step 9a: Remove the white belly and all the rib bones. Take a good sharp filleting knife and with the tip cut along top of ribs tight up against the bone, slowly cut along and down these ribs, separating  meat from the ribs. Now do the same thing with the Y bones.

 

 

Step 9b: Take the tip of your knife and cut at an angle on one side of the Y until you reach and feel the bone, cut and follow these to the bottom of the fillet. Repeat for other side of Y bones. Now simply pull the piece away from the rest of the fish all the bones are in this scrap piece. Notice you did not go all the way to end of tail but came to end of the bones. See bonus step for this fast remove of bones.

 

Congratulations, you now know how to fillet pike, YOU have finished YOUR first Filleting A Northern Pike, and removed all the bones. SEE BONUS STEP for faster deboning of pike.

 

BONUS STEP:

Depending on the number of fish you caught, the number of people who are going to enjoy them, and what you plan on doing with them, then here is a faster step and what I do with Northern Pike. I enjoy a fresh meal of boneless fish and use the rest for canning.  YES, Northern Pike, are very good for canning and the finished product looks and tastes like canned Tuna.

 

 

 

A: When you have your fillets, I remove the rib bones as in step 9a. Then instead of step 9b, I simply cut the tail portion off where the Y bones end. Very fast way of de boning Pike..EH!

 

B: Put the extra fillet piece in double zip lock freezer bag and freeze. Note do not leave in freezer overly long before canning, fish freezer burns very quickly.

  

If, while fishing you caught 6 Northern Pike about 4 pounds each live weight, or you have frozen enough to make this amount, then you have enough to make 7 jars of canned fish.

 

SEE Northern Pike: A Practical Canned Fish Recipe.

 

Author: Greg Parkin, Practical Sportman,

Hunting and Fishing

Learn How To Fish

Fish and Game Recipes

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There are four ways to clean fish, Filleting, Skinning, Removing Innards, Scalling.  How to scale a northern pike, the principle is the same for all fish species with large scales. Not recommended and it is not advised to eat scales. Fish from the trout and salmon species have very, very small scales and you can consume them, but why would you?  In future articles I will give you instructions for how to clean Trout, How to clean Perch.

 

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Where do you start?

1) How big is the fish, less than 5lbs, You probably want to fillet it. 

2) Decide how do you want to cook the pike?

Fillet for frying the pike fillets.

Scale for poaching or baking in the oven.

Scale for foil wrapping on BBQ,

Scale and cut into steaks instead of fillets.

 

Lets start with you have a fish about 8lbs (any bigger should be released), and you want to stuff one and bake it. In this case you have to scale the fish and remove the inards.

 

HOW TO SCALE NORTHERN PIKE

To scale the fish, you want to be outside, at the lake or in a cleaning house, this can be messy and the wife will have no sense of hee-haw about scales all over her kitchen. However, it can be done at the kitchen table IF you are careful and follow this Practical advice.  GET A LARGE BLACK GARBAGE BAG about 3 feet square and use as a cover over the fish or put the fish in it as you scale them. It’s too late, you’re already home and didn’t scale the fish at the lake, so…..

 

Step 1:

Put the fish on the table in the Garbage Bag or spread the plastic out over top of the fish. Take a good stiff knife or scaling tool, reach into the Bag and scrape from the tail towards the head, you will see the scales come off, and the fish change color from green to white.  You have to do this for all sides of the fish including the back and belly. Notice the scales flip up at the plastic bag, if the bag was not there, imagine the mess, and the yelling, aren’t you glad for that garbage bag, you just avoided the dog house.

 

Step 2:

When done scaling all sides, no more come off, take the fish out of the bag, if you have more than one scale each in this bag the same way. When done scaling open the bag because you need to remove all the insides and finish cleaning the fish.  Simply take your knife insert the tip in the anal area and cut up the belly all the way to the head, then cut behind the gills down to backbone then to the belly, on each side to slit fish throat. Pull out all the innards and put in the plastic garbage bag. Repeat for all fish.

 

Step 3:

You have to cut off all the fins, tail and head from each fish putting them in the plastic bag. All that will be left is the body of the fish. When done all tie up the bag and take the mess to the garbage can.   

 

Step 4:

Wash the fish, while rinsing and cleaning make sure to use your thumb nail to remove the blood sacs along the back bone.

Remove any unwanted pieces at this time, missed fins, partial fins, etc.

 

Step 5:

Clean up the rest of the mess.  

Excellent, Simply put in double freezer zip lock bag or you can cut into 1 inch thick steaks.  Lay the fish on it’s side and cut entirely through fish at 1 or 1.5 inch intervals. You can fry, bbq or bake these now or when wanted, if you are going to bake in the oven or on the bbq right now, here is a simple recipe.

 

Baked Northern Pike

1 box of croutons, garlic or buttered

add spices to croutons (salt, lemon pepper, thyme)

2 teaspoons of melted butter, mix well

place mixture in cavity,

put a lemon slices on top of stuffing in the cavity, 

wrap in double aluminum foil and bake on the BBQ in medium heat

or

put in roaster and bake at 350 degrees in oven 

about 1 hour until flakes easily

 

If poaching just do not add the stuffing to the cavity.

 

You followed this Practical Advice on how to scale fish or northen pike, your choice now is how to use up the fish and when can you get out to catch more.  Enjoy Northern Pike it is a true fish of legends and dreams of catching a lunker is in everybody.  Plan a Pike Fishing Trip to Saskatchewan.  Every day on any of the hundreds of lakes, rivers and water bodies we hear fish are biting and big pike were caught, like everyone says, "A poor day of fishing beats a good day of work!"

 

 

Other Recipes:

Italian Baked Pike

Baked Trout

Canned Northern Pike

 

 

 

 

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The Best Lures For Your Tackle Box

 

The best lure for Walleye, Pike, Perch, Trout or any other fish is…. The one that fish bite on. (Ha! Ha!)  It is not the hook or lure it is the strategy, system and technique that catches fish the hook or lure only holds the fish until we can get our hands on the fish.  There is no single hook that will catch fish, but some lures fished will produce bites no matter what system you use.  There really is only 4 strategies for fishing, Bank or bottom fishing, Casting, Vertical Jigging, or Trolling. There are many techniques and systems used within these strategies, and thousands of lures used in each.  However, there are a few lures that work in all 4 strategies.

 

In Tackle Box Your Briefcase we discussed the need of a good tackle box. Terminal Tackle Tackle Box Must Haves you got a basic list of terminal tackle you needed. In this article Tackle Box The best Lures I will give you the 12 fishing lures every tackle box should start out with, because they catch fish day after day, trip after trip, fish after fish.

 

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Before buying lures, remember these two tips.

1) On clear days and clear water use dark color lures. On overcast and/or muddy, stained water use bright color lures.

 

2) 100% of all lures catch the fisherman before it catches a single fish. 1000’s of lures to choose from. Why did you buy that one?

 

Even though I have several tackle boxes, rest assured the 12 lures every tackle box needs can be found in each. Simply because, you can, catch every species of fish on them.  “YA, RIGHT”…I can hear you from here. For you experienced fisherman and all those that have access to your father’s or grand father’s tackle box see how many of these are in there.  Alright, for you non believers and new fishermen, here is my list.

 

More fish have been caught on my first two choices than any other type of lure. They are:

#1) Len Thompson – 5 of Diamonds

#2) Len Thompson – Red & White

Purchase each of these in three sizes#0, #00 and #6. 5of diamonds is great color both in red but black diamonds work also. Red & White is the number one selling color lure and has been around forever. Other colors that work Green Frog and Orange Black Spots. 

 

#0 Large enough to troll even for Lake Trout

#00 Great for casting and vertical jigging 

#6 Excellant for vertical jig and light line casting

 

The next selections I use more than anything else, and they are:

#3) grub jig – 1/64 and 1/16 and 1/8 

#4) ¼ oz jig – fireball, eyeball, mimic minnow with stinger hook,

#5) flyer jigs – jigging minnows, perch, silver, green

 

Grub white with red dot tied directly to line, vertical year round

1/4 oz jigs, every strategy, with or without body or bait

Flyer jigs, vertical fishing in mid summer 30 feet of water, hang on

 

Jig heads: white, green, black, yellow, hot pink, lime green, charteuse, red, minnow

bodies: single and double tail, 3" same colors as heads.

The great thing about these is that you can change many bodies on few hooks.

 

These next selections I use these from early spring, to late fall.

#6) Rapalla Original Floating in perch(fire tiger) or silver

#7) Rapalla Shad Rap (SR-5 series) perch(fire tiger), silver shad 

#8) Rapala Minnow Rap in perch (fire tiger), silver, blue

 

Floaters run 0 – 2 feet deep

Shap Raps usually run 2 – 8 feet deep

Minnow Raps Husky Jerks run 8 – 15 feet deep

The bigger the lip the deeper they dive

 

These should be the beginnings of your hard, stick or minnow baits. The reason they are called minnow baits is because they look like minnows.  What are the most common minnows; Perch, shad, shiners, cisco. These can be casted or trolled. Add a three way swivel, a weight and they can be used to troll in deep water.

 

The next selection are standards from my Grandfather

#9) Ruby eye wiggler, either single or double eye, straight silver.

#10) Canadian Wiggler 3” Silver

Great for casting but try them when you are trolling trying to find that first fish. If you are competitive when fishing you probably have a small wager on first fish, biggest fish and most fish caught on a trip, grandpa and I did (25cents). I won first fish with one of these two lures most of the time.  I used these long before using rapala and stick baits, and caught many walleye and pike.  I still prefer or will start with this when I troll closer to shore.

 

The next hooks are the simplest and can be purchased or made with very cheap parts. Some beads, a colorado #10 silver blade and a j or #2 straight hook.

#11) Worm Harness (factory made or make your own). 

#12) 3 way swivel trolling setup (system others claim it is a lure)

You can tie #11 onto #12 or use any of the above lures on the 3 way set up.

 

Alright, there you have it my list of the top 12 lures I have and you should have in your tackle box. With these 12 lures you can fish every situation.  When it is sunny, overcast, windy or calm, by casting, trolling, jigging, bottom river/shore (bank) or boat, in clear, stained, cloudy or muddy water, through/in shallow, suspended, deep or flowing water, fishing the points, drop-offs, basins, weedy or sand bottoms you have the hook to use.

 

OK, the BIG question, how many of these did you find in the tackle box you checked. 5 – 7 doing good, 8 – 10 doing great, 11 or 12 excellant tackle box. 

 

Find out the weight of your big fish Fish Length To Weight and always Plan Your Fishing Trip. Watch for future articles on lures for your tackle box.

 

 

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NORTHERN PIKE SIZE CHART

Slough Shark, Hammer Handle, Pike, Water Devil, whatever name you call it by, it is the #1 fresh water trophy fish.  Just the name brings up images of monsters, now imagine catching these on a regular basis.  Both males and females mature at about 5 years of age. Males average 36 inches  and live up to 25 years.  Females live much longer and have been caught over 55 inches and exceeding 50 pounds.

 

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Copyright © Greg Parkin, The Practical Sportman

http://www.practicalsportman.com

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NORTHERN PIKE
	AVERAGE LENGTH		AVERAGE
AGE	Inches	cm	WEIGHT
1	10	25	0.2
2	13	28	0.5
3	19	48	1.4
4	22	54	1.9
5	24	61	2.3
6	26	66	2.7
7	27	68	3.1
8	28	71	3.4
9	29.5	75	3.7
10	31	78	4
11	32	80	5.2
12	32.5	82	6.3
13	33	84	7.6
14	34	87	10
15	35	88	10.5
16	36	90	11
17	37	93	12.5
18	38	98	15
19	39	99	18
20	40	101	21
21	41.5	105	23
22	43	109	25
23	44.5	113	28
24	46	117	31
25	46.7	118	32.5
26	47	119	34
27	47.5	120	35.5
28	48	122	37
29	48.5	123	38.5
30	49	124	40
30+	49.5+	124+	40+

 

 

About the Author:

————————————————————————————

Greg Parkin, A Practical Sportman,

With over 35 years of experience in the sports of

Fishing, Hunting, Trapping, Camping and Outdoor experience.

I can help YOU, “Get the Trophy Of  YOUR Dreams!”

————————————————————————————

Until then,

May you never get a backlash, 

 

Greg Parkin, The Practical Sportman

http://www.practicalsportman.com

http://www.parkinenterprize.com

 

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Walleye are one of the most fished species of fish.

In my opinion there is no better tasting fish, but, Perch

run a close second.

 

Here are 2 recipes that you can use if you have any left over fish.

However if your family is like mine, it will not be very likely you

will have any leftovers, and will have to use fresh fish.

 

AH, but the best tasting fish is, fresh fish, and it gives you an excuse

to go fishing.

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Copyright © Greg Parkin, The Practical Sportman

http://www.practicalsportman.com

———————————————————————

 

The first is a fish chowder soup and the second is deep fried fish nuggets.When my Grandma made this chowder she made sure to phone me as it is very good.

She used walleye, northern pike, trout and salmon all tasted great this way.The second my mom made quite often from fresh caught fish both walleye and northern pike.

 

GRANDMA’s WALLEYE FISH CHOWDER

1 cup diced onion (she used red but white also works)

3 cups peeled and diced potatoes (bite size)

1 – 1 ½ cups peeled and diced carrots

½ – 1 cup diced celery

5 cups water

 1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon table salt

1 teaspoon seasoning salt (lowerys)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon chilli powder

 

1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes (do not drain)

1 ½ – 3 cups cubed fish (walleye)

 

Secret Ingredient

6 pieces of bacon fried until crisp and broken into small pieces

 

Note: Walleye is a soft flesh so will flake and break up easily.

In soup kettle or stock pot put all ingredients (except can tomatoes, bacon and fish)

 

Cover and simmer until all vegetables are tender. Add tomatoes, bacon and fish.

Simmer until heated through and fish is white(cooked). Serve with hot fresh bread.

 

 

MOM’s DEEP FRIED WALLEYE NUGGETS

2 eggs

¼ cup fine crushed crackers

¼ cup dry bread crumbs

¼ cup finely chopped onion

½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

¼ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon seasoned salt

1 ½ cups cooked flaked fish (walleye, northern pike)

 

Note: if using northern pike make sure there are no bones

Mix all ingredients in mixing bowl.

Roll into 1 inch oblong balls (like tater tots)

Heat oil in deep fryer to 375 degrees

Drop in a few nuggets and fry until golden brown

Drain on paper towel.

If you wish serve with tartar sauce

Mom made homemade French fries to go with these.

 

Practical Sportman

Greg Parkin

http://www.parkinenterprize.com

http://www.practicalsportman.com

http://www.practicalsportmanfishing.com

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This is my personal favourite, fresh de-boned fillets are used in this Fried Walleye Recipe. Leaves the fish crisp on the outside, but is tender and moist on the inside.  Walleye are one of the most fished species of fish. In my opinion there is, no better tasting fish. But, Perch run a close second.

 

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Terminal Tackle..Tackle Box Must Haves

 

Basic tackle, both terminal and lures you will have to put in your new Plano Guide Series Hard Tackle Box or Softsider Tackle Box.  Remember terminal tackle will include your rod, reel, landing net, life jacket, fishing vest, basically anything you do not tie or connect to your fishing line. In the previous article Tackle Box, Your Business Briefcase, we discussed the need of a good tackle box. Every good tackle box will continue to grow with items you will use or need.  However, Every tackle box should have the following items:

 

 

Spare Spool with or spare line

When you bought your Rod and Reel, you may have gotten a spare reel spool with it.  This is great, look at your reel and determine what size line is on it.  What you want to do is put a lighter or heavier line on the spare spool depending on what came on the reel. You want to use 6 – 12 pound line when fishing.  Thus, if going walleye or pan fish fishing use the 6 – 8 lb line. Northern Pike or bottom bank and river fishing use 10 -12 pound line. If you did not get a spare spool you can order them or make sure you have line on rod for what fish you will be fishing for most of the time. Better yet buy the new braided lines such as Berkley FireLine or Vanish Fluorocarbon these give you the strength in a smaller diameter line.

 

6” Multi-Function Pliers and/or 11” Pliers

I carry two pairs of needle nose pliers a 4inch pair and a 8 inch pair, the bigger the fish, the deeper the hook. Northern pike have lots of teeth. I suggest you get at least one pair for your box. Those teeth can shred your finger very quickly and they bleed for a long time and sting as well.

 

Fish Mouth Spreaders (fish gag)

Use to hold the fish’s mouth open, while you remove your lure. If your lure was hit aggressively it could be really deep, hooked in top of gullet or inner gills and you would be surprised as to how well they can keep that mouth closed making it impossible to get your lure out. After you remove your lure in this deep hook situation, you may have to keep the fish as it will most likely die if you turn it loose. Best thing here is to just cut your line and forfeit the lure.

 

Chain Stringer or 72" Nylon Stringer

Either nylon rope type or metal loop style (especially if bank fishing, keep your fish as fresh as possible) If using the string, with your first fish, you need to push the

needle end through the underneath or bottom then out the mouth and trough the circle ring each additional fish just push needle end through. With the snap type put one fish per snap, again up through the bottom then out through the mouth and snap closed. Make sure the ring end is attached to a good solid bank stick or anchor so fish do not get away with your stringer.

 

Swivels with Fast-Lock Snap

Can get in brass or black, these are tied to your line and act as a swivel and snap, to keep line from twisting and tangling, and a quick connect to lures and leaders. The larger the number of snap, the smaller the snap size. I use 7 and 10’s and in black, harder for the fish to see.

 

Wire Leaders

Northern pike can bite through line faster than you can cut it with a knife. Leaders prevent this, as they are metal, and are black or nickel. They come in  6, 9, 12 or 18 inches long.  These are tied directly to your line and the lure attached to the snap on the leader or snapped onto the snap swivel. I use 6 and 9 inch black leaders,

because here in Saskatchewan with every cast you do not know but a “Slough Shark”(northern pike) may bite.

 

Eye buster tool

All new hooks usually have paint in the eye hole. In order for you to pass your line, snap swivel or leader snap through you need to get this paint out. An eye tool is safest, but you could use another lure and push the hook through the paint, this will work but be careful the paint is hard and the hook sharp, small slip will leave the hook in your finger.

 

Rapala Line Clipper or Buck Toothpick Pocket Knife

Finger nail clippers or knife are used to cut extra line when finished tying knots to lures, snaps and leaders (don’t use your teeth)

 

Manual Knife and Hook Sharpener

One of the most important items you will need. Always, make sure to sharpen hooks before using them, almost all fish are lost at initial bite because of a dull hook.

 

Waterproof Matches, wind proof matches, FireSteel Fire Starter

Make sure these are in a water tight container (never know when you will have to make a fire)

 

First Aid Kit (Level 2) & Boat Safety Kit

Bandages for after you remove that fish hook you jabbed into your finger trying to get the paint out of the eye. As well as for the basic survival items it contains.

 

Emergency Rod Tip Repair Kit

Accidents happen, most rods break between the last two eyes on your rod. You can cut off the extra rod at the top of the second eye but casting is still going to be a pain. Most tips come as a kit with a heat shrink tube to try and join the broken pieces and an eye tip you can fit over the broken end to become the new rod tip.

 

Casting Sinkers, Split Shot Sinker Kit, Lead weights, and Bottom Bouncer Sinkers

Weights used to get lures down to fish, getting line to bottom of river or lake or for walleye fishing to bounce off the bottom of the lake as you float or slowly troll.

 

Buck Small Fixed Blade Knife

May need, if for nothing else, to cut limbs for the fire, the sticks to hold you dog or smokie for shore lunch or to cut a boat plug for the one you forgot at home.

 

Spare spark plug, crescent wrench, Snap-Handle Drain Plug

When you are on the other end of the lake is when your motor will act up and not start. It is a long row back to get the one in your glove box or have to drive to the nearest store to get one. Spare boat plug because you took yours out to let the boat drain if rained, but forgot it at home.

 

Fillet Knife Plier Combo and a Fillet Glove

Most lakes have cleaning stations, that way Your Honey will not complain about the mess on her kitchen table. Make sure when cleaning you have a cleaning glove to grip fish or protect hand from sharp knife. Leave the 2 inches of outer skin on for species Identification the Conservation Officer is going to be looking for when you get checked. As well make sure you have your Licence.

 

Reclosable Zip Bags

To put the fillets in, carry your maps, holding your fishing license, use for anything that you need to protect from water or dampness.

 

Low Odor MAXI-DEET Repellent and After Bite

Of course there is bugs, mosquitoes, no-see-ums, horse flies, sand flies, and a whole host of biting critters.

 

SPF 50 Waterproof Sunblock PLUS After Sun Spray

For nose, ears, and arms, reflection from the water makes sun burns very easy and very intense in a very short time.

 

Spare vehicle keys

Of course you are going to loose the main set or leave them in the ignition when you lock the doors. After all they are the last thing on your mind when you get to the fishing spot.

 

Original Maglite Flashlight and batteries

To search for the lost keys in the dark or to see as you walk on the trail or road, after giving up looking for the keys 

The number 1 thing for every Fishing Trip Never forget to bring a roll of TP paper, leaves are a bit rough. Hope you can tell the difference between regular leaves and poison ivy (hint avoid any serrated edge leaves).

 

You now have the mission of obtaining these Terminal Tackle items if you wish to accept it. In part 3, I will give you the list of the 12 lures every tackle box must have.  These will solve the; “What are the best lures to use when I fish for….”

 

 

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A tackle box is the second piece of terminal tackle you will  need. Fishing is a sport, and like all sports, you need the right equipment to play. Better yet you need something to put your tools of the trade in.
Carpenters have tool belts, Mechanics have tool chests, Businessmen have briefcases so what do fisherman have? At least one, if not more Tackle Boxes.There are basically two types, a hard sided or a soft sided tackle box. They both have trays for lure storage and good sized extra area for larger terminal tackle, such as pliers, sharpeners, and all your other equipment.

 

A tackle box is the second piece of terminal tackle you will need. Fishing is a sport, and like all sports, you need the right equipment to play. Better yet you need something to put your tools of the trade in. Carpenters have tool belts, Mechanics have tool chests, Businessmen have briefcases so what do fisherman have? At least one, if not more Tackle Boxes.  There are basically two types, a hard sided or a soft sided tackle box. They both have trays for lure storage and good sized extra area for larger terminal tackle, such as pliers, sharpeners, and all your other equipment.

 

 

We have discussed, the ethics and things you need to know in the article, “10 Things To Consider Before Beginning To Fish”.  You, were able to choose the right rod for your use in the article, “What Fishing Rod Do I Choose”.  In this article (part 1 of 3) we are going to discuss the second most important piece of equipment you need in this sport.  A GOOD TACKLE BOX.

 

Before you start getting any tackle, the questions to ask is: Where are you going to store these lures and equipment, and how are you going to carry them.  Hooks are very sharp and have a tendency to hook everything before they catch any fish.  Also, if you need a pair of pliers or a mouth spreader to take out a lure where are you getting them from. Therefore, the second most important piece of equipment you need is a good tackle box.

 

Get a good tackle box, as you are starting out I suggest a removable tray box at least 3 trays and with a good deep bottom or top other than the actual lure trays. A Plano Guide Series Tackle Box hard box or a Plano Elite Soft Tackle Bag.  Practical reason for this, you will have one tray for each species of fish or type of lure you will use.  You can purchase extra Plano Guide Series StowAway Utility Boxes, and switch out the trays to the best lures for the type of fish you are going after.  Mine is set up by lure type: hard baits and spoons, jigs, pan fish and small lures and I have several ttrays for each type of these. This size is big  enough to start with, and you can, as you continue to fish over the years, upgrade to larger tackle box if needed or purchase a second tackle box.

 

All tackle boxes will have separated compartments for lures and a larger bottom area for putting terminal tackle in. Make sure, you get one, with a strong latch snap or snap made from metal that will hold the box closed.  Second, make sure it has a good solid handle for carrying it to and from truck, garage, basement, boat, river, shore and pier trips. The last thing you want is to have it come open and spill your contents everywhere.

 

Most people have more than one tackle box, but will have one that represents a lifetime of trials and tribulations, tears of frustration and of joy in this sport.  I, have 3 tackle boxes.  Now hold on, I have been at this sport for 35 years, and have accumulated several dozens of  lures, you know the ones that are guaranteed to catch fish. Yep, they caught the fisherman first.

 

Fishing over the years and being a PracticaI Sportman, I have arranged my boxes so that I do not carry hooks that I would not use when targeting or fishing for specific fish or times of year.  I have a main box, A Plano Guide Elite Tackle Box that has the majority of my favorite lures in it and several trays with same style but different color or sizes of the lures.  A second that has my ice fishing lures, almost as big. Third, has trout related lures. My reasoning behind this is there are lures in the trout box such as flies, and spinners and snell hooks that I only use while fishing these fish.  In winter you do not use rapala or other hard bait fish lures so why carry them.

 

Your mission if you choose it, is to go and purchase a good tackle box.  In part 2, I will provide you with a complete list of terminal tackle to put in your new Plano Softsider Tackle Box.

 

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Taking that fishing trip of a lifetime this year or maybe you are Planning A Fishing Trip to Saskatchewan. Catch trophy walleye, northern pike, lake trout and grayling all from the same destination. If you’re heading to Canada, make sure you have the proper paperwork for a carefree crossing or it might turn into the headache of a lifetime.  For beautiful scenery and an amazing outdoor adventure, freshwater fishing in Canada is a perfect setting. Canada provides some of the best fishing opportunities on the planet. In northern Saskatchewan, the fishing is unparalleled on the continent. You will experience not only big fish, but aggressive fish. Expect to catch lots of Pike and Walleye. 

 

 

The Canadian Prairie Provinces are more than just prairie! Don’t let this given handle fool you. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba is spotted with over three hundred thousand lakes. Each with it’s own dazzling scenery both flora and fauna. Picture being tucked into a lake deep in the Canadian Shield where there is nothing but your lodge nestled in wispering spruce, overlooking clear, blue, calm water of the lake, with a loon crying in the distance. Did you see that fish surface just out from the boat launch? Talk about amazing fishing opportunities. Many folks swear by the northern Prairie Provinces and they revisit every year.  Meals, most want the famous shore lunches, fish you caught straight from the water to the frying pan. You can not get any fresher tasting fish than the mild tasting Walleye.

 

What type of fish can you catch? Take a look at the types of Fish Found in Saskatchewan.

Walleye remains the centerpiece. Their spirited nature and great taste make them the most sought after fish. This is the fish legends are made around for sheer numbers you catch. Once you feel the tug on your line and solid weight or see the white tipped golden flash as it takes off from the boat you will be hooked on catching more. 

 

Perch or Yellow Perch these are a close cousin to the walleye. Taste the same and 2 pound fish are common. In most lakes when fishing as you retreive your lure, it is nothing to see whole schools of these fish following your lure. You can spend many hours anchored in the same spot fighting these scrappy little fish.

 

Trout consist of the "KING" of char the Lake Trout, but you will also find rainbow, brown, brook and splake. Latching onto a 40plus pound laker or seeing a rainbow spring its body completely out of the water is worth the price of admission alone. 

 

Northern Pike "The Fish Of Dreams" are perhaps the most aggressive freshwater fish in Canada. Pike well over 40 pounds are caught every year and it is common to catch several over 20 pounds every outing. A pending new record of 55lbs was caught in 2009. 



However, all the above can only happen when you get here.  Here is the beginning or first step you need to know:

Vital News Fishermen Need To Know

The rules recently changed regarding the types of identification needed to cross the border. Making matters even more confusing is that  U.S. and Canada border requirements are not necessarily the same but are closely linked.

 

The following documents of identification serve as satisfactory proof of American citizenship when traveling to and from Canada (note that photocopies of ID must be notarized):

 

You need will need minimum of 2 pieces of id:

at least one current photo id  (such as a current driver’s license)

AND

a U.S. passport 

a birth certificate 

a certificate of citizenship or naturalization.

 

What about Customs and transporting my fishing rods and tackle?

Both can be checked as luggage but check on airline restrictions weight and length conditions. Also depending on location you may also have to catch a private plane into the actual fishing camp.  The main airline may not have restrictions, but the private flight will likely have fly-in restrictions and over weight charges, so choose your tackle with care. 

 

What Should I bring? This is the common first question all visitors have go to Choose What To Bring for help

 

Going to Canada Walleye Fishing, for most fishermen, this will be the trip of a life time, do not let it be ruined at the border. Plan Your Fishing Trip.

Oh, and don’t forget the camera.  The scenery here is spectacular. Remember, one picture is worth a thousand words, so how many words are you going to capture.

 

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The first piece of terminal tackle to purchase is a fishing rod, reel and line combo. Spincast, spinning, baitcast, light action, medium, heavy which one is for you?  Preparing to catch the sought after fish is a must before actually fishing. You must have the proper basic fishing equipment and supplies. This includes equipment being used for fishing, which should be based on the intended target fish size. The location of the fish should also be a consideration as well as the strategy you will use to catch them. Don’t forget the type and size of lures you want to use and in what type of structure you will be fishing.

 

 

How are you going to catch fish if you do not have some sort of Fishing Rod? A fishing rod is the SINGLE most important piece of equipment you will ever purchase. You do not want to purchase a cheap rod, spend the extra cash, it will make the difference between a great fishing experience and frustration. If you like to fish and want to enjoy some time fishing be sure to get a good fishing rod and reel. When you have the right tools at your disposal you will find that fishing will be an enjoyable time for you and the other people that you go with. Learn all you can about fishing so that you can become better at it. Be sure that you have a good tackle box to take with you when you are planning to spend some time out on the water. When you have the best equipment available, fishing won’t be a frustrating experience.

 

Get The Right Rod And Reel For You

As a new fisherman, you do not know if you are going to like and/or continue fishing so do not buy more than one fishing rod. Some people have several rod and reel combos, each set up for the different type of fishing they will do. Stiff for bank/bottom fishing, heavy for trolling, light for jigging, ultra light for finesse fishing.

 

5 Things to look for when choosing a rod: 

Power: backbone strength for battling hook ups

Length: The type of fishing and type of lures used

Pieces: single piece, 2 piece or multi piece rods. 

Tip Action: Soft or Stiff, softer the tip more accurate. 

Sensitivity: feel the bottom, light fish strikes.

 

In choosing a rod, choose a graphite for medium action. Choose a design that is over 6 feet, and in 2 pieces. This will allow ease of transporting, casting, sitting, jigging and trolling from your boat or shore fishing. Graphite has a more sensitive top half and tip to feel and see those light bites but has the harder lower half for fighting, ripping, pulling fish and structure.

 

The 4 most common reels are:

Spincast: press and hold button, release as you swing rod forward. Zebco Bill Dance Spincast Combo

Spinning: hold line, flip bail, release as swing forward. Quantum Spinning Combo

Baitcast: flat wind, beginners get lots of bird’s nest/backlashes. Browning Baitcast Combo

Fly: strip line, snap long rod to get the line and fly great distances. White River Fly Outfits

 

In choosing a reel I recommend a spinning reel. These have quick drag settings on top or back of reel for assistance in battling with fish, have 1 to 5 ball bearings, smooth line pick up, allow for quick change from right to left handed use, come with spare spool for second line and quick change of line with push of button. The spinning reel can be spooled with 8lb diameter braided line and the spare spool with 10lb diameter this will allow for line pound test at 14 – 25 pounds. 

 

When you have the right rod and reel you want to obtain the best line to spool on your reel that fits the rod’s characteristics.  Too light and you loose lures to fish, bottom and casting, too heavy  and you won’t be able to cast lighter lures.

 

Types of Line: 

Fly line: floating or sinking

Monofilament: plastic line, was the most used line

Braided: small diameter, big weight class, most versatile line

Flurocarbon: small diameter, high strength, high priced

 

In choosing Fishing line, Look for a strong, reliable small diameter line.  Don’t be afraid to pay for quality.  Don’t be afraid to change it every year. Loosing 2 crankbaits because of poor line or old line costs more than a new spool of good line every year. When you’re out on the water, fighting a trophy fish, you’ll thank yourself for not scrimping on cheap line, or curse yourself for not using better line when the fish busts off. I recommend and use fireline, 8lb diameter but 14lb test weight. 

 

My Recommended Rod and Reel For You to BUY:

The same as I use, Shakespeare Ugly Stik Spinning Rod Reel Combo, 7 foot in length, 2 piece, construction, with spinning reel, spooled with 8lb fireline.  This rod reel combo is a medium action rod, almost indestructable, has a light action tip for finesse jigging walleye, but enough back bone to battle several 20lb pike. Comes apart for easy transportation to and from the lake as well as in the boat. A series 50 ball bearing reel with smooth casting and back end drag control dial, spooled with 8lb Fireline. 

 

Other things to consider and check out:

Shop around do some comparison pricing .

Compare the same type and features, use the rule of 5.

Check out the different stores including wall-mart. 

Shop during a sale will ensure that you save money.

Sometimes you can get extra discounts when you shop online.

Make sure take advantage of any rebates or discounts .

Ask selling clerk sometimes they throw in leaders or hooks.

 

Getting a good fishing rod and reel or combo, at a great price, that fits your fishing needs will feel like a great accomplishment. A fishing rod and/or reel make an excellent gift for someone. Basic rule to apply here is the more experienced the fisherman the lighter you want to go, try ultra light. After all these people usually are after the fight with catch and release and fishing experience more so than catching a limit of fish. Once you have a good fishing rod and reel get ready to spend plenty of time out on the water. Fishing with the right equipment will give you plenty of hours of relaxation and fun.To be successful always Plan Your Fishing Trip .  

   
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