It has been a personal goal of mine for sometime to catch all three native Ohio Esox species on hook and line in one year; Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), Northern Pike (Esox lucius), and Grass Pickerel (Esox americanus vermiculatus). After last year's attempt was thwarted by the latter of the three, I was determined to make it happen in 2020. After success with the more difficult taxa earlier in the season, I made the long drive yesterday to an excellent pike stream in Northern Ohio to finish up my challenge (And catch an extra dozen for a victory lap). Meet the contenders:
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Northern Pike
The unsung hero of northern Ohio farm ditches. Found in many streams in the Erie watershed and a select few in the Ohio drainage, this is the Everyman's Esox. Although individuals in Ohio don't seem to get as big as they do up north, their eagerness to bite and aggressive pulls make for a fun afternoon of fishing on medium-light tackle.
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Muskellunge
The big one. Top dog in several streams and lakes across the state, this impressive predator has made a name for itself as one of the most highly sought-after freshwater sport fish in North America. Often called the fish of 10,000 casts, this fish has been known to elude even the most seasoned of fisherman. However, many populations have recovered in the decades since the passing of the Clean Water Act. Nonetheless, once you hook into a musky over 40 inches, you'll know your time seeking them was well spent.
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Grass Pickerel
My arch nemesis, the "Mini-me" Esox. If the Musky is the fish of 10,000 casts, the Grass Pickerel is the fish of 100,000 casts. Common in wetlands, oxbows, backwaters, marshes, headwater streams and ditches. Although prevalent across the state, these snot-rockets have proved elusive to catch on a rod as a result of their behavior. These predators spend their time in shallow water in thick vegetation, ambushing small minnows, frogs, and anything else that happens to wander into their gaze. This habitat preference, combined with their seemingly excellent eyesight, makes it extremely difficult to present a bait in front of them without snagging weeds or spooking them as they dart away (and more often both of these things). I spent well over 100 hours of driving, wading, and kayaking without so much as hooking one before I caught one. Nonetheless, for me, the Grass Pickerel has served as a reminder that patience and dedication despite continuous failure will eventually pay off.
Northern Pike
The unsung hero of northern Ohio farm ditches. Found in many streams in the Erie watershed and a select few in the Ohio drainage, this is the Everyman's Esox. Although individuals in Ohio don't seem to get as big as they do up north, their eagerness to bite and aggressive pulls make for a fun afternoon of fishing on medium-light tackle.
Muskellunge
The big one. Top dog in several streams and lakes across the state, this impressive predator has made a name for itself as one of the most highly sought-after freshwater sport fish in North America. Often called the fish of 10,000 casts, this fish has been known to elude even the most seasoned of fisherman. However, many populations have recovered in the decades since the passing of the Clean Water Act. Nonetheless, once you hook into a musky over 40 inches, you'll know your time seeking them was well spent.
Grass Pickerel
My arch nemesis, the "Mini-me" Esox. If the Musky is the fish of 10,000 casts, the Grass Pickerel is the fish of 100,000 casts. Common in wetlands, oxbows, backwaters, marshes, headwater streams and ditches. Although prevalent across the state, these snot-rockets have proved elusive to catch on a rod as a result of their behavior. These predators spend their time in shallow water in thick vegetation, ambushing small minnows, frogs, and anything else that happens to wander into their gaze. This habitat preference, combined with their seemingly excellent eyesight, makes it extremely difficult to present a bait in front of them without snagging weeds or spooking them as they dart away (and more often both of these things). I spent well over 100 hours of driving, wading, and kayaking without so much as hooking one before I caught one. Nonetheless, for me, the Grass Pickerel has served as a reminder that patience and dedication despite continuous failure will eventually pay off.
