Determinants of angling catch of northern pike (Esox lucius) as revealed by a controlled whole-lake catch-and-release angling experiment—The role of abiotic and biotic factors, spatial encounters and lure type
Pike were more readily captured on soft plastic shads rather than on lures. Size of pike captured was unrelated to lure type. Pike learned to avoid capture over seven days of fishing. Pike captured in the sublittoral were the smallest individuals. Best fishing ingredients are fishing time and proper site choice.