Optimal eating size for Pike

[Hooked on Ice]

I plan to be out of the Old Cut first thing tomorrow morning with my son and daughter. We'll be in a bright orange 6' X 12' pop-up. I caught my first pike last winter, just wondering, what size is a good keeper for eating pike? Is there a minimal or maximum size for keepers? The one I kept last year was about 24", I let a 21" go a bit earlier that season.

Abe

 

[Quacker_Smacker]

Yep that’s right in the range for me any way.

 

[Fishboss]

I kept a 31" last season one of the best tasting fish I've ever had other than perch & pickerel

 

[JustForUs]

I find that any smaller than 24 or so the extra Y bone cannot be cleaned out efficiently

 

[jerk bait]

22 to 26 in best for cleaning and tasting. Alot ot northern water has slot size and this generally follows that. I think the slot size on the French is even smaller than that .

 

[Three Bouys]

I plan to be out of the Old Cut first thing tomorrow morning with my son and daughter. We'll be in a bright orange 6' X 12' pop-up. I caught my first pike last winter, just wondering, what size is a good keeper for eating pike? Is there a minimal or maximum size for keepers? The one I kept last year was about 24", I let a 21" go a bit earlier that season.

Abe

@Hooke on Ice i release a lot of pike, but if I decide to keep some for the freezer I’ll keep 5-8 lb’ers 28” or more. That size is a perfect eater. Ive had to keep bigger ones only due to hook carnage.

 

[Red Hering]

@Hooke on Ice i release a lot of pike, but if I decide to keep some for the freezer I’ll keep 5-8 lb’ers 28” or more. That size is a perfect eater. Ive had to keep bigger ones only due to hook carnage.

@Three Bouys You actually catch pike 5-8 lb’ers 28” or more?? LOL See you on long point bay,my friend.

 

[Wave Runner]

@Three Bouys… I thought you used the 5-8 pounders for bait to catch the big pike?

 

[ch312]

I find 24" pike to be my target for food as you get nice fillets that seem to be perfect for deep frying and they fit perfectly in my cooler. Use the 5 fillet method cutting each fillet off the carcass individually.

For the bigger ones over 30" that cannot be released i usually make a batch of sweet pickled pike where deboning isn't required.


Dont forget to bleed the fish for a minute while holding it head down.

 

[jerk bait]

I find 24" pike to be my target for food as you get nice fillets that seem to be perfect for deep frying and they fit perfectly in my cooler. Use the 5 fillet method cutting each fillet off the carcass individually.

For the bigger ones over 30" that cannot be released i usually make a batch of sweet pickled pike where deboning isn't required.


Dont forget to bleed the fish for a minute while holding it head down.

Completely agree

 

[Hooked on Ice]

Thanks guys. We went out today, not a single bite or sight of any fish for us today. Fun was had though. 7" of ice.

 

[ch312]

Another use for pike....my chowder-like creation. Made some again tonight for dinner and even the picky wife (only eats perch and fish sticks) likes it.

1lb of fish cubed
3 large potatoes cubed
1 small onion diced
1 stalk celery sliced
1/2 cup corn
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 tbsp chicken stock powder
Salt, pepper, mrs dash seasoning
Enough milk to cover everything about 1"


Toss it all in a pot on low heat and simmer 45 minutes. Stir 2 tbsp corn starch into some cold water and slowly add to pot while stirring to thicken.


Ive made this a few times now and its great for a cold winter day.

 

[Red Hering]

Another use for pike....my chowder-like creation. Made some again tonight for dinner and even the picky wife (only eats perch and fish sticks) likes it.

1lb of fish cubed
3 large potatoes cubed
1 small onion diced
1 stalk celery sliced
1/2 cup corn
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 tbsp chicken stock powder
Salt, pepper, mrs dash seasoning
Enough milk to cover everything about 1"


Toss it all in a pot on low heat and simmer 45 minutes. Stir 2 tbsp corn starch into some cold water and slowly add to pot while stirring to thicken.


Ive made this a few times now and its great for a cold winter day.

Thanks for sharing your pike chowder recipe @ch312 I am already looking forward to trying this recipe on walleye’s,when the thames river spring walleye run is on.