mackkie Posted May 22, 2007 Posted May 22, 2007 I have been catching pickerel quite a bit this spring, but when I went fishing on a friends boat on a small pond in Massachusetts, I caught 2 of the biggest ive seen. Granted I havent been an avid fishermen for a long time, but i thought these were some big ones. My question is are these some of the bigger pickerel you've seen, or are they average in size. I know the Massachusetts state record is a little over 9lbs. Also, i didnt take measurements, but about what size do you think these guys are? (for reference, the guy holding the fish is 6'3" and has some big arms) I think the picture of the darker fish was a bigger one as far as girth...just was curious about my catch and wanted to consult some experts Thanks here is a link to the fish I caught: http://www.massbassin.com/trips/200705/may1407.htm Quote
Super User Marty Posted May 23, 2007 Super User Posted May 23, 2007 I can't really tell from the pictures, but they seem like nice pickerel. If you don't want to carry a scale, I'd recommend at least a tape measure. I never fish without one. Quote
Red Posted May 23, 2007 Posted May 23, 2007 the darker fish sure do look like pike to me...kinda hard to tell by the pics....here is a comparison...what do you think? http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/fishidentification/pikepickerelcomparison.htm Quote
mackkie Posted May 23, 2007 Author Posted May 23, 2007 the darker fish sure do look like pike to me...kinda hard to tell by the pics....here is a comparison...what do you think? http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/fishidentification/pikepickerelcomparison.htm Wow, good link...the darker one def looks like a pike to me as well after seeing the picture on that link you gave. Man...both of those fish gave me one hell of a fight. Thanks for the info! Quote
Super User T-rig Posted May 23, 2007 Super User Posted May 23, 2007 the darker fish sure do look like pike to me...kinda hard to tell by the pics....here is a comparison...what do you think? http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/fishidentification/pikepickerelcomparison.htm Yes, that's a pike. Those other one's are chain pickerel. This I would consider a pickerel (walleye, zander): Quote
Low_Budget_Hooker Posted May 23, 2007 Posted May 23, 2007 The ones with the black line running up and down, through the eye area, are pickerel. The larger one, without the line could be a small pike. Best way to tell is to count the mandibular pores. This is a Pike, they have 7-9 mandibular pores, a pickerel has 5-6 Also, the scales on the gill plate are different. The rear plate on a pickerel is entirely covered with scales whereas the Pike scales stop 1/2 way down. (below) Quote
Red Posted May 23, 2007 Posted May 23, 2007 yeah the pores are a surefire way to tell between a muskie and a pike too http://www.thefishinguide.com/pikemn.shtml yeah those fish are super agressive and tons of fun to catch...try using a buzzbait or a spinnerbait "bulging" the surface....the topwater strike is awesome! Cliff Quote
Cigarlover 1 Posted May 23, 2007 Posted May 23, 2007 Notice the chain formation down the body of the lighter fish. The Pike has dots. Also the pickeral has the vertical line going straight down from the eyes. Either way to nice fish. I'm sure they were fun to catch. Quote
Guest avid Posted May 24, 2007 Posted May 24, 2007 Best way to tell is to count the mandibular pores Ooooooooooh Russ. I love it when you talk dirty Quote
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