Northern Pike, Pickerel and Muskie
Predatory, fish-eating Northern Pike, Pickerel and Muskie are the wolves of fresh water. They characteristically lie in wait in shallow, weedy water, poised to pounce on anything which moves and promises to be edible. Above this, they are mean tempered enough to pile into anything which behaves provocatively but which doesn't resemble in the least any known item of food. Thus, they are vulnerable to both natural offerings (bait fish) and lures which simply create excitement.
The Panther Martin® Minnow is therefore a natural for these closely related species. The whirring PM blade stirs 'em with its disturbing turbulence while the lifelike PM Minnow promises a meal!
The bait caster will find the 1 -oz Minnow best suited to his need, while the half ounce size is the best choice for the spin fisherman - unless his outfit is of heavy duty type and can handle the heavier lure.
The Panther Martin® S is also a pike and pickerel killer in both sizes, with the 1-oz weight perhaps a bit better for pickerel although not necessarily. Both pickerel and northern pike are so voracious that even the smaller of both species will tackle very large lures.
When fishing for pike, pickerel, and muskie, cast to the edges of weed beds and pad patches. Try any spots which lie above sunken weed growths. Probe all shoreline pockets, shallow coves and other spots which suggest cover. Retrieve at moderate speed but stir up maximum fuss and glitter with jerks of the rod. Set the hook hard with each strike, then set it again! Pike and large pickerel clamp down on a lure with tremendous pressure and it often requires a hard yank to move the lure enough for the hooks to engage.
Always use a short wire trace (ten-inch) ahead of pickerel, muskie, and pike lures. Otherwise, they will chop off many a lure with their sharp teeth. Out of respect for the latter, it is wise to remove hooks only with the help of pliers.