HOT THIS MONTH

Fredrik Bäcksvart's remarkable 10.8 KG pike wasn't merely a stroke of luck—it was the culmination of strategic spot selection.

By positioning himself just outside a spawning bay, approximately five meters deep, Fredrik capitalized on the seasonal behavior of pike. As spring temperatures rose and ide likely spawned nearby, the area became a prime hunting ground for the hungry predators.

Fredrik's choice of gear played a pivotal role in his catch. Armed with a Daiwa Prorex AGS "Lazy Pike" rod, coupled with a Daiwa Tatulion 200 reel and 0.35mm Daiwa J-braid line. This setup provided the sensitivity needed to detect subtle strikes and the strength required to fight a trophy-sized catch.

Another key to Fredrik's success lay in his lure selection, particularly the Lazy Shad 20 cm in Motoroil Burbot color. For reasons unknown, Motoroil has earned a mystique among anglers, consistently proving effective in enticing bites and Fredrik's faith in this color paid off once again.

5 tips for spring pike fishing:

1. In early spring, focus your efforts near spawning areas, such as deeper edges and flats, where pike gather before spawning.

2. Invest in quality gear suited for spring pike fishing. Equip yourself with a sensitive rod like Prorex AGS, a durable reel like Tatulion or Tatula with a smooth drag system, and strong braided line. Gear take a big beating in freezing weather conditions, so quality is key!

3. Select lures that mimic the natural prey of pike in spring, such as Lazy Shad or Lazy Jerk. Don't be afraid to downsize if the conditions are tricky.

4. Adapt your fishing techniques to suit the spring conditions. Experiment with various retrieval speeds, pauses, and presentations to determine what triggers pike strikes in your chosen fishing spot. Be patient and persistent, as pike behavior may vary throughout the day.

5. Practice responsible fishing by handling pike with care and releasing them unharmed whenever possible to help maintain healthy pike populations for future generations of anglers to enjoy.