The Chenango River may not be the largest in the state, but it holds some monster fish. This is the time of year that is great for targeting the big guys.
When it comes to big fish, the northern pike takes the prize in our river. Known for its vicious strikes and large streamlined bodies, the pike is on the top of the list for the fishing adrenalin junkie. Not known for its table fare, pike typically get released to live and grow. There are many ways to catch them, but a few are a little more productive and exciting.
I took a float trip down the Chenango the other day with my buddy Dana Crosby. We were on a combo mission for geese and fish. The crop fields haven't been cut yet, so geese are hard to find where I hunt. I have gotten into the routine of jump shooting them from my kayak, while I fish all the good holes. Pike are on fire after the first of September, and geese can also be found at the same time hanging out during midday hours. After feeding up in the a.m., on green fields, they take midday shelter on the banks and in the water. This gives you the chance for a mixed bag, which is always nice.
We set out just after noon, and expected to finish by 5 p.m. Catching fish in moving water from a kayak can be tricky. They can pull you all over the place, and take you into a dangerous spot. They can also escape by making a break for cover, wrapping up and snapping your line. It's easier if there are two people, because you can’t paddle while you fight the fish. This way your fishing buddy can assist if you need help.
The fishing was good, but we were having trouble landing them. I got the first bite. I saw the fish, and it was a nice pike. Before I could get it to the kayak, it got off the line. After that Dana and I got a few bites, but missed them, we moved to the next hole, which was not so productive. The following spot was a gravel bar, where you get out of the kayak and fish. We were both casting when I got a phone call. While I was talking, Dana started yelling that he had got one. I hung up, and ran over to assist. The drag was too tight, and the fish was likely to break off. I said he should decrease it, but when it was adjusted, it became too light. He was reeling hard trying to keep the fish from getting back into moving water. I reached over to tighten the drag, and it all went downhill from there. The line hit my thumb and was deflected over the reel. When this happens, there will be little to no drag. This usually results in a broken lure or line. Before I could untangle it, the fish made a run and broke the line.
We both saw the fish from feet away and were let down when it got away. He asked for another jig and grub having just lost his first one. He retied it, and joined me again. After only a couple casts, Dana yells over to me that he hooked another one. This time the drag was set right, and the fish was landed in no time. This was Dana's first pike. It was 36 inches, and a nice first fish of the day. To our surprise, when we attempted to remove the hook from the pike’s cheek, it opened its mouth to reveal Dana's first jig. We took a few pictures, and watched the fish swim away.
That hole tends to hold more than one fish, so we continued fishing. We were about to leave and I made a cast into the area Dana had hooked and released his fish. I started to reel and felt a bite. I actually saw the fish turn and grab the bait. It was a sluggish fight for a Pike, but was no surprise to me. It was the same fish and had been fought twice already. I couldn't believe the fish would bite the same bait after being hooked by the same thing two other times. This is a testament as to how voracious a fish becomes as the water begins to cool.
The goose hunt was not so good; we both missed. The fishing was much better though.
We were using jigs and grub tails, and the plus to that is it is a multi-species lure. Dana caught a few smallmouth bass, and I picked up a nice walleye. They work well as do top water plugs and big spinners, although nothing works better then a live sucker or chub. If you are going to use a harness rig with suckers, please use circle hooks. They are less likely to harm the fish because the design consistently hooks the jaw, rather than the gills or throat.
Good wishes and get out after some pike.