The Pike (Esox lucius)

Scientific Name of The Pike: Esox lucius
Maximum Weight: 70lb (32kg)
Maximum Length: 4ft 2in (1.27M)
Average Size Caught: 7-8lb (3.2-3.6kg)
Life Span: 18-25 Years

The Pike is without doubt the largest of all the predatory fish found in the UK. It's camouflage, coloring, eyesight and body shape make the Pike a very successful hunter. Pike tend to hide in weeds waiting for their prey to come to them rather than chase it. When the light is poor, they rely on their very efficient sense of smell. The favorite food of the Pike is Fish. A fifth to a tenth of its own body weight is the size of prey they mainly feed on, but they can take much larger prey. Small mammals and water fowl can also fall prey to the Pike. The best time to catch a Pike is difficult to say as this is dependant on their breeding cycle and water temperature. Sixty percent of a Pike's yearly food intake is consumed in the two months after spawning which takes place around March and April. Female pike feed heavily around February as this is when their Ovaries are starting to develop. Little feeding takes place during the Summer months when the Pike are less active due to the higher water temperatures.