November pike
When fishing for pike in November, it is important to remember that the colder it gets outside, the less chance of catching fish becomes, because the pike settles down for the winter.
In November, the pike hides and hunts in deep holes, where it can be caught this month.
You can also try fishing for pike near vegetation.
If you decide to catch pike from the ice, then you need to be very careful, since the thickness of the ice at this time of year is usually not very thick, and the risk of falling under the ice is very high. Remember that you can fish only if the ice thickness is at least four centimeters.
Autumn on the micro river
How do autumn fishing conditions on such a micro river differ from summer ones? Firstly, low water temperatures and the approaching winter cause fish to look for places in the shallow river where they can survive the winter. This is especially true for those rivers where winter is harsh and thick ice forms. Its thickness can reach 1-1.5 meters. Accordingly, all small fish move to holes with depths of several meters, only there they can stop for the winter. Following them, perch and pike rush to deeper places, because they need something to eat.
Secondly, the microriver itself is changing. Overgrown with algae and reeds in the summer, the vegetation falls off in the fall and becomes cleaner. A spinner can fish where in the summer it was almost impossible to do so.
Thirdly, the baits we use to catch predators change. If in warm weather the pike prefers active baits. These can be spinners, cranks and spinnerbaits, then in the fall a vertical trajectory should appear in the retrieve. And this is a jig, in all its manifestations.
What to use to catch pike in November - lures and lures for pike
You can catch pike in November using any bait. This is one of the advantages of pike fishing in November. It’s just best to use the largest bait possible, since the pike will try to bite on it.
It is best to use a spinner spoon; it is in November that you can get the greatest catch with it. Of course, you can still use a vibrating tail, but using live bait fishing is not recommended. This is due to the fact that it is quite difficult to catch such bait in November, and even if you catch this bait, it will not behave particularly actively on the hook.
We must not forget that in November it is impossible to predict the behavior of pike, so catching pike in November with live bait may be a waste of time. But fishing with dead fish can be very fruitful, and this is due to the fact that pike feed on such fish from the bottom in November.
You can catch pike in November using regular spoons and fairly large balancers: green, yellow or white. The pike does not pay attention to silver balancers at all, but you can still catch fish with red-copper balancers. The best time to catch pike in November is early morning. It is best to start fishing at dawn. During the day, pike hardly bite, but you can try fishing in the evening, before sunset. Of course, you can fish during the day, but the likelihood that you will be able to catch a pike is very small. Although if we are talking about small bodies of water, then it is quite possible to try fishing.
Where to catch pike in November
November is no longer autumn, but it is not winter either.
Pike fishing in November strongly depends on both the location on the map and the course of atmospheric processes in that particular November.
But usually in the climatic zone of Moscow, not to mention the regions lying to the south and west of the capital, until the 20th, spinning fishing for pike in cold (that is, devoid of thermal recharge) reservoirs remains real.
And often the time to cover the spinning rod is pushed back to December. Another thing is that many of us do not try to catch pike with a spinning rod in November, for some reason believing that fishing for pike in November is uncomfortable for the angler and the fish is in some kind of transitional state between the autumn and first ice, and therefore its activity is reduced.
But all this, to put it mildly, is not entirely true. The issue of personal physical comfort for fishing in November is resolved with the help of proper clothing and shoes. And predatory fish (except for carp) in November are no less inclined to feed than, say, a month earlier. Let's talk about November pike fishing in several types of reservoirs.
Pike fishing in November in shallow waters
Toadweeds freeze first. In the Moscow region, this moment occurs on average on November 10-12. But it’s important not to miss the few days that precede it - pike fishing in November on these days will be excellent. This very short period is characterized by one paradoxical situation.
Pike, as you know, is best caught at atmospheric pressure of average and below. But the arrival of a cold wave in late autumn is almost always associated with an anticyclone, which, on the contrary, brings an increase in pressure. For example, on November 7 the weather is typical slushy, with a temperature of +2°C and a pressure of 746 mm Hg. And the forecast for November 9 is -3°C and 758 mm Hg.
If such a pressure drop occurred in the summer, then we could forget about fishing for pike. But November is a different case. You need to, as they say, “throw everything” - and into the pond - unreal pike fishing awaits you!
I was not the first to notice that with the approach of a cold wave in November, the pike experiences a pre-freeze hunger. It is very fleeting, lasting only a couple of days. This mainly concerns shallow-water “toadfish”, which freeze literally the next day after the average daily air temperature drops below zero. Pike are literally going wild these days! Places for fishing and bait for pike in November at this time may be different; there is no single system.
For example, on floodplain lakes, pike can concentrate in the center (such a conditional “channel”), where it is deepest, or it can stand closer to the coastal grass. Accordingly, the baits are different: in the depths a light jig is successful in catching pike; near the grass, catching pike with a minnow is excellent. In the latter case, it is worth keeping in mind that although the pre-freeze is called “zhor”, but purely physically the pike is somewhat inhibited due to very cold water, and therefore leading the wobbler should not be sharp, periodic pauses in the retrieve are needed, and often the best is not twitching, and the stop&go method.
Tackle for catching pike with live bait
And of course, it is important to decide on the gear that will be used for fishing. The simplest and most common gear for catching pike with live bait is a float rod. It is necessary to choose the most correct, and therefore comfortable, fishing rod and properly equip it for fishing to be effective. Let's talk about each element of the tackle so that you can assemble the perfect pike fishing rod for yourself and fish efficiently and with pleasure.
a fishing rod 4-5 meters long, preferably made of a durable and lightweight material such as carbon or, as it is also called, carbon fiber. This rod is very durable and at the same time lightweight, which certainly makes fishing easier and more comfortable.
reel is suitable, which will allow you to float the bait downstream, and with such a reel you get an advantage in the fight against a predator, since in addition to the strength of the fishing line and the shock absorption of the rod, you also have a friction clutch, which in many cases saves you from the predator leaving and allows you to use more thin equipment.
Line and leash . The optimal and reliable option is a fishing line with a diameter of 0.3-0.35 mm. Such a fishing line can withstand quite a heavy load, and in combination with a flexible rod and drag, which will dampen the powerful jerks of the pike, it can cope with fish of almost any size. A steel, nichrome or tungsten leash is a must, as the pike easily cuts the line with its sharp teeth. The length of the leash is up to 20 cm, 10-12 cm is enough.
hook No. 2-5, but it is optimal to use a double hook No. 4-6. On a double, the probability of a single bite is minimal. You can also use doubles, in which one hook is smaller than the other - the smaller one is used to place live bait under the dorsal fin, and the larger one is intended for the mouth of the predator. The tee is used mainly for catching large pike, weighing over 3 kilograms. It allows you to better detect large predators when fishing with large live bait.
Float . Fishing stores sell special floats for live bait fishing. They are quite large and have a large load capacity. You can also use any other large float that cannot drown live bait, but the pike bite will be clearly visible. Some fishermen use caps from five-liter bottles or foam plugs instead of a float.
In addition to a float rod, you can successfully catch pike with mugs, in which live bait is also used as bait. This type of gear allows you to quickly catch a large area of water and is more suitable than ever for autumn fishing, since the mugs, rafting down the river, will pass through many promising places. You can read how to fish using circles in an article on the website rybkolov.ru by clicking on the link above.
So we have sorted out all the nuances of catching pike with live bait in the fall. Now you have all the necessary theoretical information that may be useful to you while fishing. Some knew nothing at all about this fishing, while others only partially expanded their knowledge base. If you have anything to add or have any questions, leave a comment. Well, no tail, no scales!
Pike fishing in November on rivers
The next November stage of pike fishing is large or smaller rivers. With the average development of weather events, ice phenomena begin to appear on them approximately five days after the “toads” rise. It often happens that the first wave of cold recedes, but the ponds have already frozen and remain under the ice, and the “summer” pike fishing season in November on the rivers is extended by two weeks.
In general, pike fishing in November is simple at this time. Jig dominates at greater depths.
Only on small rivers can the depth be 2 m, and then you need a jig head weighing 7 g, but in more serious rivers, say 8-10 m deep, and you will need an ounce head.
To catch pike in November on rivers, you can also use lead gear. But still, they are more effective not on cold rivers before they freeze, but on those where there is open water all or almost all winter.
On small rivers, fishing for pike in November with minnow wobblers is sometimes interesting. Against the backdrop of the seemingly undivided priority of the jig, on some days it happens very well to catch pike with them not in pits or barrels, but in “pipes” with depths of about 1.5 m.
Why the pike comes to such areas is a mystery, but when going to the river in November, it is useful to have with you, in addition to lead with rubber and foam rubber, a couple of minnows with a working horizon a little over a meter, such as Pointer 100. On the current, no There is no point in retrieving with long pauses (as in “toad fishermen”), but some stops while guiding the wobbler are useful.
How to choose the right fishing spot
As mentioned above, November pike fishing is very different from fishing in other months. Your catch directly depends on the chosen location.
They say that sensing the cold, pike hides and prepares for frost. It is worth looking for it in deep holes. But it is not uncommon for fish to go into shallow water at this time. This applies to bays and backwaters.
These places are home to many small fish, which predators love to eat. In the summer, fish have a lot of food, and in the fall, the supply of vegetation decreases, and small fish go aground to find at least some food.
But there is little hope that you will meet a pike in these places. It mainly lives in reed thickets. It is impossible to fish with spinning rods in these places. In windy weather, the predator leaves its shelter and goes hunting to the shore.
Fishing in shallow water is a real pleasure. You don’t get tired of fishing, you just have time to “carry” and enjoy your catch. And if the waves are not big, then it’s absolutely wonderful. In southern latitudes, spinning fishing is sometimes possible until mid-December.
But many fishermen believe that at this time it is better to give up fishing for pike and catch other species. In their opinion, the predator does not show any activity in November and it is almost impossible to catch it, but this is a misconception.
If you try hard, you will succeed. At this time, the fish continues to go hunting; the whole point of fishing lies only in the correct choice of fishing location.
Fishing in shallow waters
Shallow bodies of water, or also called toad ponds, freeze very quickly. And by mid-November there is ice on them. But as long as the water is not frozen, fishing will be excellent. The main thing is to choose the right time and guess the atmospheric pressure.
It’s no secret that pike “walk” at atmospheric pressure from average and below. But the cold weather is coming and the pressure is rising. For example, at minus and a pressure of 758 millimeters of mercury you would not catch anything, but in November everything is completely different.
It will be impossible to peck. So, drop everything and go fishing for pike. During this period, the pike tries to eat, because the cold weather is approaching. Warm days do not last forever and severe frosts will strike today or tomorrow.
In small bodies of water, fish adapt to such conditions because... understands perfectly well that frogs will freeze faster than others. Before frosts, pike go wild. But finding fish is very difficult. No fisherman can predict exactly where the fish will hide.
It may be near the shore, or it may be in the center of the reservoir. But despite the zhor, cold water does not allow the fish to move quickly and it is a little slowed down. When fishing, you should take this factor into account, do not make sudden movements and do not rush.
Fishing on the rivers
There is no particular difference in the size of the rivers. It doesn’t matter at all whether the river is big or small, pike fishing will be the same. If after the first frost the toad plants froze, then the rivers are still “alive”.
Often, after cold weather, warm money comes and the summer fishing season continues on the rivers. Fishing is easy at this time. In deep water you will need a medium jig, and in shallow rivers you can use a small jig head. At a depth of 9-12 meters it is worth using an ounce.
An ounce is a fishing unit of measurement that is equal to 28.35 grams! More details>>>
It still remains a mystery to fishermen why pike behave this way at this time. But when going fishing, you should be prepared for any situation. Take with you not only various tackles and baits, but also a change of clothes.
The behavior of fish in a river is no different from small ponds. She is just as lethargic and reacts poorly. So be patient and you will definitely catch a pike.
Fishing in sand pits
Sand pits are the last to freeze. Therefore, you can fish here with spinning until mid-December. During this period, it is quite normal to catch an average pike at a depth of 9-12 meters. If other fish species mainly live at medium depths, then pike can be in completely different places.
If while fishing you notice a school of perch, then you know that there must be a pike nearby. So don’t be angry if the perch constantly fiddles with the float; perhaps the pike will bite too soon.
It is impossible to predict the bite and all forecasts cannot guarantee 100% results. One fisherman can catch a lot of fish, while his neighbor catches nothing.
Remember, the colder it is, the less the pike bites. But if she bites, then you will not catch a trifle, but a worthy trophy.
Pike fishing in November in deep sand pits
This is the last bastion of “summer” spinning. On average, quarries near Moscow freeze on November 22-23, but approximately every third or fourth season this moment is pushed back to December. The physics of the phenomenon is clear: a “column” of water about 10 m high cools down for a long time and slowly; As the water on the surface cools, its specific gravity becomes greater, and this layer “falls” down, and is replaced by relatively warm water.
This sometimes lasts for two weeks at negative average daily air temperatures. This interchange of water layers completely destroys the thermocline, which is characteristic of deep quarries in warm weather (often before the beginning of October), and from mid-autumn pike no longer have restrictions on parking and hunting places.
Pike are not at all obliged to go out to feed on shallow spits or small elevations. And if in the summer we fished with a jig in precisely such places and the weight of the head was more often than not 9-12 g, then in November pike can be caught at a depth of 10-12 m, so a jig head for 20 g in November is in the order of things. The objects of pre-winter spinning in quarries are pike, perch, pike perch and bersh. Fish of the last two species are most often caught from the greatest depths. Options are possible with perch and pike.
In November, I observed perch fighting several times in the quarries. These were not “boilers”, but rather “raid pens”, when a school of perch sharply squeezed the bleak out from under the coastal dump almost to the very edge of the water. Up to a dozen characteristic splashes were heard, and everything lasted for just a few seconds. It is unrealistic to react to such a fleeting battle.
But it is very useful to understand that perch often stays somewhere very close to the shore, within the reach of a wobbler cast. For fishing here, a medium-deep-water suspended minnow of a size appropriate for perch (usually 65-70 mm) and measured twitching with pauses are suitable. On some days, it is possible to catch several dozen perches this way. And in such places there must be a pike.
But it's more for the soul. The main method is still jig, which catches larger and more varied fish. Here everything is according to the “classics”: we find the difference in depth and methodically fish for it. And if you also feel some kind of “garbage” on the edge, then all the more so. On different days, the bite is not the same, you can’t guess what it will be like, but the closer to the freeze-up, the fewer bites, the larger the fish.
Lures for spinning fishing
There is a wide variety of baits that are suitable for November fishing. However, experienced spinning anglers recommend stopping at the largest products, since the pike does not waste energy chasing small prey.
Oscillating spinners and vibrating tails are famous for their particular effectiveness. The chances of catching a predator using live bait are low. In addition, finding live bait in November is not easy. And fishing with dead bait is quite promising.
In November, simple spinners and large balancers with different shades work equally well. The main thing is not to take models with a silver paint job, because... they are not interesting for fish.
