The iconic Northern Pike (Esox lucius) is not native to Florida’s freshwater systems. However, Florida is home to several native fish species that share visual similarities and predatory behaviors with pike, often leading to misidentification. These include the Chain Pickerel and the Grass Pickerel, both members of the same family as the Northern Pike. This distinction helps in identifying fish encountered in Florida’s unique aquatic ecosystems.
Florida’s Native Pickerel Species
Northern Pike are found in cooler, northern climates and are not naturally occurring in Florida’s warmer waters. The fish often mistaken for pike in Florida are pickerel, smaller relatives within the Esox family. Two prominent native species are the Chain Pickerel (Esox niger) and the Grass Pickerel (Esox americanus vermiculatus).
The Chain Pickerel is easily recognized by its distinctive appearance. It has an olive-green back fading to a creamy yellow belly, marked by prominent, interconnected black chain-like patterns. A dark, vertical bar is located beneath its eye, and its cheek and gill covers are fully scaled. Chain Pickerel possess a long, slender body and a mouth armed with sharp, needle-like teeth, enabling their predatory lifestyle. In Florida, these fish can grow up to 30 inches, with the state record weighing nearly 7 pounds.
The Grass Pickerel, a smaller relative, generally measures less than 12 inches. Its coloration is typically greenish-brown, featuring dark vertical bars along its sides. Unlike the Chain Pickerel, it often lacks vibrant red fin coloration. Its suborbital bar, located beneath the eye, usually slants towards the back. While found throughout Florida, it often exists in intergrade zones with the Redfin Pickerel, making precise subspecies identification challenging in some areas.
Finding and Fishing for Pickerel
Florida’s native pickerel species are typically found in freshwater habitats characterized by dense vegetation and slow-moving water. Chain Pickerel inhabit vegetated lakes, swamps, and the backwaters of rivers across the state. They prefer clear water with temperatures generally ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Grass Pickerel also favor areas with abundant aquatic vegetation, such as small streams, drainage ditches, and weedy bays of ponds and lakes. These fish are ambush predators, often lurking motionless within submerged plants as they await prey.
Anglers targeting pickerel find them to be aggressive fighters, particularly on light tackle. Effective fishing techniques often involve casting lures that mimic small fish, their primary diet. Popular choices include spinnerbaits, weedless spoons, surface plugs, crankbaits, and jigs. Brightly colored lures, such as red, white, chartreuse, or yellow, tend to be particularly effective.
Live minnows also serve as reliable year-round bait. Due to their sharp teeth, using a wire leader is advisable to prevent line breakage. Cooler months, from winter into early spring, often provide the most productive fishing opportunities.
Before heading out, anglers should consult the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for current freshwater fishing regulations. The FWC website (MyFWC.com/Fishing) and FLRules.org provide comprehensive information on licenses, bag limits, and specific rules for different fishing locations. Adhering to these guidelines helps ensure the long-term health and sustainability of Florida’s diverse fish populations.