Chain Pickerel(Esox niger)

Quick Facts

  • Size Range: They can reach up to 5 pounds.
  • Native Species?: Yes
  • Food Value: Has fine intramuscular bones, but the flesh is fine quality tablefare.

State Record

  • Louisiana State Record: 5.75lbs
  • State Record Date: 5/1/1977
  • State Record Holder Chris Marien

The chain pickerel is an elongated fish with a body shape similar to pike and musky, but they do not grow as large. They have a distinct mottled pattern on their greenish silver body. They have jaws with sharp teeth, which they use to aggressively hunt forage fish and other invertebrates.

They are found in freshwater systems and are often caught by bass fishermen fishing around vegetation and structure.

They will take live bait as well as many types of lures used for bass and other freshwater gamefish. Pickerel really like noisy lures like buzz baits or chuggers. Spinnerbaits also create lots of vibration that help trigger an aggressive bite. They are good eating, but have many fine bones that must be dealt with first.

Related Habitats:
Other Fin Fish Species: Mahogany Snapper Spotted Bass Warmouth Longear Sunfish Flathead Catfish Bonnethead Shark Atlantic Sharpnose Shark Banded Rudderfish
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Related Fishing Methods

Live bait is a term given to many different types of fish, crustaceans, insects and worms that are popular food items for fish and used by fishermen for bait. There are many benefits to live bait as well as a few cons. The pros normally out weigh the negatives, and live bait is widely used. The biggest benefit for fishermen is that they are using the real thing and often puts a fish's guard down. Small fish, crabs, shrimp, clams, crickets and the good ole earthworm are all used to entice a fish to the hook. The only negatives to live bait is just that, keeping it alive. Sometimes catching it can be a challenge, as only some species can be bought as live bait. No matter how you get it, live bait is a great way to target many types of fish.

Topwater fishing refers to the working of lures that are designed to float on the surface and twitch, splash and swim like a wounded prey. The visual aspect of the bite makes this a very popular way to fish. Most predatory fish will crash a topwater plug at one time or another. Early morning, evening times are traditionally better in freshwater and inshore saltwater fisheries. Offshore for pelagics like tuna, it is more about getting in range of feeding fish and working the lure in the zone. Hang on!