I have caught Grass Pike in NC. Fond memories. You're right, they do get fun on the take. I saw the two that hit this popper coming from about 6ft away. The bulge in the water came strait out from under the lily pads.

Around here they seldom get over 20". But normally only take leeches and streamers. This popper did well. It's a tight clipped head. But it was all tangled up in the teeth each time.

Ralph