Quote Originally Posted by lee s View Post
Dave, Grand pics. Are they as toothy as a regular pike? ....lee s.
Great question, Lee! I've caught Northern Pike on flies, and I would say Yes, I believe Chain Pickerel are as toothy, but they are a smaller fish than Northern Pike, so their teeth are mostly smaller too, in my opinion. I used 12 lb Fluoro tippet, and ended the day with some nicks in the line, but no cut-offs. Did get a very minor finger wound while trying to carefully hold the mouth open while removing the fly from one fish. I used #4 and #2 streamers, which seemed big enough to hook the fish while usually partially sticking out of the mouth...so that the line wouldn't be in direct contact with those teeth. I read an article from somebody who targets Chain Pickerel on fly frequently, and they recommended using a steel leader, or expect some cut-offs.