Hey all im looking for input on keeping a chain pickerel. Ive been looking into this for quite sometime now and my plan is to eventually have the species of Esox, americanus, niger, and ofcourse lucius. I'm working my wait up to the northern ill be getting in the fall. That being said what is everyones personel opinions and experiences with keep chains? I have found them the most difficult by far of all the Esox purchase. If anyone has had any luck in that department let me know. I am looking into several options on procuring one. Let me know what everyones thoughts are. Thank you as always my friends.
Chain Pickerel
- Thread starter OhioMFK
- Start date
Thanks Dive, wish it was that easy Sachs doesnt get them in very often, ive been on thier waiting list for several months. Rare to see them on Aquabid as well. Last one I saw was actuallyna Redfin labeled as a chain lol. The vendor was none to pleqsed when I pointed out he was selling the wrong fish. I appreciate it though!
Cant catch one? Usually pretty easy in nh and the babies are easy because they sit on the surface. This time of year, real shallow grassy area with a net you should be able to snag a few atleast or if you want bigger grab a fishing rod, something that moves fast over the surface, amd a case of beer and have fun
Bryan, there are not really chain pickerel in my area. I live by Cleveland OH. We have a plethora of Musky and Northerna but pickerel are few and far between. They are only seen in the southern part of the state which are very rare to see and abput 3 hours away from me. Thabks though wish we had them up here!
Wish I were in the north id grab a few for ya. Considered trash fish in most areas near where I grew up. Always wanted to keep one in an aquarium, one strike and you realize they are a powerful ambush predator and the pattern on them is really cool. Easily my least fav fish to handle though
Yeah I wish it was that easy to catch pickerel. I live outside pickerel and still haven't caught any fish in Esocidae for my entire life despite trying and trying, one of these days I'll catch one 
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.Dive aren't you from PA? Ill tell you what Leesville Lake in Carrolton OH is one of the best musky lakes ive ever seen. The state stocks about 10,000 fingerlings very few years there. You want to catch a big musky thats the spot. Its om the eastern side of Ohio. Close to PA.
I never got chain to take pellets but frozen smelt stuffed with cichild sticks works. However, their eyesight isn't that good. I seen them miss the food floating alongside. I usually have to drop it right in front. List you said fins get nipped so need a tankmate that's not a nipper.
thanks man! I'll have to check it out some time. Although I did find a charter for musky at lake Arthur so I might have to check them both out