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The opening: pike fishing
Text and photographs by Marco Altamura
On the subject of opening up fishing to the various predators of our inland waters, I like to talk about the one concerning the pike, certainly one of my favorite fish that I love to attack with the spinning technique; with the beginning of May the large females stay in the sunny shorelines and, after the breeding season, they stock up on noble proteins to recover from the reproductive efforts.
This is one of the very few periods of the year during which it is possible to find specimens of several kilograms in weight on the rod, even fishing dry foot.
The most suitable artificials are certainly the minnows that I prefer with a sinking trim up to a maximum of 15 cm in length and 40 g in weight; the equipment includes a "two sections" of 2.40 m in length for an effective casting power identified in the range 15/40 g combined with a reel size 4000 with a spool loaded with an excellent dark green braid and thickness 0.15 mm.
Nothing better than the Asso braided line, the Perfect Storm, which guarantees excellent strength even under strong pulls, which are far from remote when talking about large pikes; as a terminal, the Asso Premium with a thickness of 0.30 mm, which combines great knot strength with absolute invisibility in the water.
With this equipment I have been the protagonist of several significant catches obtained on the waters of the splendid Lake Maggiore on the Piedmont shore; the search must be carried out at the beginning of the season always in contact with the bottom, making the minnow sink completely and then recalling it with a syncopated recovery alternating strong jerks with inviting pauses.
The attack of the predator is decisive, almost brutal, and it is advisable to respond with a deep strike which will be followed by an exciting fight full of furious thrusts and jumps on the surface.
The King of inland waters sells its skin dearly and certainly deserves a dutiful and accurate catch & release.
Pike fishing: the equipment used
ASSO 8X PE PERFECT STORM
Asso Pe 8x Perfect Storm is an 8-strand braid made of extremely strong latest-generation fibers that guarantee quality and performance over time. The latest-generation braiding system makes the product extremely resistant to abrasion and round for extra smoothness. The exceptional durability of the color even after several uses and the wide range of sizes make this wire an essential product for every fisherman's equipment. Very low elongation. Rapid sinking thanks to the specific weight of the PE fibers. Particularly suitable for reels.
ASSO PREMIUM
Asso Pe 8x Perfect Storm is an 8-strand braid made of extremely strong latest-generation fibers that guarantee quality and performance over time. The latest-generation braiding system makes the product extremely resistant to abrasion and round for extra smoothness. The exceptional durability of the color even after several uses and the wide range of sizes make this wire an essential product for every fisherman's equipment. Very low elongation. Rapid sinking thanks to the specific weight of the PE fibers. Particularly suitable for reels.