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1.0 The Pike Resource 1.1 THE PIKE Pike or Northern Pike, scientific name Esox lucius is a streamlined Predatory freshwater fish whose origin can be dated back thirty million years from fossil evidence. Pike can be found in most of Irelands rivers and lakes living in harmony with other species as an important part of the freshwater ecosystem. The pikes physical characteristics have changed little through the ages and their efficient design has helped them survive the events that rendered the dinosaurs and many other prehistoric species extinct. These characteristics include green and yellow body markings to disguise the Pike the weeds, streamlined body together with dorsal and anal fins set back near the tail to give maximum power to shoot after its prey, eyes set forward in the head to give a degree of binocular vision helping to judge distance more accurately and powerful jaws coupled with sharp teeth pointed back in the mouth to prevent prey from escaping its grip. The maximum life span of Pike is around 15 years and the official
Irish rod caught record is 42 lb. The largest Pike recorded in
Ireland was 90 ½ lb. in weight and 5'-6" long in 1862, however no
reliable authentication exists. The larger fish are females or 'Hen'
fish and the smaller males typically reach a maximum weight of 10
lb. Pike are a relatively fast growing species and a typical 20 lb.
fish could be as young as six years old. Pike are lone opportunistic
hunters and are not territorial they often share hunting grounds
with other similar size Pike. As a preference, Pike will feed on
excess in the young Pike population plus the weak and deceased of
other species to reduce the hunting effort thus helping to maintain
a perfect balance in the ecosystem. Mature Pike tend to lie in the
deeper holes in a fishery and normally only move to open water
engage in hunting. The clear alkaline waters of limestone lakes and
connecting rivers produce the larger fish while more acid colored or
boggy waters tend to produce smaller fish. Irish Pike normally spawn
between February and April depending on water temperature, and move
into shallow grassy or weedy bays to lay their eggs. Males accompany
the females to fertilise the eggs and many themselves become a meal
for the ravenous females when the spawning process is completed. The research by Frank Barbe and Shane Garrett titled "The Pike in
Ireland: A (Necessary) Review" casts indisputable doubt on the
introduction theory currently used as a reason for
culling/transferring pike on some Irish waters. This research, which
took over a year to compile is comprehensive and fully supports the
wish of Irish Pike Anglers that the pike species is now assigned the
status of "indigenous species". 1.3 GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD OF PIKE IN IRELAND Pike are present in lakes and rivers in almost all counties in
Ireland where suitable waters are present. The only areas where
there are no pike are the extreme northwest, west and
southwest. The extract below is taken from an article by Dr Bruno Broughton on the scientific basis for pike culls. Further information is available on www.pacgb.com. General Comments On Management Principles: |
