Northern Pike

Targeting northern pike near Strasburg, Ohio, requires a bit of travel and some focused effort. While not abundant, some of the larger reservoirs and lakes in surrounding counties hold populations of pike. Leesville Lake, about an hour's drive away, is a popular option. Early spring (late March-April) as the ice melts and the water begins to warm is often the best time to target pike. They'll be staging in shallow weedy bays, preparing to spawn. Large spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and even dead bait fished under a bobber can be productive. Pike in this region aren't generally huge, but fish in the 5-8 pound range are definitely possible. Be sure to use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs, as pike have razor-sharp teeth. A local tip: check the lake's fishing reports and talk to local bait shops for up-to-date information on pike activity and hotspots. Patience is key when targeting pike in this area, but the reward of landing one of these toothy predators is well worth the effort.