So went out to Mercer on Saturday and fished from 6:00-8:30... caught 2 LMB that were 2 and 2.5 lbs respectively and had a 3-4lb (guesstimate) on but it spit the hook about 5 feet from shore.

I had something out there that kept tearing the hell out of my worms and frayed my spiderwire. Anyone know the Pike/Pickerel status for Mercer?

I'll keep everyone updated over the next few weeks... I'm determined to catch one of the lunkers I keep hearing about here (or at Huntsman) We'll see how successful I can be.... from the shore! Any advice/ideas are welcome.

I've never heard of anyone catching any pickeral or pike in the small ffx county lakes.  I think they would probably get to warm in the Summer to sustain a population of either.  Maybe a big cat?

Actually, I've heard that either Mercer of Huntsman has northerns but I can't remember which one.

Actually, I've heard that either Mercer of Huntsman has northerns but I can't remember which one.

Mercer from what I've heard.

Actually, I've heard that either Mercer of Huntsman has northerns but I can't remember which one.

Mercer from what I've heard.

Yeah, I was leaning towards Mercer but wasn't sure.

Really.  That's interesting.  I wouldn't think they'd survive the heat in the Summer.  How deep is Mercer?

It has spots that are over 20 feet deep and yes I believe there are northerns in Lake Mercer.  A couple of residents that fish there have told me about them.

Pickerel. I've caught tons of them. Havnt been out there in a while but you could really whack a bunch of them years ago. I would think that there are some citation size piks available. Problem with Mercer is sooooo much forage!!

Quick intro as this is my first post. I am an active duty military originally from NY and have been a lurker for a while. I mainly fish Burke, Huntsman, and Mercer from my kayak and have been doing so for the last couple years. I have really enjoyed reading the posts from all the NOVA fisherman. Anyway, I thought I would finally contribute and second quanjig's post. The fish are pickerel. I have caught a couple myself in the recent past. Caught a couple out of Burke too. There is no doubt with the pickerel as they have that distinctive black stripe running through their eye. I wish I could say it was a small musky from Burke but it is not the case.

The rumors I have heard about Mercer were about Pike, not pickerel. But to be honest, I don't put a whole lot of stock into those rumors because those fish are easy to mix up by people who aren't knowledgeable about fish so they could have seen a pick and thought it was a pike and then started the rumor incorrectly.